Still Winless Hurricanes in Swift Current Tonight

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are still looking for their first win of the season after a tough loss last night in Red Deer.

Despite the 4-2 defeat, I think the Hurricanes can take a lot of positives from this game. By far, they played their best period of hockey this season in the first period. Newly acquired forward Radim Valchar scored twice for the Canes’ in a losing cause. They out shot Red Deer 37-27 overall and played like a more confident group. Those are all positives. Lethbridge had a 2-0 lead at one point, but the Rebels managed to fight back and score 4 straight goals to win. The Hurricanes made a couple of mistakes which I think cost them a win last night. Communication was an issue on the last two goals by Red Deer. That communication will come over time, once all these new faces get settled in.

For the most part, it was night and day for this team last night when compared with the first two games of the season last weekend in Kootenay and Medicine Hat. There was no comparison in terms of the Hurricanes defensive play. Mike Reddington played well in his first game as a Hurricanes as did Landon Oslanski in my opinion and it’s clear Brennan Yadlowski’s presence made a big difference too.

That said, this Hurricanes team will keep plugging along, looking tonight for that first victory when they take on the Broncos in Swift Current. Tonight will be game four of 8 consecutive games on the road to start the season for the Hurricanes.

Brad Robson, the Hurricanes Assistant G.M. and Director of Player Personnel was on the broadcast last night in the second intermission. He talked about the player acquisitions this week and hinted that this team isn’t done tweaking things just yet. Robson told me he talks which Rich Preston two or three times a day and continues to watch players on other teams to see what’s out there that could make this Lethbridge team even better.

Like I’ve said before, I don’t think the Canes’ are done yet either. They still have an overage spot to fill and I think that could be filled by a goalie or another defenceman. We’ll see in the days and weeks ahead what the powers at be have up their sleeves. One thing is certain, the moves that Preston made this week have made a difference even it’s only one game. This team seemed more confident and stronger on the ice. With times, things will only get better.
The Canes’ take on the Broncos for the first time this season tonight. Swift Current has lost it’s past two games and is coming off a loss to Brandon last night and will be looking to get back on track against the winless Canes’. The Broncos have just one win in three games this season. The Hurricanes by the way, are the only team in the WHL without at least one point in the early going this season. Lethbridge hopes that will all change for the better this evening.

Tonight’s game from Swift Current is a 7:30 start. The pre-game show on CJOC at 7. As always, you can email your comments or questions to hurricanes@pttwireless.ca.

Canes' at Red Deer Tonight

The somewhat new-look Lethbridge Hurricanes will try for their first win of the still young season tonight, when they take on the Rebels in Red Deer.

It's been a very busy week for Head Coach/G.M. Rich Preston. After acquiring overage forward Radim Valchar from Portland for a 6th round bantam draft pick, he decided it was time to address the team's biggest concern, the defence. Preston went out and picked up defencemen Mike Reddington and Landon Oslanski from Spokane in exchange for forward Kyle Beach.

Valchar, Reddington, and Oslanski as well as newly signed local prospect Mitch Maxwell will be in the Lethbridge line-up tonight in Red Deer, already vastly altering the look of this team from just a week ago when the season opened.

Also back for the Hurricanes tonight is defenceman Brennan Yadlowski who returned this week from Philadelphia's camp. He'll add some much needed experience on the backend too. This weekend, the Canes' will have a much stronger defence no question with the additions of Reddington, Yadlowski, and Oslanski. Once Carter Ashton is back from Tampa Bay, which I expect to be fairly soon this team will have a full contingent of players.

I would also expect to see a more confident Lethbridge team given the acquisitions made this week. Rich Preston's philosophy as I've said before is building a team from the backend out and not trading away your top draft picks for players. He did a little of bit of all that this week!

Game time tonight from the Enmax Centrium in Red Deer is 7:30. The pre-game show on CJOC, 94.1 The Lounge with myself and Fred Jack at 7. Tomorrow the Hurricanes will play in Swift Current, also a 7:30 start.

