The Hurricanes get back down to business tonight as they take on the Saskatoon Blades at the Enmax Centre.
The Canes' are fresh off their first win in three weeks and first this month, beating Edmonton 4-3 on Wednesday. I must say, I don't think I've seen this group of Hurricanes players more happy, relieved, and relaxed this season than during the bus ride home from Edmonton. It was a long nine game losing skid which is now in the past, but with 15 games left in the Hurricanes season, Lethbridge will face some tough opponents. They play Saskatoon and Calgary this weekend. They play Kootenay, Medicine Hat, Edmonton and Moose Jaw twice each. And then single games against Red Deer, Kamloops, Kelowna, Regina and Swift Current.
The Canes', despite having only 17 wins this season have played the Blades pretty tough. Lethbridge won the last meeting in Saskatoon in early January and also battled Saskatoon a couple times to overtime and a shoot out where they lost both. Saskatoon of course is gunning for not only top spot in the Eastern Conference, but top spot in all of the WHL.
Game time tonight is 7 o'clock (MT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.
Thanks,
Pat
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Saturday, 13 February 2010
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Losing Streak Ends in Edmonton
EDMONTON - The Hurricanes put the breaks to a nine game losing streak last night with a 4-3 win in a wide-open, non-defensive game in Edmonton.
It was a very good first period for Lethbridge last night. After going down 1-0 early, the Canes' rattled off three straight to take a 3-1 lead near end of the first. Edmonton got one back late to get back to within one as the Hurricanes held a 3-2 lead after 20 minutes. In the first, the Canes' got goals from Brennan Yadlowski, Cam Braes, and Mitch Maxwell. Maxwell's goal was his team leading 25th of the season. It's been a good season for the 19 year old rookie out of Magrath. It was a busy first for the goaltenders, Anderson and Jung. The Hurricanes out shot Edmonton 19-17 through 20 minutes. It was one of the better first periods for Lethbridge this season.
In the second, the Oil Kings would put on the pressure and eventually got the equalizer on a power play. Brandon Anderson and Torrie Jung continued to play lights out in goal despite the game being at a 3-3 tie after 40 minutes. The Hurricanes had another 19 shots on Jung in the second. He stopped every one. Through two periods, Lethbridge held the edge in shots 38-35. It was a wide-open game right from the get-go and the most shots the Hurricanes have put on an opposing goaltender through 40 minutes this season.
In the third, the Canes' would keep firing away on Torrie Jung and late in the 3rd the streak would officially come to and end. Cam Braes scored his second of the night with less than two minutes to give to give Lethbridge a 4-3 victory and their 4th straight win against Edmonton this season. The final shots were 51-40 for the Canes'. Both goalies played great. Anderson was named the game's second star. Torrie Jung was the first and Cam Braes was third star. It was a big victory for Lethbridge in what was yet another one goal game. Their 25th in 57 games this season.
This was certainly not a defensive match-up. In the first period alone, the Hurricanes and Oil Kings combined for a total of 36 shots. In total, the shots were 91 between the two clubs. One positive for Lethbridge was the defensive contributions last night. The Canes' defence combined for 6 points in Edmonton. Yadlowski had a goal and one assist and Reddington had three assists. Machacek had one point too. This is what Rich Preston has been talking about lately. Getting more of players other than Bancks, Maxwell, Braes, and Fyten to chip in from time to time. It was nice to see the defence finally getting in on some offence. This team is going to need more of that for the final 15 games this season.
Preston Talks About Scoring Woes
Out of all the question Hurricanes Head Coach and G.M. has had this season from the media, one will likely top them all. Why is your team have trouble scoring goals and how do you put the puck in the net? Well that question kind of came up again in my pre-game interview with him in Edmonton. "Well you know it's been tough. Our guys (for the most part) have played hard this season and battled, especially in the past three games. (Chuckling) It's almost comical now actually. We laughed about it today. You can get too down to the point where you're so tight they can't go out and play. We're going to even talk about scoring in our meetings." Before last night's game the Hurricanes had scored only 139 goals this season in 56 games. Only Edmonton, Prince George, and Seattle have scored less.
Next Up
The Hurricanes now get a couple of days between games. Last night's contest in Edmonton was the 6th game in 9 days for Lethbridge in what has been a stretch of six games away from home during the month of February. The Canes' return home now for two games Saturday and Sunday and some pretty tough competition too. Saskatoon will drop by for a visit on Saturday and the Calgary Hitmen will play the Canes' in an early 2pm game Valentine's Day Sunday.
