Hurricanes lose in Kamloops....Next up Kelowna tonight

A 5-2 loss last night at Interior Savings Centre in Kamloops. The Hurricanes didn't necessarily play poorly, that had a couple of bad breaks that in the end had they gone their way the outcome could've been different. Those breaks I talk about were two crossbars and a goal post. Had the puck actually gone in the net on those three occasions, the score may have been in the Hurricanes favour. Hindsight I guess is 20-20. Again, those are the breaks. I think the real turning point last night came in the second period when Kamloops had a 3-2 lead. Dwight King rifled a blast off the cross bar. The rebound came flying out, the Blazers picked up the loose puck and 10 seconds later in was behind Juha Metsola and Kamloops was out to a 4-2 lead. Again, had King scored to tie the game, things may have been different. I also thought the Canes' were beat a few times on the back end. I recall at least three times where the Blazers managed to beat the Hurricanes "D". There's no doubt if there is any area on this team that needs some help, it's the back end. This is still a very young defensive corp that continues to learn game by game. One player that really stands out when it comes to defenceman I think is Derek Ryckman. The young blueliner from Red Deer has impressed in the early going and very well could be one of those diamond in the rough kind of players. Last night's loss drops the Canes record to 9 and 7 on the year.
Tonight the Hurricanes close out this BC road trip as they take on Kelowna for the second time in the past 3 weeks. Lethbridge managed a solid performance against the Rockets in that game, but since then Kelowna has been a different team. They're 10 and 7 on the season now, have scored 69 goals, and have allowed 54 against. The Hurricanes have scored 48 goals in 16 games have have allowed just 43. This should be a pretty good game this evening. The Canes' have been practicing here in Kelowna all week, so they should be fairly familiar with the ice at Prospera Place.
After tonight, the schedule for Lethbridge doesn't get any easier. The Hurricanes will be off until next Saturday when they play the first place Hitmen in Calgary. After that it's pretty much a game every other night for a week. Following that game in Calgary on the 8th, the Canes play in Medicine Hat on the 10th, in Spokane on the 12th, in Kootenay on the 14, and then it's finally back home to host the Edmonton Oil Kings at the Enmax Centre November 16th. It's a busy stretch here for the Hurricanes to say the least.
Tonight's game from Kelowna is an 8 o'clock start. The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30.

Canes' at Kamloops....Game Day on the Road

Happy Halloween! The Hurricanes tonight will play game two of this road swing against the Kamloops Blazers. We had a good day yesterday on an off day here in the Okanagan. The team had a very brisk practice in Kelowna in the late afternoon and then went out for a pre-Halloween team meal. Again, we've talked a lot about being on the road doing the whole team bonding thing. There's been lots of that over the past few days. The younger guys getting to know the older ones. These are the things that bring teams closer together.

With that in mind it's time get ready for this game against the Blazers. Last season, the Canes' beat the Blazers in Kamloops 8-0. This Blazers team is improved over last year. Kamloops brings a record of 7-8-0-2 .....the Hurricanes are 9-6. Lethbridge will attempt to build on a very good performance in Chilliwack on Wednesday where they hammered the struggling Bruins 7-2. In that game, the top two lines for the Hurricanes really broke out. Boychuk, Sceviour, and Ashton all had their best games of this still young season. Offensively, the Canes' were on fire and if they're able to put in a repeat performance in Kamloops this evening, they could cause some fits for the Blazers.

Lethbridge will close out this BC trip in Kelowna tomorrow before having a week off and playing in Calgary November 8th.

I also think the win the other night was a confidence booster. The Hurricanes didn't play fancy or try to do more. They simply played a smart team game and were rewarded with a win. Game time tonight from Kamloops in 8 o'clock. The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30.

ADT Canada/Russia Challenge

The WHL announced it's roster and coaching staff for the ADT Canada/Russia challenge yesterday. Hurricanes forward Zach Boychuk made the team. He played in this tournament last season. His selection to team WHL really is no surprise. His offensive prowess will be a big addition to that team. As for the coaches chosen, Willie Desjardins of the Medicine Hat Tigers will serve as Head Coach while the 2007-08 WHL Coach of the Year Don Nachbaur, of the Tri-City Americans, will act as Assistant Coach. Also, Broncos General Manager/Head Coach Dean Chynoweth will be an Assistant Coach during the Swift Current game and Raiders General Manager/Head Coach Bruno Campese will serve as Assistant Coach for the Prince Albert game. I can tell you I'm quite surprised Canes' head coach Michael Dyck, last year's Eastern Conference Coach of the Year nominee did not get selected as a coach for one of those games. Call me biased, but I think Dyck's performance behind the Canes' bench last season guiding Lethbridge to the league final deserved a nod behind the bench for the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge. I guess those who chose the rosters felt otherwise. Congratulations to all! The two WHL games will be hosted in Saskatchewan by the Swift Current Broncos on Wednesday, November 26th and the Prince Albert Raiders on Thursday, November 27th.