Thanks and enjoy the games this weekend!
Pat

Jack's Jargon

What a difference a week makes. Seven days ago, the Lethbridge Hurricanes were a team surrounded by question marks. Just one short week later some questions still remain, but the quantity has decreased and the urgency to answer some of those questions has significantly subsided.

First thing first, the move to pick up Radim Valchar from Portland is exactly where the team needed to start. In hockey circles good GM’s must be able to buy low and sell high. Rich Preston did exactly that in making his first two trades this week. The Winter Hawks were forced to move Valchar for two reasons. First, the team is very high on their two young imports Nino Niederreiter (17) and Jacob Berglund (18). Second, with Kurtis Mucha electing to return to Portland as opposed to going to Springfield and battle for a job with the Edmonton Oilers American Hockey league affiliate, the Hawks still have four overagers with the club even with Valchar out of the picture. Valchar has been a very good Winter Hawk for two seasons. He more than doubled his goal scoring output last year (21) compared to the 9 times he scored during his rookie season. Valchar has World Junior Championship experience with the Czech Republic and had the teams 5th best +/- at the 2009 event. GM / Head Coach Mike Johnston feels his team can be right in the mix this year in the Western Conference. In that case, you don’t give a player of Valchars stature away to one of those teams you may need to square off against in an early round playoff matchup. Teams knew Portland needed to make moves and were not in a real position of strength. Enter Rich Preston. Unlike a number of other clubs he had open spots for 20 year olds and was an eager buyer in the market place. A conditional 6th round draft pick is darn good for a player that instantaneously makes the Hurricane forward group better.

The Valchar deal paved the way for the Hurricanes to immediately address their most pressing need. The current defence core needed to be bolstered. Brennan Yadlowski returning adds a solid veteran presence on the back end but that alone wasn’t quite enough. The most marketable asset on this hockey club was Kyle Beach. He is a sure fire impact player in this league. Maybe not every night does he enthrall the home fans, but when on he is an elite Western Leaguer. Spokane was looking for that impact presence. Beach is a precious commodity and the price was not a cheap one. Lethbridge added a true shut down defender that is a reliable first pass rearguard that will help instill a calming presence to an inexperienced defense core. Some offensive ability, but Reddington makes the Hurricanes shots against total improve by 5 to 8 a night instantaneously (compared to what we saw last weekend). Landon Oslanski (D) is a WHL rookie with considerable upside, who is coming off of a very good Midget ‘AAA’ season with Sherwood Park - the second best team in the province last year. Oslanski is a winner and had a lot to do with his teams 2008-09 success.

Time now to sit back and see if these moves can pay immediate dividends starting this weekend in Red Deer and Swift Current.

Fred Jack is the Hurricanes Colour Analyst on CJOC radio broadcasts. He'll be providing a few of his thoughts here on the blog throughout the course of the season.

Day After Trade Thoughts

Well, for a team that was extremely quiet in the trade department since last season ended, the Lethbridge Hurricanes made up for a lot of that quietness over the past couple of days with two trades.

First the Canes' picked up Radim Valchar from Portland for a 6th round Bantam pick and then yesterday they pulled the trigger on an even bigger deal which certainly addresses the team's defensive issues. Kyle Beach, love him or hate him, he's now a Spokane Chief, headed back to the U.S. Division. On the way to Lethbridge are defencemen Mike Reddington and Landon Oslanski, a couple of B.C. boys. No doubt in my mind that Reddington was the big piece of this deal for the Hurricanes.

If you look at the Valchar trade, I think the Canes' got a heck of player for a 6th rounder going the other way. He should somewhat fill the offensive void left with the departure of Beach. And heck, he's excited to be in Lethbridge! I think that's half the battle when a player is happy to playing for a certain team.

As for the Beach deal, there's no doubt Kyle has had his issues on the ice, but you can't argue with what he brings offensively. He is a talent. He wouldn't be a first round NHL draft pick if he wasn't, but this is simply a case of having to give up something good to get something good in return. Reddington will no doubt bolster the Canes' young defence and Oslanski is a player that'll help out too. Good deal in my eyes.

