Hurricanes Season Ends

The Lethbridge Hurricanes season came to a close last night with a 6-0 home-ice loss to the high flying Calgary Hitmen.

The Canes' just couldn't get any offence going against this Calgary team. In four games, the Hitmen outscored Lethbridge 19-3. Calgary was relentless in it's attack all series long. The Hitmen will now go on to the Eastern Conference final for the 3rd year in a row, but they'll have something to prove this year I think. The last two years they've lost to Lethbridge and Medicine Hat in the conference final, falling short of reaching the WHL Championship series. You can bet this season, the Hitmen will be hungrier than ever!

For the Canes' though, it was the end to what's been an up and down and inconsistent year. People have asked my why didn't things pan out like many had hoped it would when the season started back in September. Well, really that's not an easy question to answer. There were a number of contributing factors I guess including injuries, suspensions, world juniors, players not returning or coming back late from NHL camps. It was tough for the Hurricanes to get a really chemistry going.

I suppose if you want to look at this season as a Hurricanes fan in a positive light, Lethbridge made the play-offs in back-to-back seasons and both with winning records and this year they knocked off the second place Saskatoon Blades in round one. Not an easy task. So, where do the Canes' go from here and what will next year's team look like?

I would say the building process for next year will start fairly soon if not already. Lethbridge will have a different looking team in 09/10. Likely more inexperienced and maybe a bit younger too. Players eligible, but not likely to return include Zach Boychuk, Colton Sceviour, Luca Sbisa, and Juha Metsola. There's a chance Kyle Beach and Dwight King will come back, depending on what their NHL clubs have in store for them. Carter Ashton and Carter Bancks will likely be the go-to guys in terms of veterans. The Canes' will also be in the market for a new Captain. With overage Ben Wright's junior career now over, someone else will get the "C" next season. I think a guy like Bancks would look good with that letter on his chest! He's a heart and soul kind of player. We'll see what next season brings.

And then there are trades. The Hurricanes could also acquire new players by making a few moves here and there. I would assume the Canes' will now build heading towards 2013, a year this organization hopes it will have a chance to host the Memorial Cup. Building a team doesn't happen overnight. There's a process that takes place. For Lethbridge, that building process for next season will soon get underway.

Thanks to all those folks who listened to Hurricanes Hockey this season on CJOC. Thanks for all your support! Have a great off-season and I know once August hits, people will be chomping at the bit to get back to the rink!

That's it for now.
Pat