Canes's Drop 6th Straight...Next Up P.G.

Well, a much better effor,t but for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, unfortunately a similar result.

The Canes' fell 5-3 in Kamloops Wednesday night dropping their record on the season to 0-6. This team did play better than in Vancouver the other night, but couldn't put a full 60 minutes together. Lethbridge played maybe it's best period of hockey this season in the first out shooting the Blazers 14-7 and making goaltender Justin LeClerc work his tail off. Things changed though in the second. I think the turning point was the penalty shot goal scored by Tyler Shattock late in the second which gave Kamloops a 4-3 lead. That was the first time either team had opened up a two goal lead.

Linden Rowat got his first start for the Canes' on the season in goal. He didn't play all that bad, but I'm sure he would like to have a few of those back including the penalty shot. All that will come as this team keeps plugging along looking for it's first win.

Lethbridge out shot Kamloops 40-26 and had numerous good chances. It was a much better performance than the night before, but as Associate Coach Matt Kabayama said on out post game show, " We're not looking for excuses, we're looking for answers". Good point.

There's no doubt a 6 game losing streak to start the year can be a frustrating thing for a team. They'll just have to regroup and get ready for Prince George tomorrow and then again Saturday. The Canes' did a lot of things better last night than the previous game in Vancouver. They were more disciplined and they were also more determined around the net. Now, it's just a matter of tightening things up defensively.

I thought Cam Braes was the best Hurricane in Kamloops. Craig Orfino played well too and we're seeing a steady improvement in Mitch Maxwell. The Magrath boy is playing well and adapting nicely to the WHL. Head Coach/G.M Rich Preston speaks highly of him. He plays well positionally and plays a smart game. I think he'll be an asset to this team as the season moves along.

The Canes' may have to get some greasy wins this year, maybe 2-1 or 3-2. They are having trouble scoring goals at the moment, so winning a few low scoring games here and there this season might be how this team is going to have to get things done. The Hurricanes are getting chances, but the puck right now just isn't getting into the back of the net.

Now it's back on the bus today and up to Prince George to get set for back-to-back game with the Cougars tomorrow and Saturday. This team wants a win and needs a win. I can sense it talking to the players. One thing is pretty clear though. Nothing is going to come easy for the Lethbridge Hurricanes this season. They will have to work for everything they get. This team must not doubt itself. Those things can happen when things aren't going well. Staying positive, as tough as it may be is the best approach in my opinion.

Today is a travel day for the team. A chance to relax and get ready for two more road games before actually getting to play at home for a change. I think the players will welcome that for sure!

Thanks,
Pat