Hurricanes Host PA Tonight

Well it's been an interesting week for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, especially off the ice. With the WHL's trade deadline tomorrow afternoon, the Canes' didn't waste time getting into the wheeling and dealing. GM Roy Stasiuk started things off earlier in the week by acquiring 17-year old forward Brody Sutter from Saskatoon for a 5th round Bantam draft pick. A day later, Stasiuk made a big splash sending Dan Iwanski, Alex Therieau, and a 1st round Bantam pick to the Everett Silvertips for forward Kyle Beach and defenceman Mike Alexander. Some may think it was a high price to pay for Beach, a first round NHL draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks and Alexander. I think if people were wondering whether the Canes' were going to be buyers or sellers this year, I think this last deal pretty much answers that question. GM Stasiuk told me the other day that with the talents of Sceviour, Boychuk, Ashton, Wright, King, Metsola, and Bancks as well as others this deal hopefully sends a message to the veterans on this Hurricanes team that they are serious at making a run this year.

Beach and Sutter will be in the line-up tonight when the Canes' host Prince Albert. Boychuk will not play this weekend and neither will Bancks. Alexander is day to day due to a health issue according to Head Coach Michael Dyck. If he doesn't play this wekeend, he should be ready to go next week. Austin Fyten will play after a few weeks nursing a concussion. D-man Max Ross could be back tonight or tomorrow after nearly a month on the shelf because of a knee injury. Juha Mestola is back between the pipes tonight. He's been away with Team Finland at the World Juniors.

We'll see over the next few games how the new comers look in a Hurricanes uniform. One has to think with all the high powered potential up front, this team could become very dangerous if they can get everyone healthy and on the same page. The Canes' are currently trying to put an end to a 7 game losing skid. They've been outscored 31-8 since the Christmas break and need to get this thing back on track quickly with Edmonton and PA making up significant ground in the past two weeks. This game tonight against Prince Albert will be an important step for Lethbridge in getting out of this slump and chase down the likes of Regina, Kootenay, Brandon, Medicine Hat, and Swift Current.

Tomorrow the Canes' will host the high flying Vancouver Giants. Next week it's back on the road to Moose Jaw and PA Tuesday and Wednesday and then it`s back home to play the Broncos a week from tonight.

Game time tonight versus Prince Albert is 7pm. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.