VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – There’s plenty of action for the local sports fan this weekend.

WHL

The Vancouver Giants (8-23-0-0) will have a good chance to gain ground in the WHL’s BC Division race this weekend when they face the Prince George Cougars (10-17-1-3) in a three-game weekend series that begins tonight at the Coliseum (7:30 p.m.)

The Cougars come to Vancouver on a three-game losing streak after losing 2-0 by the Swift Current Broncos in Prince George on Tuesday night, and remain fourth in the BC Division. The Giants, fifth in the division lost all three games of their series last weekend with Swift Current, Everett and Kamloops.  

It’s the first of three games in three nights against the Cougars, as the same teams will play in Prince George Saturday and Sunday night. The Giants are 8 points behind the 9th place Cougars in the Western Conference.  

It’s also “Teddy Bear Toss Night” as fans will toss teddy bears on the ice when the Giants score their first goal.  Fans can bring their own teddy bears or purchase one at the game for $5. The teddy bears go to underprivileged children and the money goes to charity.

AHL

The Abbotsford Heat play their final two home games of 2012 this weekend, as they host the Texas Stars, the farm team of the Dallas Stars on Friday and Saturday night at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre.

Abbotsford beat Texas 1-0 in overtime in their other meeting this season back on November 23rd. The Stars arrive in Abbotsford on a four game point streak.

Tonight’s game is also the Heat’s annual “Teddy Bear Toss” to benefit the Abbotsford Christmas Bureau. Game time is 7 p.m.  Saturday’s game will be televised nationally on Rogers Sportsnet One, also at 7 p.m.

BC Hockey League

Friday night action in the BC Hockey League includes home games for the Surrey Eagles and the Langley Rivermen. Surrey is home to Powell River, 7 p.m. at the South Surrey Arena while the Rivermen host Coquitlam, 7:15 p.m. at the Langley Events Centre.

In Chilliwack the Chiefs, leaders of the Mainland Division are home to Nanaimo at Prospera Centre.  Game time is 7 p.m.