Then there's the signing of prospect and Magrath native Mitch Maxwell. Rich Preston is very high on this kid and we`ll see what he has to offer come this weekend.

So it's pretty clear, Head Coach/G.M. Rich Preston is slowly putting his own stamp on things. Hurricanes fans I think are liking what they're seeing so far from the new guy and trust me, I don't think Mr. Preston is done yet. There's still one overage spot left on this team and don't be surprised if he tries to fill it with another defenceman.

It'll be great to see all these new faces in the Hurricanes line-up this weekend when they play in Red Deer Friday and Swift Current Saturday. Unlike at this time last year, Lethbridge has all it's players back and ready to go. No more distractions as to who is and might be coming back from pro camps. The focus now is clear for Preston's crew. That focus is on the future, not the past.

Thanks,
Pat

Canes' Trade Kyle Beach to Spokane and Pick-Up Two D-Men

Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes continue their preparations for a pair of weekend games and the team will have a distinctively new look. Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager/Head Coach, Rich Preston, announced this afternoon the Canes have acquired 19 year old defenseman Mike Reddington and 17 year old defenseman Landon Oslanski from the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for 90-born forward Kyle Beach. This follows the Hurricanes trade from Tuesday, which saw them acquire 20 year old Czech forward Radim Valchar (RAD-em WAL-char). Preston was also very proud to announce the signing of 90-born forward and highly touted AJHL prospect Mitch Maxwell.

Reddington, a native of Port Coquitlam, BC was selected by the Chiefs in the 2nd round (25th overall) in the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft. In 07-08, his sophomore season, Reddington came into his own and the bruising 6’0”, 200 pound defenseman led the Chiefs with 105 PIMs in 71 games and finished the season with 10 points (2G, 8A) and an impressive plus 22 plus/minus rating. Ironically, that season was capped with Spokane’s 4-0 sweep of the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the 2008 WHL Championship and the Chief’s capture of the 2008 Memorial Cup. Last year, Reddington had another solid season, posting 17 points (2G, 15A) 71 PIMs and a plus 17 +/- rating in 50 games.

Oslanski, an Alberta product, is a 17 year old defenseman who hails from Camrose, AB. Drafted by Spokane in the third round (56th overall) in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Oslanski spent last season with the Sherwood Park Midget AAA Kings of the AMHL. The 5’10”, 190 pound d-man had 16 points (6G, 10A) in 33 games with 34 PIMs and would help Sherwood Park advance to the finals of the Alberta AAA Midget Hockey League. However, the Kings would fall in a fifth and deciding game of the finals to the Calgary Buffaloes, a team led by Hurricanes prospects Ryon Moser and Phil Tot.

“Both these players help to address a need we had in improving our depth at the position.” said Preston “Mike brings with him a lot of toughness, experience, Leadership and has won a Memorial Cup, while we see Landon as a very promising prospect with a real future in this league.”

Beach, a 90-born forward joined the Canes last season at the WHL trade deadline from the Everett Silver Tips. . Beach was drafted in the 1st round (11th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. 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 in the 07-08 season with 60 points (27G, 33A) in 60 games and a team leading 222 penalty minutes. Beach ended the 08-09 regular season with 63 points (24G, 39A) and 106 PIMs (33 points on 15G, 18A came in just 24 games with the Hurricanes).

“Kyle is a talented individual who is going to continue to develop as a player at the WHL and professional level.” said Preston adding “We feel this will be an excellent opportunity for him and wish him luck in his future development.”

Maxwell, a native of Magrath, AB already has ties to the Lethbridge area. His father Greg is a Crown Prosecutor in Lethbridge, while his uncle Brian is a former General Manager and coach with the Hurricanes. Maxwell was a star this past season in his first year of Junior A with the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He tallied an impressive 55 points (13G, 42A) in his rookie AJHL season and was selected as a South division all star. He was second in AJHL Rookie of the Year Balloting to former Hurricanes prospect Corban Knight who signed a letter of intent with the University of North Dakota this past year.

