the rook vet THE FREE PRESS CAT TRAX MARCH 29, 2001 C9 and the Nerves abound as the playoffs begin There’s no doubt that every single member of the Cougars will have a touch of playoff fever this week. And although the visible symptoms of the condition are similar for everyone, the cause can be very different. Take Cougar defenceman Christian Chartier for example. Despite this being his third trip into the second season, the 20-year-old says that all those old jitters and feelings of anticipation come rushing back. “The playoff feeling never gets old, especially for me being 20 — my last year. It’s going to be pretty exciting for me. I feel like I’m 16 right now. I don’t want to leave the team so it’s important for me to get a playoff run and stay as long as I can,” says Chartier. If Chartier is feeling like a rookie again then he knows exactly how fellow defenceman Gary Giadue feels. The 16-year-old rookie Cat is on the eve of his first ever junior playoff series. And just to add a little extra pressure, as the only PG Minor Hockey graduate on the team, he’ll be the only Cougar playing in front of a true hometown audience. “It’s going to be nerve-wracking because I’ve never experienced it before,” says the young blueliner. “I’ve been trying not to let it worry me or get on my mind. I just want to go out there and do my best without being worried about that." For Giadue the tension comes from facing the unknown — all he has to base his view of playoffs on are the stories of veterans like Chartier and games he’s watched in the past. But the experienced players know exactly what a playoff situation is like — and how much everyone has to step up their game, “It changes immensely. Playoffs are a different game. It’s faster, there’s a lot more hits and it’s more intense than reg- ular season games,” says Chartier. Both Chartier and Giadue will be playing for the same basic goal — making the next round. But their reasons for trying so hard to bring their game to the next level are very different. For Giadue playoffs are another chance to show his coach, his fellow players and the league in general just what he can do. With intensity flowing like water around the rink, he will have a chance to break out and shine when it matters most, improving his worth to the Cougars organization. For Chartier playoffs are the last chance. The final opportunity to impress a pro scout and sign on the dotted line. It’s also his time to go out with a bang — to leave the league that’s been his home for four years with his name on everyone’s lips. “If we make a good run it opens doors for me and for other players as well,” says Chartier. The roles that veteran and rookie will take in the second season will also be vastly different. Chartier will be looked towards for leadership and to continue the MVP play that brought the Cougars into playoffs. Giadue, on the other hand, is the traditional rookie wildcard — an unknown who could crumble or turn to diamond under the playoff pressure. “It’s going to be a lot faster, it's a totally new season,” says Giadue. “If you’re going to step it up this is the time to do it. That’s what I’m going to try and do." Barton INSURANCE BROKERS // Come and see us for all your autoplan needs. Proud Supporters of the Prince George Cougars! 500 Victoria St Now getting more ice time, Gary Giadue wants to use the playoffs to advance his worth to the team. Christian Chartier will play a large role in determining the success of the Cats in the playoffs. s *4-; * HIT THE TRAILS The Largest Camping & Outdoor Supplier in the North * Hiking Boots * Rain Gear * Tree Planting Equipment • Foam Pads • Snow Shoes • Backpacks * Work Boots * Sleeping Bags • Military Surplus • Tent Tarps * Work Clothes • Fishing Gear Hours; Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm is Quality IS Service is Selection 15 Savinas 1222 * 4th Avenue- prince George, BC V2L 3J4 Phone: 564-2400