The Hurricanes will try to rebound tonight when they host the high flying Vancouver Giants. The Canes' dropped a close 3-2 decision to visiting Prince Albert last night. Drew Hoff and Austin Fyten scored in a losing cause for Lethbridge, which has now lost 8 games in a row going back to just before the Christmas break. The Canes' didn't play poorly last night, but they found themselves down 2 goals twice and tried to fight back, only to fall short by one goal. The power-play looked not too bad moving the puck around despite not scoring with the man advantage. Last night also saw the debut of newcomers Kyle Beach and Brody Sutter. D-man Mike Alexander didn't not play. He'll be out a couple more games nursing a mild concussion. Zach Boychuk didn't play either and Max Ross is still day-to-day with his knee. All in all though, Lethbridge is a much healthier team now than it was a week ago.
Tonight will be a good test for the Canes'. They'll be up against the best in the west when the Vancouver Giants pay their second visit to the Enmax Centre this year. The Giants have been rolling over a number of teams in this league and I think it's pretty clear they're one of the teams to beat for the league title come playoff time. Lethbridge will have to keep things simple in this one. If the Canes' can pull off a win against this tough Vancouver squad, it will be a huge booster for this team. The Hurricanes are now getting back a number of players from injury, back from World Juniors, and a few new faces via trades this past week. There's no doubt it'll take a few games for all that to come together. Again, this team has a tonne of talent and fire power. It's just a matter of it all gelling.
Lethbridge now has to play catch up in the Eastern Conference. They fell into 10th place with last night's loss. The interesting thing is Kootenay and Regina are also struggling and the Canes' are only a point back of the Pats and 2 back of the Ice.
Tonight's game is a 7pm start. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.
The Canes' are then off on the road to Moose Jaw and PA next week. They're back home next Friday to host Swift Current and then Saskatoon will visit a week from tonight.
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Saturday, 10 January 2009
Friday, 9 January 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Canes' Swing "BIG" Deal with Everett....Kyle Beach Now a Hurricane
Lethbridge, AB – Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager, Roy Stasiuk, announced this afternoon the Canes have traded forward Dan Iwanski and defenseman Alex Theriau; along with a 1st round draft pick in the 2009 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft to the Everett Silvertips in exchange for 89-born defenseman Mike Alexander and 2008 NHL first round draft pick Kyle Beach. This deal follows in the wake of another trade completed yesterday afternoon which saw 91-born forward Brody Sutter acquired from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for a 5th round pick in the 2009 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.
Beach was drafted in the 1st round (10th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks this past summer. This season, Beach tallied 30 points (9G, 21A) in 30 games and has amassed 106 penalty minutes. At 6’3” 210 pounds, Beach is known as a skilled power forward whose numbers speak for themselves. In 06-07, he was named the WHL Rookie of the Year; totaling 61 points (29G, 32A) in 65 games, while leading the Silvertips with 196 penalty minutes. He then continued his solid play last season with 60 points (27G, 33A) in 60 games and a team leading 222 penalty minutes.
“Obviously, Kyle [Beach] joining our program is going to add some more bite to our game.” said Stasiuk “He is a big power forward he goes to the net very hard and I think he might be good inspiration and a good role model for some of our younger players in terms of how hard you have to play, battle every night and really be a thorn under your opponents skin.”
Alexander is an 89-born defenseman whom Lethbridge expects to make an impact on their defensive corps. With the anticipated return of Max Ross from injury, this move gives the Canes a rock solid group of defenseman led by captain Ben Wright 2008 second round NHL draft pick Eric Mestery, 2009 NHL Draft prospect Brennan Yadlowski and over age Mitch Versteeg. At 5’10”, 206 pounds Alexander brings with him strength and experience with 135 WHL games under his belt. He has already set career highs this season with 12 points (3G, 9A) and 45 penalty minutes.
“We are really excited to have both Kyle and Mike [Alexander] join our program” said Stasiuk “They are coming from a strong program in Everett and if nothing else it sends a message to Zach Boychuk to Ben Wright and some of our other veterans; that we are quite serious about contending for a championship this season.”
Sutter is expected to arrive in time for practice tomorrow (Wednesday) while Beach and Alexander are expected to arrive in Lethbridge later this week as the team prepares for their Friday night matchup with the Prince Albert Raiders.
Beach was drafted in the 1st round (10th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks this past summer. This season, Beach tallied 30 points (9G, 21A) in 30 games and has amassed 106 penalty minutes. At 6’3” 210 pounds, Beach is known as a skilled power forward whose numbers speak for themselves. In 06-07, he was named the WHL Rookie of the Year; totaling 61 points (29G, 32A) in 65 games, while leading the Silvertips with 196 penalty minutes. He then continued his solid play last season with 60 points (27G, 33A) in 60 games and a team leading 222 penalty minutes.