“Mitch is a real good player who already has ties to Lethbridge hockey and is familiar with our program.” said Preston “We look forward to seeing him in a Lethbridge Hurricanes sweater.”

All of these players are expected to join the Canes this week prior to the team’s Friday night matchup with the Red Deer Rebels. Canes 16 year old defensemen, Brandyn Hulit and Drew Graham have both been reassigned.

Carter Bancks Canes' New Captain

Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes have named their Captain for the 2009-10 season and he is undoubtedly a fan favorite. Rugged forward Carter Bancks has been named the 18th captain in Lethbridge Hurricanes history, following in the footsteps of two year Captain and graduating player Ben Wright. The Hurricanes announced the honor today, a week after Bancks was returned to Lethbridge after a strong showing at San Jose Sharks Training Camp.

In his first season, Bancks was awarded with the 2006-2007 Carl Trentini Memorial Award for the Hurricanes Rookie of the year and in 07-08 was awarded the Hardest Working Hurricane Award. Despite going undrafted in his draft year, his efforts at the 2008 NHL Prospects tournament in Traverse City, MI earned Bancks an invitation to the Atlanta Thrashers training camp before a foot injury sidelined him at the beginning of the 08-09 season. Bancks had a career year in 09-10 notching 47 points (13G, 34A) in 53 games in an injury shortened season. He was named the co-winner of the Hurricanes Community Relations Award and the winner of the Hurricanes Most Popular Player award as voted by the fans; earning him his aforementioned invitation to San Jose.

“Carter Bancks leads by example day in and day out; not only on the ice, but off the ice as well.” said Preston of the newest Canes Captain “He plays the game with passion and grit every shift, and off the ice is a solid citizen who is well respected in the community and a great ambassador for the hockey club.”

“Captain Carter” will lead the Canes into the fray this weekend as they look to bounce back starting this Friday in Red Deer. Bancks will Captain a new look team this week as the Canes will debut their newest offensive weapons Radim Valchar and Mitch Maxwell and a reinforced back end with the additions of Mike Reddington and Landon Oslanski and defenseman Brennan Yadlowski who returns from pro camp.

Hurricanes to Announce New Team Captain

The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey club will be introducing their Captain for the 2009-10 season today at Adams Ice Centre (9 Avenue & 13 Street North).

Canes General Manager and Head Coach Rich Preston as well as Associate Coach Matt Kabayama will on hand to introduce the 18th Captain in Lethbridge Hurricanes History. This is the Captain’s “C” last worn by Lethbridge Hurricanes graduate Ben Wright. Other former Hurricanes Captains include the likes of: Brad Rubachuk, Jamie Pushor, Dale Purinton and Brent Seabrook.

From Ryan Ohashi, Hurricanes Director of Communications

Thanks,
Pat

Canes' Acquire Overage Forward From Portland

Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager/Head Coach, Rich Preston, announced today the Canes have traded a conditional 6th round pick in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft to the Portland Winter Hawks in exchange for 89-born Czech forward Radim Valchar.

Valchar, is an overage player who was originally drafted by the Winter Hawks 4th overall in the first round of the 2007 CHL Import Draft. The 6’0, 198 pound winger was the second highest WHL pick in the 2007 Import Draft, second only to fellow countryman Tomas Vincour who was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oil Kings. Valchar notched 41 points (21G, 20A) in 67 games with the Hawks last season and will add some veteran depth to the Hurricanes lineup.

“Radim is a skilled forward who can score goals but more importantly has a great work ethic” said Preston adding “He will be a valuable addition to our team.”

Valchar is expected to join the Canes today, prior to the team’s Friday night matchup with the Red Deer Rebels. The Canes lineup for a pair of games this weekend, Friday night in Red Deer and Saturday Night in Swift Current. Due to renovations to the City of Lethbridge ENMAX Centre; the Cane did not host any games during the 08-09 preseason and will not hold their home opener until an October 9th matchup against Edmonton Oil Kings.

