The Washington Capitals sent prospect winger Terik Parascak back to the WHL’s Prince George Cougars earlier this week. The 19-year-old forward participated in the club’s rookie camp and then stayed for 11 days of Capitals’ Training Camp before being returned to junior hockey.
Parascak, the Capitals’ first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, was thrust right back into the lineup for the Cougars on Friday night against the Spokane Chiefs. He wasted no time leaving his mark on the game, scoring his first goal of the season in the second period on a breakaway.
Parascak made a deft fake-shot move, and outwaited Spokane netminder Carter Esler before completing with play with a clean finish. The Cougars would win the road game 2-1.
Parascak skated on the Cougars’ second line with Brock Souch and Kayden Lemire in his first game back with the team. The Lethbridge, Alberta native wore an “A” on his sweater as one of Prince George’s alternate captains and fired a game-high six shots on goal. He was named the Third Star of the Game in the victory.
The Cougars are the last remaining undefeated team in the WHL after a 3-0 start to the season.
Parascak made his pro debut with the AHL’s Hershey Bears last season, getting one game from head coach Todd Nelson before Hershey’s playoff run. The Capitals sent the Alberta native to Hershey after he recorded 82 points (28g, 54a) in 59 games for the Cougars.
Outside of the 2025-26 campaign being his last in the WHL, the season could also be big for Parascak at the national team level as he seeks to make Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 World Juniors. Parascak participated in the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase this past July and August and should be in the mix when Hockey Canada puts together its final team later this year.
Several other Capitals prospects also got on the board for their respective teams on Friday. Lynden Lakovic now has three points (2g, 1a) in two games for the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors, Maxim Schaefer scored his first career QMJHL goal for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, Jackson Crowder dented the twine for the USHL’s Chicago Steel, and Milton Gastrin continued his torrid start in Sweden as he now has six points (5g, 1a) in six games for MoDo Hockey.