Thanks,
Pat
It was a very good first period for Lethbridge last night. After going down 1-0 early, the Canes' rattled off three straight to take a 3-1 lead near end of the first. Edmonton got one back late to get back to within one as the Hurricanes held a 3-2 lead after 20 minutes. In the first, the Canes' got goals from Brennan Yadlowski, Cam Braes, and Mitch Maxwell. Maxwell's goal was his team leading 25th of the season. It's been a good season for the 19 year old rookie out of Magrath. It was a busy first for the goaltenders, Anderson and Jung. The Hurricanes out shot Edmonton 19-17 through 20 minutes. It was one of the better first periods for Lethbridge this season.
In the second, the Oil Kings would put on the pressure and eventually got the equalizer on a power play. Brandon Anderson and Torrie Jung continued to play lights out in goal despite the game being at a 3-3 tie after 40 minutes. The Hurricanes had another 19 shots on Jung in the second. He stopped every one. Through two periods, Lethbridge held the edge in shots 38-35. It was a wide-open game right from the get-go and the most shots the Hurricanes have put on an opposing goaltender through 40 minutes this season.
In the third, the Canes' would keep firing away on Torrie Jung and late in the 3rd the streak would officially come to and end. Cam Braes scored his second of the night with less than two minutes to give to give Lethbridge a 4-3 victory and their 4th straight win against Edmonton this season. The final shots were 51-40 for the Canes'. Both goalies played great. Anderson was named the game's second star. Torrie Jung was the first and Cam Braes was third star. It was a big victory for Lethbridge in what was yet another one goal game. Their 25th in 57 games this season.
This was certainly not a defensive match-up. In the first period alone, the Hurricanes and Oil Kings combined for a total of 36 shots. In total, the shots were 91 between the two clubs. One positive for Lethbridge was the defensive contributions last night. The Canes' defence combined for 6 points in Edmonton. Yadlowski had a goal and one assist and Reddington had three assists. Machacek had one point too. This is what Rich Preston has been talking about lately. Getting more of players other than Bancks, Maxwell, Braes, and Fyten to chip in from time to time. It was nice to see the defence finally getting in on some offence. This team is going to need more of that for the final 15 games this season.
Preston Talks About Scoring Woes
Out of all the question Hurricanes Head Coach and G.M. has had this season from the media, one will likely top them all. Why is your team have trouble scoring goals and how do you put the puck in the net? Well that question kind of came up again in my pre-game interview with him in Edmonton. "Well you know it's been tough. Our guys (for the most part) have played hard this season and battled, especially in the past three games. (Chuckling) It's almost comical now actually. We laughed about it today. You can get too down to the point where you're so tight they can't go out and play. We're going to even talk about scoring in our meetings." Before last night's game the Hurricanes had scored only 139 goals this season in 56 games. Only Edmonton, Prince George, and Seattle have scored less.
Next Up
The Hurricanes now get a couple of days between games. Last night's contest in Edmonton was the 6th game in 9 days for Lethbridge in what has been a stretch of six games away from home during the month of February. The Canes' return home now for two games Saturday and Sunday and some pretty tough competition too. Saskatoon will drop by for a visit on Saturday and the Calgary Hitmen will play the Canes' in an early 2pm game Valentine's Day Sunday.
Thanks,
Pat
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Canes' Losing Skid Now at Nine
RED DEER- An early second period goal was the difference as the Rebels blanked the Hurricanes for the second time this season, extending the Lethbridge losing streak to nine straight games.
Not much offence in the first period last night. The Rebels had the better of the chances in the first 10 minutes while the Hurricanes had a pretty good second half of the opening period. No goals were scored, but the play for the most part was fairly even. The shots were 9-9 after 20 minutes. Both teams had their chances. Red Deer had the better overall opportunities. Many of their scoring chances in the first were the result of Lethbridge turnovers.
In the second, the Rebels managed to break the scoreless tie. A clearing attempt by the Canes' was held in by Justin Weller. The Phoenix Coyotes product let the shot go from the blueline, it hit something out in front and beat Linden Rowat between the legs to give Red Deer a 1-0 lead. Lethbridge tried to even the score, but couldn't get the puck passed Rebels goalie Darcy Kuemper.