For more information on renewing existing tickets or on becoming a Season Ticket Holder; fans are encouraged to visit or contact the ENMAX Centre Ticket Office or the Yates Theatre Centre by calling (403) 329-SEAT.

Beach & Ashton Set to Return

The Lethbridge Hurricanes should get an offensive shot in the arm this week with the expected return of Kyle Beach and Carter Ashton.

Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston told us on "Hurricanes This Week" last night that Beach's return is expected by mid week and Ashton should be close behind. That means the Canes' could have everyone back from pro camps by this weekend.

Preston also indicated that beefing up his young defensive corps is on the top of his agenda and he told us something could happen in the very near future on that front. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

As for the return of players like Sbisa, Boychuk, King, and Sceviour.....Preston said the chances fans will see them back in Lethbridge is slim to none. The only one of the four he said could remotely come back would be King, but he wasn't holding out hope.

Besides that, Preston was much happier with the play of his Hurricanes on Saturday night in Medicine Hat, despite the 7-3 loss. He expects and is looking forward to this Friday's game in Red Deer.

Also, if any fans miss out on listening to the Monday night talk show live, you can here it and every other talk show this season by logging on to our station website at www.cjocfm.com and click on podcasts then Hurricanes This Week to listen. Each show should be up and ready to listen sometime on Tuesdays.

Thanks,
Pat

Preston on "Hurricanes This Week"

Hurricanes Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston will be "Hurricanes This Week" tonight on CJOC.

Preston will join myself and Fred Jack for the entire hour starting at 6pm to take your comments and email questions at hurricanes@pttwireless.ca.

The Hurricanes are off to an 0-2 start to the season after an 8-1 loss to Kootenay on Friday and a 7-3 defeat in Medicine Hat Saturday. Lethbridge plays in Red Deer and Swift Current this coming weekend before heading off to B.C. early next week for games in Vancouver, Kamloops, and Prince George.

Enjoy the show!

Thanks,
Pat

Canes' 0-2 to Start Season

The Lethbridge Hurricanes dropped their second straight game of the still very young WHL season, losing 7-3 to the Tigers in Medicine Hat Saturday.

It was a packed house in the Hat, as the Tigers opened their 40th season in the Western Hockey Hockey League. Their pre-game ceremonies on opening night included the announcement of the team's Honourary Captain for this season, Bob Ridley. "Rids" has been the radio Voice of the Tigers since the team started play in the league in 1970 and still is today, not to mention he drives their bus too! He was given a long standing ovation and rightly so!

The Hurricanes started off the game much better than in Kootenay on Friday. The Canes' jumped out a 2-1 lead after one, but Medicine Hat took over in the second, scoring 3 times to take a 4-2 lead after 40 minutes and then they added 3 more in the 3rd to go one to win 7-3. The shots were much more respectable, which favoured the Tigers in the end. Saturday night, the Hurricanes surrendered 2 short-handed goals, one of them on a Medicine Hat penalty shot. Ville Kolppanen played the entire game for Lethbridge between the pipes and I thought he played fairly well for his first full 60 minutes of action in the WHL. A much beter overall effort by Lethbridge, no question despite the loss.

So the first week of the season is complete now for the Hurricanes. They will get one addition to defence back with the return of Brennan Yadlowski from pro camp this week. Now with a few regular season games in the books, this will give Rich Preston and Matt Kabayama as well as the rest of the hockey staff time to evaluate going into practice this week. Preston made note during our pre-game show Saturday that a lot of these younger Hurricanes players are just getting their first taste of the WHL and are playing against, for the most part, much more experienced teams and veteran players.

The Hurricanes next action is set for Friday night when they take on the Rebels in Red Deer. The Canes' will be in Swift Current Saturday. Also, don't forget about "Hurricanes This Week" back on the air Monday at 6pm. Rich Preston will be our guest for the whole hour.

Thanks,
Pat