“Obviously, Kyle [Beach] joining our program is going to add some more bite to our game.” said Stasiuk “He is a big power forward he goes to the net very hard and I think he might be good inspiration and a good role model for some of our younger players in terms of how hard you have to play, battle every night and really be a thorn under your opponents skin.”
Alexander is an 89-born defenseman whom Lethbridge expects to make an impact on their defensive corps. With the anticipated return of Max Ross from injury, this move gives the Canes a rock solid group of defenseman led by captain Ben Wright 2008 second round NHL draft pick Eric Mestery, 2009 NHL Draft prospect Brennan Yadlowski and over age Mitch Versteeg. At 5’10”, 206 pounds Alexander brings with him strength and experience with 135 WHL games under his belt. He has already set career highs this season with 12 points (3G, 9A) and 45 penalty minutes.
“We are really excited to have both Kyle and Mike [Alexander] join our program” said Stasiuk “They are coming from a strong program in Everett and if nothing else it sends a message to Zach Boychuk to Ben Wright and some of our other veterans; that we are quite serious about contending for a championship this season.”
Sutter is expected to arrive in time for practice tomorrow (Wednesday) while Beach and Alexander are expected to arrive in Lethbridge later this week as the team prepares for their Friday night matchup with the Prince Albert Raiders.
Monday, 5 January 2009
Trade: Canes' Acquire Sutter From Blades
Lethbridge, AB – Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager, Roy Stasiuk, announced this afternoon the Canes have traded a 5th round pick in the 2009 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft to the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for 91-born forward Brody Sutter.
Brody is the tenth player of the famed Sutter family to make his way through the WHL. Sutter was considered a diamond-in-the-rough by Saskatoon when he was listed two years ago. As a 17 year old he is beginning to grow into his frame; at 6’3” and 180 pounds he just began to find his stride before the Christmas break; as a nerve injury in his shoulder cost him several games at the start of the 08-09 season. He has played a total of 18 games with the Blades in this, his rookie season.
“Anytime you can add a Sutter to your organization I think it helps with instant identification in terms of people relate to a work ethic, a grit to a person’s game and a real good solid individual on and off the ice.” said Stasiuk “We’re real happy to have Brody, he’s a lot bigger then most of his uncles were at 6 foot 3. He’s pretty slight right now, but we love his work ethic and we think he’s really going to be a good player for us this year and certainly down the road.”
Sutter was a key contributor on his Midget AAA team, the Calgary Buffaloes. He played a total of 64 games and had 50 points (18G, 32A). The Buffs made it all the way to the TELUS Cup national championship last spring. Sutter had three goals and two assists at the championship tournament. His father Duane is currently the Director of Player Personnel for the Calgary Flames and was one of the six Sutter brothers to play junior hockey with the Lethbridge Broncos.
Brody is the tenth player of the famed Sutter family to make his way through the WHL. Sutter was considered a diamond-in-the-rough by Saskatoon when he was listed two years ago. As a 17 year old he is beginning to grow into his frame; at 6’3” and 180 pounds he just began to find his stride before the Christmas break; as a nerve injury in his shoulder cost him several games at the start of the 08-09 season. He has played a total of 18 games with the Blades in this, his rookie season.
“Anytime you can add a Sutter to your organization I think it helps with instant identification in terms of people relate to a work ethic, a grit to a person’s game and a real good solid individual on and off the ice.” said Stasiuk “We’re real happy to have Brody, he’s a lot bigger then most of his uncles were at 6 foot 3. He’s pretty slight right now, but we love his work ethic and we think he’s really going to be a good player for us this year and certainly down the road.”
Sutter was a key contributor on his Midget AAA team, the Calgary Buffaloes. He played a total of 64 games and had 50 points (18G, 32A). The Buffs made it all the way to the TELUS Cup national championship last spring. Sutter had three goals and two assists at the championship tournament. His father Duane is currently the Director of Player Personnel for the Calgary Flames and was one of the six Sutter brothers to play junior hockey with the Lethbridge Broncos.
Hurricanes This Week Tonight...More Bodies in the Line-up This Weekend
Good Monday!
