Hitmen Blank Canes' 3-0

A late goal in each period helped the Calgary Hitmen to a 3-0 shut out victory over the Hurricanes last night at the Enmax Centre.

It was a wide open first period between the Hurricanes and Hitmen last night. Both teams had some good chances, but it was Calgary which opened the scoring in this one. Hitmen Captain Michael Stone notched a late first period power play goal to give the visitors the lead going into the dressing room after 20 minutes. Linden Rowat had to come up with some huge saves to keep the game close. Calgary out shot the Canes' 14-13.

In the second, it continued to be a tight game until Calgary would get some insurance when Cody Sylvester made it 2-0 with just over 5 minutes to go in the period. The Hurricanes had a great chance before that to even the score at one on a lengthy 5 on 3 power play, but were unable to get the equalizer. The shots after two favoured the Hitmen 26-18.

In the third, the Hitmen would get another late goal to ice it as the Canes were unable to get a single puck passed Jones in the Calgary goal. The final score 3-0 Hitmen. The Hurricanes were out shot in this one 37-24. The loss drops the Hurricanes record to 15-25-3-2 in 45 games on the season. There were three fights in this game. In the first Cason Machacek dropped the gloves with Cody Beach and then in the second Mike Reddington went with Jimmy Bubnik. In the third Matt MacKenzie and Cam Braes went toe-to-toe.

$23,000 Raised for Cancer

A very successful first ever "Pink in the Rink" fundraiser in support of cancer. The Hurricanes raised $23,000 in total over two days on the weekend. $13,000 raised in just donations while $10,000 was brought in through the jersey auction. A number of Hurricanes players lined up to get their heads shaved after the game and after getting a challenge from a a few fans, I agreed to do the same! I can't believe I actually did that, but you know what it was for a great cause. Thank you to all who donated to this great cause. A big thanks from the Hurricanes too! Thanks to Josh Shroeder for the picture at the top!

ENMAX Pond Hockey in Pincher Creek

Eleven Lethbridge Hurricanes will travel an hour west down highway 3 to play pond hockey with some Atom players from Pincher Creek today (January 17). It's the annual ENMAX Pond Hockey event. The Hurricanes players will take part in skills and drills during on-ice sessions and autographs and a live auction to follow for Pincher Creek minor hockey. The Pond Hockey take place from 5:30 to 8pm today at the Pincher Creek Arena at 962 St. John Ave. Twister will also be in attendance.

Next Up

The Hurricanes and Hitmen play on Tuesday night next week at the Saddledome in Calgary. Game time is 7 o'clock. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat