LANGLEY - Another rough game for the Hurricanes. After losing 9-2 in Chilliwack on Tuesday and things didn't get any better last night with an 11-1 loss to the Vancouver Giants at the new Langley Events Centre.Another slow start for the Hurricanes for the 3rd game in a row. The Vancouver Giants scored two goals on their first four shots to take a 2-0 lead 4:11 into the game. The Giants continued to put on the pressure and scored once more to make it 3-0 before the end of the first. The Canes' had a few chances, but couldn't find the twine. Dustin Donanghy had a bee in his bonnet in that first period. He got involved in two fights one with Kevin Connauton and one with Dillon Scholten. The Canes' were out shot 13-5 in the opening frame. Brandon Anderson started the game while Ville Kolppanan was the back-up.
In the second, the Canes' scored early when a Daniel Johnston shot went off the skate of Carter Bancks and in to get the Hurricanes on the board and cut the lead to 3-1 Giants. Vancouver though would get that back shortly after on a short-handed goal to go up 4-1. The home team would add four more before the period would end to take a commanding 8-1 lead on the struggling Hurricanes. The Giants scored two of those 5 second period goals in the final minute. The shots were 34-11 Vancouver after two. Everything that can go wrong for this team is right now.
In the third, Ville Kolppanen replaced Brandon Anderson in goal, but it didn't help. The Giants beat Kolppanen on the first shot directed at the young Finn and just like that it was 9-1 Giants. They weren't done there. Vancouver would score twice more and finish off the Hurricanes 11-1. It was team's worst loss in 4 seasons. Lethbridge was out shot 50-17. The Hurricanes were also fighting history last night. They haven't beaten Vancouver is six seasons. The last time the Canes' beat the Giants was in December of 2004. It's been a long time. Also this is the 3rd-six game losing streak for Lethbridge this season.
Injury Update
The Hurricanes have been bitten again by the injury bug. The played last night's game without Austin Fyten (Ribs) and Graham Hood (Shoulder). They join Max Ross (Broken Foot) and Derek Ryckman (Shoulder) who've both been out since the Christmas break. The Canes' lost another player last night. (D) Daniel Johnston left the game in the 2nd period after getting cut with a skate. He received a deep cut to one of his legs and had to get stitches. Linden Rowat didn't play either, but he was a healthy scratch. Ville Kolppanen backed-up Brandon Anderson in goal.
Captain Carter on Hurricanes Struggles
I talked with Carter Bancks before last night's game against Vancouver and asked him about the 9-2 loss in Chilliwack on Tuesday. Bancks was very upset after the game so I asked him, as Captain what he talked to his teammates about after. "I wanted to get across (to the guys) that the 9-2 loss was unacceptable. Even if we're out of the race, I guess you could say, you can never have an effort like that. I was very embarrassed leaving the ice in Chilliwack and I know a number of other guys were too. This is my last season in the WHL. I want these last games to be fun for me. Tuesday night was NOT fun! That's something you never want to feel in hockey." I assume Bancks wasn't happy after last night either.
Next Up
The Hurricanes travel today to the B.C. Okanagan where they play the Kelowna Rockets tomorrow (8pm on SHAW TV and 7:30 pre-game on CJOC). It's the first meeting of the season between these two teams. The Rockets and Hurricanes will play again at the end of this month in Lethbridge.
Thanks,
Pat
NOT AGAIN!!!!
ReplyDeleteNo skill, no heart,outplayed.
Something wrong in the dressing room.
I want to see competitive hockey even if we lose. It should be fgun. Currently neither.
wow//I am speechless!!!!!!!! after the Chilliwack game you would think the team would respond with a close game..they sound like they have given up..
ReplyDeleteMaybe they need to bring up their draft picks and list players and play them with Bancks and Maxwell and a couple of the players who do show hustle ..it might not be any worse than what they are doing now
ReplyDeleteOuch!
ReplyDeleteThat is beyond embarrasssing for all Cane players and coaches. With no disrespect meant to ladies, I am not sure that an average girls Midget team would lose to the Giants that badly. Definitely "Pad the Stats" night in Langley.
Good for Carter Bancks for playing as much as he did, yet still having a "0" plus/minus for the game. Was everyone else on one skate?
Where do you go from here? It will be interesting to see what the team will do on TV Friday - Richie.
Well Mr. Play-by-Play announcer, you are the closest contact with the team that we the listeners have so what is cooking? Have the players quit? Has the coaching staff lost the bench? As it has been said, winning is not the question here, it is taking pride in being competitive night in and night out. You can't blame the talent laden Giants for running up the score and adding to their stats. But you can blame the Hurricanes for not showing up. It is embarrassing for sure.
ReplyDeleteLots of questions....where are the answers?
RJ
Well, Mr. RJ I wish I had all the answers. I think the only people that have the answers are the players themselves. They're the only ones that can get out of this nasty slump. It's my job to ask the questions. They have to find the answers. It certainly is tough to watch and you are right, embarassing too. The players and coaches have already said that. I don't think the coaches have lost the room. Some players really need to pick up their play. 3 or 4 guys can't do it themselves. Everyone has to chip in and right now that's not happening. They must bring it for a full 60 minutes. I, like the rest of fans hope things turn around soon too.
ReplyDeleteThis kills players. It is very frustrating to watch. Some of the players are just to young and it's going to kill their confidence. Look at Tranasky. He has not developed at all. Poor skating and no skill there. Not sure what level he played last year but the speed or skill for WHL is not there. Hope he works in the summer. Some of the others try but help is needed. Losing cannot be fun. Hopefully better luck to come. Feel bad for Bancks, he certainly is a top kid. You cannot find an award special enough for someone like him. He deserves them all.
ReplyDeletePat
ReplyDeleteWhere can we find the list of available players that can be called upon. It would be interesting to see who we have on the roster. I recall reading the signing of many over the years but haven't seem them called up. If they sign shouldn't they be called upon if needed. I understand those that have not signed.