Hurricane Extras:

During the 2nd intermission on tonight's broadcast, I'll be joined by Gregg Drinnan who writes for the Kamloops Daily News. You can also find a link to Gregg's popular blog here on my blog. He always seems to have the pulse on what's going on in the WHL. Those who've read his blog will know what I'm talking about!

Hurricanes 7 Chilliwack 2...Good Start to BC Trip!

A very good start to this BC road trip last night. It was a very relaxing bus trip back here to Kelowna after a well played game against the Bruins. The Hurricanes looked like a team on a mission, bound and determined to make a statement and get back into the win column. I think they did a fine job at that. Zach Boychuk had a huge game and was awarded the game’s first star while Colton Sceviour and Carter Ashton also had top notch performances not to mention the tenacious play of Carter Bancks. The top two lines on this Hurricanes team were on fire in Chilliwack as they handed the Bruins their 7h straight loss. In the end the Canes’ won the game 7-2. It was a perfect rebound game after those last two losses back at home and really a break out game for guys like Boychuk and Ashton. The Hurricanes are now 9 and 6 on the season with two more games left on this road swing. They played smart and hard and were full value for the win. It was a solid team effort.
After the game during our post-game meal, some of the players had a chance to catch up with former HurricanesJesse Craige. He's been out of the Bruins line-up the last few weeks with a serious facial injury. He took an elbow to the face in a game that busted his jaw. He's getting better, but still having trouble talking. It was nice to see some of the guys from last year's team meet up with their former teammate.
Today is an off day for the Hurricanes. They`ll practice late this afternoon and then go out for a team meal in the evening. It`s a nice break after the win last night. Tomorrow it`ll be back into game mode with a Halloween match-up set for Kamloops against the Blazers.
P.S.
One person emailed me last night asking about what would the Hurricanes have to give up get a top notch new defenceman. Well that's a tough one. I don't know if they'd want to mess with a roster spot right now given its still early in the year. The only other option there of course would be parting with a high draft pick. This way the roster stays intact and you maybe get the player you want. Again, it's something GM Roy Stasiuk will have to assess when he looks for another blueliner.

Sbisa Sticks with Philly....Game Day on the Road in Chilliwack

Well first things first. GM Roy Stasiuk found out yesterday that Luca Sbisa will not be coming back to Lethbridge and will instead stay up with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. Congratulations to him! For an 18-year old to make it to 'the show' is no easy feat. I think everyone including myself was hoping Luca would be on his way back, but hey this is what it’s all about! The WHL is a development league moving players up to bigger and better things. Is it a loss for Lethbridge? Absolutely! He’s a gem of a defenceman, a great young man and the Hurricanes loss is Philly’s gain no doubt. Good on you Luca! Everyone is Lethbridge it proud of you and all the best in the NHL and who knows, maybe...just maybe he might be sent back at some point during the season.
Now with the Canes’ finally knowing what’s up with the whole Luca Sbisa situation, they can move forward building this team for the rest of the season. There’s no doubt there’ll have to be a search for at least one d-man, maybe two. Until then, the Hurricanes will role with what they have and try and improve on their 8 and 6 record with a road game tonight against the Chilliwack Bruins.
A few weeks ago, the Canes’ had their way with Chilliwack back home at the Enmax Centre in a 3-1 victory. The Bruins have been struggling lately and the Hurricanes are looking to rebound from back-to-back home losses to Vancouver and Saskatoon.
This is the first of 7 straight games on the road in the next 3 weeks. The Canes' would like nothing more than to start things off with a win before moving their attention to Kamloops on Halloween night.
We had a good day yesterday here in Kelowna. The players had a good practice, rested up, and capped the day off with a nice team meal. Now it's time to get ready for the Bruins. Game time tonight is 8pm. The pregame show on CJOC at 7:30.

