Canes Lose 6-3 in Moose Jaw

The Moose Jaw Warriors looked like a well rested team as they beat the Hurricanes last night at the Crushed Can 6-3.

Lethbridge just couldn't get any offence going Sunday as the Warriors did everthing possible to shut them down. The Canes' were playing their 3rd game in 3 days and looked like a tired group, but that's one excuse you won't hear from the coaches. Moose Jaw scored 4 times in the second period to take a 5-1 lead into the dressing room after 40 minutes. The Hurricanes though came out with a strong 3rd period, scoring twice. Austin Fyten and Cam Braes each had one goal and one assist while Craig Orfino notched the other Hurricanes goal. Ville Kolppanen played the first two periods, but Linden Rowat started the 3rd and finished the game between the pipes. Kolppanen in my opinion played very well in the first period, but would like to have a couple of those ones back that beat him in the second. The Canes' finished the game 2 for 2 on the power play, while the Warriors went 2 for 8.

Let's face it. The Moose Jaw Warriors are a darn good hockey team. They are no longer a struggling club near the bottom of the standings. They play hard, work hard and make it difficult for their opponents. It appears Dave Hunchak and Jeff Truit have this Warriors team all on the same page, at least in the first part of the season. I don't see Moose Jaw tailing off really. I think they will be a force in the East all year. The Warriors will be in Lethbridge Sunday night for a rematch. The Hurricanes will be looking for some revenge.

Home Sweet Home

It has literally been a long road for this Hurricanes team early this season. Because of the ongoing renovations at the Enmax Centre, the team has played 11 of it's first 14 games away from Lethbridge. Now it's time to make some hay at home. The Hurricanes now play 8 consecutive games on home-ice starting this Wednesday when they host the Portland Winter Hawks. In fact, they play 9 of their next 10 games at the Enmax Centre and for the most part, the Hurricanes will be playing the bulk of their games leading up to the Christmas break in their home arena. This stretch coming up, I think is going to go a long way in determining if Lethbridge is going to be able to keep up with the rest of the pack in the Eastern Conference. The standings are pretty clogged up right now both at the top, in the middle, and near the bottom. If the Canes can play well during this big home stand it should help put some pressure on a few of the other teams they are chasing down.

You know, this Lethbridge team is not all that bad. Yeah, they have hit a few bumps in the road here and there and still sit at the bottom of the conference at 4-9-1, but there is a lot of good things have taken place ovr the past 3 weeks and alo than can happen in the weeks ahead too. As I said last night on the broadcast I do not think Rich Preston is finished making changes with this group. The acquisitions he has made have already made a difference, but there is still a long way to go. This team is still finding its way. The team needs to find a way to score more goals, that is a key no doubt right now and trust me, the players know it. Hopefully this stretch of games at home will help turn the tide in that department.

Hurricanes This Week

Our Monday night hockey talk show hits the air again tonight. This week, Fred and I are taking the show on the road, with the program live from the Shark Club on Mayor Magrath Drive. It should be fun to take the show out of our downtown Lethbridge studios for the first time in it's 3 year history. We have a jammed packed show tonight too. Richie Sutter, the Canes' Assistant to the General Manager will be on the program along with Hurricanes forward Cam Braes. Fred and I will also talk to Andy Kemper, the play-by-play voice of the Portland Winter Hawks to set up Wednesday`s game between Portland and Lethbridge. Come on down to the Shark Club and watch the show. It begins at 6, live on CJOC! Also, if want to send us an e-mail comment or question, send it to: hurricanespttwireless.ca

Thanks,
Pat