The Washington Capitals signed Prince George Cougars forward Zac Funk to a three-year, entry-level contract just over a week ago. Funk, the WHL’s leading goal scorer, has rewarded their faith in him by recording seven points (5g, 2a) in three games since becoming the newest Capitals prospect.
Funk’s goal-scoring hit a new milestone level on Friday night as he scored twice and collected an assist in the Cougars’ 5-3 win over the Vancouver Giants. Funk now 61 total goals in 61 games, a goal-per-game pace. The 60-goal season is a franchise first for a Cougars player. Funk now ranks second in the league in overall scoring with 106 total points (61g, 45a).
Funk hit the 60-goal mark with just over six minutes remaining in the second period of Prince George’s eventual 5-3 win over Vancouver. The 20-year-old forward scored on a chip-shot one-timer from the right circle.
He followed that up with a power-play goal 1:16 later via another one-timer from the right side.
Funk also grabbed a primary assist on Prince George’s first goal of the game to give him three total points in the win. He was named Third Star of the Game for his efforts as the Cougars extended their 12-game point streak.
The undrafted winger has seen his stock rise dramatically in his age-20 season. Before this year, Funk had just 52 goals in the WHL across parts of five seasons with the Calgary Hitmen and Cougars. He has an astounding eight hat tricks this season after coming into the year with zero in his career.
After his season with the Western Conference leading Cougars is over, Funk will be able to jump right into action with the AHL’s Hershey Bears as an AHL playoff black ace. Given his age, he is expected to start with the Bears full-time at the outset of next season.