Dick's Personal Point of View

First, let me say that I have nothing against the city of Prince George, British Columbia. It is a beautiful prosperous city located in the Northern Half of BC. The city is nestled in forests with lakes and rivers. I have had the privilege staying there a couple of nights and it is a great spot.
However, I wonder if the WHL would ever consider the relocation of the Prince George Cougars to another city?
Travelling to Prince George in the summer is fine, as long as you are adapt at dodging wildlife and the occasional stray livestock. But in the winter, it is another story. The six hour trip to Kamloops becomes a nightmare even for the most experienced bus driver.
Yes the Cougars’ closest road trip is to Kamloops which is more than 6 hours away. That means 12 hours there and back. The Cougars do have the furthest to go for a road game, with Brandon second with about a 4 1/2 hour bus ride to Regina.
One would have to feel sorry for those players and staff that must ride the bus for that long to get to a game and home again. I would also think that most players being traded would either want out of Prince George or not to be traded there……only because of the travel.
The only question is where would the WHL relocate the Cougars too? Well there is a new 5200 seat arena in Penticton but I have a feeling if the Kootenay Ice don't get the attendance they require then they may be looking at that Okanogan city as a potential new home.
The Cougars came from Vancouver Island, and there is a new rink in Victoria, but as mentioned the other night, speculation is, when Nanaimo gets a new rink, they would be first. Of course, the league would want two franchises there in order to help facilitate the high cost of ferry transportation to the island.
There will be moves in the years to come, and eventually expansion. One wonders if one of the moves that would be considered, was the relocation of the Cougars to a site that would cut down on travel time for them and all the teams that visit.

Dick Gibson is the Colour Commentator on Hurricanes radio broadcasts.

On the Road with the Canes': DAY 1

Well, we arrived in Kelowna this morning around 7am BC time after an all night bus ride from Lethbridge. We loaded things up at the Enmax Centre and took off around 10:30. It was a quiet, relaxing trip with everyone settling in for a nap. We stopped in Vernon for some breakfast, unloaded the equipment at the rink here in Kelowna shortly after, got to the hotel and settled in for a bit of a rest. The Hurricanes will practice at Prospera Place here in Kelowna this afternoon. A chance for them to get a feel of the ice here and get ready for tomorrow's tilt in Chilliwack. Kelowna will be the pivot location for us this week. We'll travel from here to Chilliwack Wednesday and back and then a short bus ride to and from Kamloops on Friday.
The players all seem upbeat and ready for a few weeks on the road and why shouldn't they. This is their first real road trip of the year. I know the players and coaches were looking forward to this and hey, it's always fun to get away from home for a while.
Last night on our hockey talk show, GM Roy Stasiuk told Dick and I Dan Iwanski is about two weeks away from returning and could be back November 8th when the the Canes' play in Calgary. Forward Garrett Taylor is still 3 or so weeks away with a broken arm. Besides that, this team is pretty much healthy. (You can hear the entire show with GM Stasiuk by clicking the Lounge FM link on the right, find the podcast section and listen to "Hurricanes This Week"). We're also still waiting to see and hear more about Luca Sbisa. Will he return or stay in Philadelphia? Tonight, Sbisa plays his 9th game with Philly. If the Flyers play him in one more game after tonight, Luca's entitled to the NHL's entry level salary, which would go against Philadelphia's salary cap. This does not mean he won't be back in Lethbridge. Philly can still send him back to junior after the 10th game, but would have to pay him his salary. The next few days will be interesting to say the least, but this story might get a bit clearer after tonight. As I've said before, I still feel another year in Lethbridge would be best for Sbisa, given the fact he's only 18 and has played just one year of junior. That would be a benefit to both Lethbridge and Philly. I guess the Flyers hold all the cards here. I still hope he'll be coming back to the Canes'.

I pulled this off the TSN website earlier today:
Reports out of Philadelphia indicate the Flyers are intent on keeping Luca Sbisa for the remainder of the season. Sbisa was selected 19th overall but has been a pleasant surprise in the City of Brotherly Love.
"He's here and he's helping our team and unless something happens that drastically changes that in the next 24 hours, it's going to stay that way for the foreseeable future," Flyers' general manager Paul Holmgren told the Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday.

We'll be all waiting I think to see how this plays out!
P.S. All the games on this road swing are 8pm starts Alberta time and don't forget Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday!. Put your clocks back one hour before hitting the sack Saturday night!

