Hurricanes @ Regina

REGINA, SK. - Hello from the Queen City!

The Lethbridge Hurricanes will take on the Pats here in Regina tonight in a battle of two teams on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs are concerned. The Canes' have known for a while now that they would not make the post-season, but until earlier this week the Pats were still in the hunt mathematically. A loss though for Regina in Swift Current on Tuesday officially eliminated the Pats from playoff contention. This will be the second straight year Regina has missed the post-season.

Tonight the Hurricanes will try and even up the season series with the Pats. Regina holds a 2-1 edge in games. This game also marks the final time that Linden Rowat will play at the Brandt Centre. Before getting dealt to the Canes' back in late September, Rowat played his entire major junior career with the Pats. He would love nothing more than to leave this city a winner in his final game against his former team. From lasts to firsts now. This will be the first WHL game for Hurricanes prospect Taylor Balog. By the way it's pronounced (Baa-log), not (Bay-log) like I first thought. I found that one out at supper last night! The Canes' have called him up to play tonight as well as tomorrow in Moose Jaw. Ironically enough, Balog was acquired by Lethbridge via Regina in December along with Graham Hood a second round pick 2010 and a first rounder in 2011 in exchange for Carter Ashton, Craig Orfino, and a pick. Balog is a highly-touted forward the Hurricanes feel has a very good shot at making this team come the fall. I know Head Coach/GM Rich Preston is very excited to see what Balog has to offer this weekend. How much playing time he'll get remains to be seen, but I would assume he'll get a few shifts for sure. Graham Hood is also excited to be back in Regina. This is his first game back here since he was traded to Lethbridge. It should be a fun one tonight, despite these teams not making the playoffs. It'll be the last time too that we'll get to see the Hurricanes play against Regina's Jordan Eberle who will more than likely be playing with the NHL's Edmonton Oilers next seaosn. Certainly some interesting story lines to follow in this one.

Injury Update

As for injuries on this Hurricanes team, (F) Cam Braes who hurt his shoulder on Tuesday in that loss to the Warriors will likely be a game time decision. (D) Daniel Johnston who sat out Tuesday as well will too be a game time decision. If you might recall he suffered a deep cut to his leg from a skate last month in Vancouver and the cut has since become infected. That sidelined him earlier this week. As for (F) Max Ross, he's been out since just before Christmas after breaking his leg in Kootenay. He's now lightly skating again and may actually play in the Hurricanes final two games of the season against Medicine Hat next weekend if he gets the green light to do so.

The Hurricanes have four games remaining after tonight. They play in Moose Jaw tomorrow and then head home to host Red Deer Tuesday, Medicine Hat Friday and then close out the 2009/2010 season next Saturday in the Hat.

Tonight's game from the Regina is a 6 o'clock (MT) start. The pre-game show on CJOC at 5:30.

Thanks,
Pat