The Lethbridge Hurricanes now have a few days off after what has been a long week for the team. Lethbridge is coming a 6-0 loss Saturday night in Swift Current. The Canes' have dropped 7 in a row and have been outscored 31-8 since play resumed after the Christmas break. It was some early mistakes that led to the Hurricanes troubles against the Broncos. Swift Current managed 3 goals in a span of 1:40 in the first period. For the second straight game, goalie Michael Tadjdeh was replaced by Brandon Anderson who played well in relief. Lethbridge is no doubt having a rough go with so many players out of the line-up with injuries or at world junior action. Like Head Coach Michael Dyck told me during the pre-game show in Swift Current the other night, fatigue has likely been factor, but it's not an excuse. Lethbridge has fallen in the Eastern Conference standings with the likes of Prince Albert and Edmonton trying to take that 8th spot away.
The Canes' aren't out of this yet, but they need to turn things around quickly. The WHL's trade deadline is fast approaching this Saturday January 10th. We'll see this week if Hurricanes GM Roy Stasiuk will make any moves to improve his team going down the stretch. It's pretty clear Lethrbidge will be one of about 7 teams battling for the final 5 spots in the East.
The Canes' next game is this Friday at home when they host PA. Saturday Vancouver pays a visit then it's off on the road for games next week in Moose Jaw on the 13th and Prince Albert again on the 14th before returning home to play Swift Current and Saskatoon on the 16th and 17th.
Tonight, Hurricanes This Week resumes on CJOC at 7pm. Our guests include former Canes' defenceman Luca Sbisa, Dave Sheldon the radio voice of the Vancouver Giants, and your calls.
Here's an update for you on some of the walking wounded for the Canes' as well as the return of some of the world junior players. Thanks to Ryan Ohashi at the Hurricanes office for the info!
Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes will have some reinforcements as they look break a 7 game losing streak this week when they play host to the Prince Albert Raiders on January 9th and the Vancouver Giants on January 10th. The “Finnish Phenom” Juha Metsola will make his return to the ENMAX Centre after representing his country at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships held in Ottawa. Defensemen Max Ross and Alex Theriau (U17 World Hockey Challenge – Team Pacific) as well as forwards Austin Fyten (from injury) and Garrett Taylor (from injury) are expected to make their return this week. A revitalized Canes bench will look to bounce back this Friday; and improve on their overall record of 20-20-0-2 in the 08-09 campaign.
The Lethbridge Hurricanes now have a few days off after what has been a long week for the team. Lethbridge is coming a 6-0 loss Saturday night in Swift Current. The Canes' have dropped 7 in a row and have been outscored 31-8 since play resumed after the Christmas break. It was some early mistakes that led to the Hurricanes troubles against the Broncos. Swift Current managed 3 goals in a span of 1:40 in the first period. For the second straight game, goalie Michael Tadjdeh was replaced by Brandon Anderson who played well in relief. Lethbridge is no doubt having a rough go with so many players out of the line-up with injuries or at world junior action. Like Head Coach Michael Dyck told me during the pre-game show in Swift Current the other night, fatigue has likely been factor, but it's not an excuse. Lethbridge has fallen in the Eastern Conference standings with the likes of Prince Albert and Edmonton trying to take that 8th spot away.
The Canes' aren't out of this yet, but they need to turn things around quickly. The WHL's trade deadline is fast approaching this Saturday January 10th. We'll see this week if Hurricanes GM Roy Stasiuk will make any moves to improve his team going down the stretch. It's pretty clear Lethrbidge will be one of about 7 teams battling for the final 5 spots in the East.
The Canes' next game is this Friday at home when they host PA. Saturday Vancouver pays a visit then it's off on the road for games next week in Moose Jaw on the 13th and Prince Albert again on the 14th before returning home to play Swift Current and Saskatoon on the 16th and 17th.
Tonight, Hurricanes This Week resumes on CJOC at 7pm. Our guests include former Canes' defenceman Luca Sbisa, Dave Sheldon the radio voice of the Vancouver Giants, and your calls.
Here's an update for you on some of the walking wounded for the Canes' as well as the return of some of the world junior players. Thanks to Ryan Ohashi at the Hurricanes office for the info!
Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes will have some reinforcements as they look break a 7 game losing streak this week when they play host to the Prince Albert Raiders on January 9th and the Vancouver Giants on January 10th. The “Finnish Phenom” Juha Metsola will make his return to the ENMAX Centre after representing his country at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships held in Ottawa. Defensemen Max Ross and Alex Theriau (U17 World Hockey Challenge – Team Pacific) as well as forwards Austin Fyten (from injury) and Garrett Taylor (from injury) are expected to make their return this week. A revitalized Canes bench will look to bounce back this Friday; and improve on their overall record of 20-20-0-2 in the 08-09 campaign.
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