Canes' Lose to Blades..Get Ready to Hit the Road

Not exactly the way the Hurricanes wanted to end off a home stand before heading out on the road for the next 3 weesk. Lethbridge lost 3-2 to a much improved Saskatoon team last night. Much of our post-game show was full of calls and e-mails down right furious with the officiating in last night's game. Now I'm the first to admit I rarely, if ever criticize officials, but I agree to an extent the fans had a point or two last night. Even head coach Michael Dyck came out on the bench at the beginning of the 3rd to speak with the head referee Matt Kirk, I would suspect about a few calls or non-calls. As frustrated as the Canes' were about not getting some of those calls, it's important, as difficult as it may seem to bite your lip and let it slide. Zach Boychuk's unsportsmanlike penalty in the 3rd led to what turned out to be the game winner by Saskatoon. Again, I'm not on the ice and it's easy for me to say that sitting in a broadcast booth. I'm sure it's a bit different in the 'heat of the moment'. There's no doubt given the calls and emails the fans in Lethbridge weren't happy, but at the same time we also received some fan comments about people wanting to see a better effort from the Hurricanes. People want to see the Hurricanes shoot the puck more, get more fired up out on the ice, etc. Maybe heading out on the road now is just what Lethbridge needs. It's time for some team bonding. Let's not forget, there are 11 new faces on this team and as Dick eluded to on the broadcast last night, it'll be a chance for some of these new players to really get to know the returning ones. It was a mid-October road trip last year that turned the tide for the Hurricanes. I'm not suggesting that's going to happen again, but it might. This is a good thing for the 8 and 6 Canes' right now just to get out of town and play their game. On the road, you don't have to be fancy, you don't have to put on a show, just simply play your game. Again, this Lethbridge team has all the potential in the world, it just hasn't come fully together yet. As coach Dyck said on the pre-game show last night, some of the guys kind of want things to be where they were late last year. We'll that'll come, it takes time and when it does come together, watch out!
The team leaves late tonight and will travel all night and set up shop in Kelowna for the week. The first game of this BC trip is in Chilliwack Wednesday night. The pre-game show at 7:30 and the face off at 8 Alberta time.
Tonight, though Hurricanes GM Roy Stasiuk will join Dick and I on "Hurricanes This Week" from 7 to 8 on CJOC. Your chance to call in or email and ask questions for the whole hour.
I'll be blogging daily during the road swing.

Hurricanes Game Day vs. Saskatoon

Well the Vancouver Giants showed last night why they are one of the top teams in the WHL this season. They came to the Enmax Centre and walked out with a 4-1 win. They haven’t lost yet this season in regulation play. I thought the Canes’ played well in the first period despite being down 2-0, but Vancouver took control in the final 40 minutes, out shooting Lethbridge 31-8 in the final two periods alone. Vancouver didn’t give the Canes’ much to work with in those final two periods. Yes, Vancouver did get a couple of good breaks especially on their first goal and then Ben Wright hit a cross bar for Lethbridge and Austin Fyten putting one wide of an open goal. Those are the breaks. Sometimes you get them, sometime you don’t. I guess it wasn’t the Canes’ night, but tonight they have a chance to get back on the winning track against a very good team from Saskatoon.
The Blades are on a tear this season and are coming off a 5-4 win last night in Kootenay. This will be anything but an easy game. The Canes’ had great success over the Blades last year winning all 4 meetings and will try and carry that success into this game tonight. This match-up also marks the return of Adam Chorneyko to Lethbridge. He was traded to Saskatoon a few weeks ago at the overage deadline. I guess that’ll be the story line going into this game not to mention two very good teams in an Eastern Conference battle! For Lethbridge though it’s another shot at rebounding from a loss. As assistant coach Matt Kabayama said after the game, the goal is to not lose two games in a row. Nobody likes to lose, but things can be learned from a loss. As the Canes’ had trouble getting shots through, especially in the last two periods, that’ll be something for Lethbridge to key in on in this game.
The pre-game show on CJOC at 5:30 this evening and the puck drops at 6. Also, tomorrow on "Hurricanes This Week", GM Roy Stasiuk will join Dick and I for the entire hour and take your calls. After that, it'll be time to hop the bus and take the trip to BC and get ready for games next week in Chilliwack, Kamloops, and Kelowna.