Official WHL Off-Season Just Around the Corner

With the Memorial Cup just days away from getting started, every WHL team except for Calgary and Brandon are in off-season mode already, some teams like the Lethbridge Hurricanes have been off a lot longer than others.

I've been talking on and off with Head Coach/G.M. Rich Preston and Assistant G.M. Brad Robson for the past couple of months since the Canes' season came to end. Most of their focus since mid-March was directed to the WHL Bantam draft which is now a over. I hope to have a few interviews over the next couple of weeks with some of the Hurricanes picks in last month's draft. It'll be interesting to see how they feel about being Lethbridge Hurricanes. So stay tuned for that in the days ahead. The 2010 Euro draft is next up for the WHL which will take place after the NHL draft in June.

Also, how active will the Canes' be once the official off-season begins June first? Well, Rich Preston has said many times since the season ended that the Hurricanes would be a playoff team this coming season. I would suspect he will be fairly busy. I asked him a few weeks back if he's had any conversations with other G.M.'s about potential off-season deals and he says there has been talk. I would assume that any trades Mr. Preston and company make will likely be to address the team's lack of offence this past season. Preston said back in March to me that if there was one area he may have underestimated when this past season began, it was the lack of goal production. No question that will be a key area going into the next camp.

The WHL is going to be flooded with overage players this coming season too. A number teams like Calgary and Brandon for instance have quite a few 19 year olds right now who will be turning 20 this coming season. Those teams will have some decisions to make. Right now, the Hurricanes three overage players going into training camp in late August. They are Max Ross, Mitch Maxwell, and Mike Reddington.

Then there is the decision of choosing a new Captain. With Carter Bancks moving on, the Hurricanes will have a new on-ice leader come this fall. I know Reddington's name has come up as a potential candidate. I've also heard names like Cam Braes and Austin Fyten thrown around too. Even a veteran like Brennan Yadlowski could be a candidate. I would assume all four of those players will wear a letter this coming year for Lethbridge.

And last but not least for now, this off-season the Hurricanes will be holding their alumni golf tournament. The 4th annual event is scheduled to take place at Paradise Canyon on July 9th. The cost is $250 for individual players. That entry fee includes your golf cart, some entry gifts, supper, and more. It is not known right now which Hurricanes alumni will be at the tournament. All that will be announced as the golf event gets closer. If you are interested in playing or want more info on the Hurricanes Alumni Golf event, contact the Hurricanes office.

Thanks,
Pat