On the road
And the Cougars fan who was moved away from Portland's bench speaks out!
In yesterday’s newsletter I linked to a post quoting the Portland Winterhawk’s coach Mike Johnston on what looked like the removal of a Cougars fan from the game Friday night.
And the comments section of my newsletter came to the fan’s defence. Here’s Will:
I talked to both fans who got the boot Friday. All they did was heckle the Winterhawks bench, called one player a liability and said the coach works on diving in practice. It may be a case of extremely vivid deja vu but I don't think this is the first time Mike Johnston has had a Cougar fan ejected. Never seen another opposing coach have any issue with our fans. In my professional opinion,
it was extremely soft and has become quite overblown.
And here is Heather:
Yes, he was there again on Saturday, a few rows behind me. Loud, but not swearing. Just typical chirping. I didn’t find it offensive. Johnson is not a fan, I’m sure.
Then I got a message from someone who says he was the fan in question (I have no way of knowing, so I’m just being transparent — I don’t particularly have a reason to doubt, the person reached out to me with their full name via an existing social media profile, it’s not like an anonymous email or something):
Hey Andrew, I’m the “rowdy fan” that got “relocated” (not ejected) at the cougars game on Friday. I had your newsletter forwarded to me and just wanted to clarify my side of things! When security was brought down, they asked what I said, I told them I called number 59 on Portland “a liability”, I don’t swear, I don’t talk about players families, I know there’s a line and I will never cross it. Security confirmed with me that I did nothing wrong and brought me up to the accessible seating where there were 2 vacant seats and let me sit there. They simply had to move me because they were scared of being fined by the league.
I’ve been at all but one of the home playoff games, and have been going to games regularly since I was a teenager and know many of the long time security and cougars employees. Unfortunately, Mike Johnston has the thinnest of skin and let little ol’ me get inside his head.
Unless Mike Johnston wants to email me I guess that’s that.
I’ll also add that both the person above and another one of the commenters relayed a story about an out-of-town fan actually getting removed from the game Saturday night after swearing repeatedly at two teenage Cougars’ supporters. Boo to that person!
News roundup:
Rough night on the road for the Cougars with a 4-1 loss.
Also on the road: A delegation of Prince George city councillors who are doing meetings in Victoria, advocating for various things and I guess learning about the legislature.
If you’re on the road and headed north, watch out for winter weather.
The Alberta government announced a massive plan to expand passenger rail in that province which, as UNBC prof Rylan Graham points out, would mean train service from Prince George to Edmonton, Calgary and Banff, should it come to fruition.
A Lheidli T’enneh councillor has been arrested and suspended from his position.
Prince George Emergency Operation Centre in need of a permanent facility says city official.
On March 31st, 2024, we marked another year of adventure with Loki, our Black-Billed Magpie. Rescued as a hatchling after a dog attack, Loki has been delighting visitors for nine years.
On Loki's birthday, renowned wildlife artist Ken Ferris captured Loki's spirit in a stunning portrait, and we're excited to auction this unique piece. All proceeds will go towards a new fountain for Loki's enclosure, enhancing his home and wellbeing.
Join the auction from May 1st to 31st and help support our incredible Animal Ambassadors like Loki!
Place your bid: https://www.32auctions.com/loki
Today’s song:
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Send feedback by emailing northerncapitalnews@gmail.com. Find me online at akurjata.ca.