Blazers Beat Canes' 4-3 in Overtime

LETHBRIDGE - A power play goal in overtime lifted Kamloops to a 4-3 win over the Hurricanes last night at the Enmax Centre.

The Hurricanes came out gunning in the first minute of this game, but it would be Kamloops who would score the opening goal. On the Blazers first shots of the night just 1:21 into the game as Dylan Willick put a backhander upstairs beating LInden Rowat to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Lethbridge continued to press, but Jon Groenheyde was able to keep the door shut for the Blazers. The shots were even 9-9 after 20 minutes.

In the second, the Canes' continued to push. Cam Braes scored his 21st goal of the season on a power play to even the score a 1-1. The Hurricanes kept up the pace, but Groenheyde was again able to shut the door. The Blazers did take the one goal lead back on their 6th power play of the game when Linden Siap's point shot beat Rowat high on the glove side. The Canes' out shot the Blazers 13-8 in the seccond and had a 22-17 edge in shots after two periods. It was a solid period for the Hurricanes despite being down by one goal.

In the third, the Blazers jumped out to a 3-1 with a goal just 26 seconds into the period and while that goal was being announced, Lethbridge got that back quickly when Mike Reddington notched his 2nd of the season to make it 3-2 Kamloops just 22 seconds later. Jon Groenheyde continued his fantastic play in goal and held the Blazers in this game right to the final minute. The Hurricanes near the end of the period had a late power play, pulled the goalie and with 49.5 seconds left on the clock, Cam Braes scored his second of night to tie the score at 3-3. In the overtime though, the Hurricanes would take an inopportune penalty that would cost them as Jordan DePape would finish things off beating Rowat and the Blazers would leave town with a 4-3 win. It was a penalty-filled game too, or at least the officials thought it was. The Canes' went 2/8 on the power play while Kamloops went 2/7. As good as Groenheyde was in goal for the Blazers, he was somehow left off the three star selection list. That I don't understand. He, in my opinion was the difference in this game hands down. Mike Reddington was the first star, Cam Braes the second, and Austin Madaisky the third. If anyone is keeping track and I suppose I am, that was the 30th game the Canes' have played this season decided by just one goal. The Hurricanes record in those games: 10-20.

A Chat With Brody Sutter

I spoke with Canes' forward Brody Sutter before last night's game. He says he was so relieved when he ended a 35 game goal scoring slump on Wednesday. He says it was like a weight lifted off his shoulders. I asked him about the importance of the coming back next season being prepared to make this Lethbridge team. He says it's very key that he work his tail off in the off-season and prepare to come back stronger and more determined. He says he knows there will certainly be a battle for spots on the roster come training camp this fall. Sutter says he's looking forward to the competition.

Next Up

The Hurricanes have seven games remaining before the end of the season. Tonight they hit the road and travel west to take on thee Kootenay ICE. This will be the final meeting of the season between these two teams. The ICE have won all five match-ups so far. Game time from Cranbrook is 7 o'clock (MT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. The Hurricanes next home game will be Tuesday when they host Moose Jaw.

Thanks,
Pat