Camp Preview Part Three: Goaltending

This is part-three of Hurricanes Communication Director Ryan Ohashi's pre-camp preview. This three-part preview can also be read on the Hurricanes website at www.lethbridgehurricanes.com.


In part three of this three part series, we preview just a few of the names to look for on the Hurricanes last line of defense, the goaltenders:

Hurricanes sophomore Brandon Anderson will be given every opportunity to take over the starting goaltender’s role this season but he will be challenged by a mixed group of prospects and veterans. Anderson has already shown that he can play in pressure situations after being given the opportunity to play a majority of the games in 2009-10 after starting goaltender Linden Rowat was put out due to injury. As a rookie Anderson performed solid in his role and though his record may not show it, his experience gained as a 17 year old WHL goaltender this past season will only prove to help the fiery youngster from Langley as he continues his career.

This summer, the Hurricanes signed a veteran presence in net, listing 91-born goaltender Dylan Tait. Tait is a veteran of the KIJHL and AJHL and was formerly a prospect of both the Kelowna Rockets and Kootenay Ice. A Lethbridge local, he could be the prefect fit to push and develop Anderson along the way while challenging him for his spot as the starting goaltender. Of course, also vying for this spot on this year’s team will be a host of prospects including 93-born draft pick Alex Wakaluk - highly touted for his lineage, work ethic and focus; as well as list player Tanner Kovacs who showed great promise during 2009 Training Camp and will look to build on what was a solid season in Alberta Minor Midget. Hurricanes 4th round pick and fifth selection in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft - Ryan Ferguson is expected to attend his first WHL camp. Ferguson is the Hurricanes highest drafted goaltender since 2007 when the club drafted Brandon Anderson with the 50th overall selection in the third round. The 6’0, 165 lbs. Ferguson finished his AMBHL season with a solid .906 save percentage and a 3.04 GAA while playing with the Calgary Royals (Gold) of the AMBHL.

Veteran: Dylan Tait (91)
Sophomore: Brandon Anderson (92)
Rookie (s) to watch: Luke Lee-Knight, Alex Wakaluk (94), Tanner Kovacs (94), Ryan Ferguson (95), Brayden McMahon (95)

Thanks again to Ryan Ohashi for this three-part camp preview!

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