In the third, the Hurricanes tried to even the score while the Rebels had numerous chances to take a 2-0 lead, but neither team could score and Red Deer would hang on for a 1-0 victory. This is the second time this season the Canes' have been shut out in Red Deer by that same score. The Hurricanes were out shot 34-24 in this one. Linden Rowat had another good game in goal despite the loss. He was the game's 3rd star. The power play for both teams struggled. Red Deer went 0 for 7 while the Canes went 0 for 4.
The goaltenders (Rowat & Anderson) are giving this team and have given this team chances to win games this season. The lack of goal scoring though has been a major issue all season and I think in the past month or so, it's been a little more magnified. There's got be a level of frustration amongst the coaches and players at the moment. Rich Preston and Matt Kabayama were both visibly upset on the bench a few times last night. More so than I've seen at any point this season. Personally I don't blames them. Why the puck isn't going in the net is the $64,000 question.
Preston Discusses Young Up and Comers
The Hurricanes called up another prospect last night. Ryley Bennefield played against the Rebels and he'll suit up again tonight in Edmonton. He only saw a couple of quick shifts last night. I spoke with Rich Preston about some of the players that have the potential to push for a spot on the roster next season. Bennefield was the Hurricanes top pick in the 2009 draft 33rd overall. Preston says, "He plays in Leduc in the Alberta AAA Midget League. He's one of the top scorers in that league as far as goals. Bennefield is pretty good for a 15 year old."
When it comes to some of these prospects like Bennefield, Soffilas, and Balog do they have a good shot at making this team in 2010/2011? Preston responded, "It's nice that we'll have a chance over the next few weeks to get these guys in the line-up and have a good look at them at this level. Balog is another guy I'd like to see in a game. I think it's good for the player too, to just get a few games in the league where as next year they have a real good chance at making this club. Pat, our '94 group is really strong with Balog Bennefield, Mitchell Guiel, Adam Henry, and Mason Blacklock, That's a pretty solid group for us."
Next Up
The Hurricanes will finish off this stretch of six games on the road to start February tonight up in Edmonton against the Oil Kings. This is actually one team the Canes' have had success against this year. Lethbridge has won all three meetings so far, including a shoot out victory at Rexall Place just after Christmas.
Game time tonight is 7 o'clock. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.
Thanks,
Pat
Not much offence in the first period last night. The Rebels had the better of the chances in the first 10 minutes while the Hurricanes had a pretty good second half of the opening period. No goals were scored, but the play for the most part was fairly even. The shots were 9-9 after 20 minutes. Both teams had their chances. Red Deer had the better overall opportunities. Many of their scoring chances in the first were the result of Lethbridge turnovers.
In the second, the Rebels managed to break the scoreless tie. A clearing attempt by the Canes' was held in by Justin Weller. The Phoenix Coyotes product let the shot go from the blueline, it hit something out in front and beat Linden Rowat between the legs to give Red Deer a 1-0 lead. Lethbridge tried to even the score, but couldn't get the puck passed Rebels goalie Darcy Kuemper.
In the third, the Hurricanes tried to even the score while the Rebels had numerous chances to take a 2-0 lead, but neither team could score and Red Deer would hang on for a 1-0 victory. This is the second time this season the Canes' have been shut out in Red Deer by that same score. The Hurricanes were out shot 34-24 in this one. Linden Rowat had another good game in goal despite the loss. He was the game's 3rd star. The power play for both teams struggled. Red Deer went 0 for 7 while the Canes went 0 for 4.
The goaltenders (Rowat & Anderson) are giving this team and have given this team chances to win games this season. The lack of goal scoring though has been a major issue all season and I think in the past month or so, it's been a little more magnified. There's got be a level of frustration amongst the coaches and players at the moment. Rich Preston and Matt Kabayama were both visibly upset on the bench a few times last night. More so than I've seen at any point this season. Personally I don't blames them. Why the puck isn't going in the net is the $64,000 question.
Preston Discusses Young Up and Comers
The Hurricanes called up another prospect last night. Ryley Bennefield played against the Rebels and he'll suit up again tonight in Edmonton. He only saw a couple of quick shifts last night. I spoke with Rich Preston about some of the players that have the potential to push for a spot on the roster next season. Bennefield was the Hurricanes top pick in the 2009 draft 33rd overall. Preston says, "He plays in Leduc in the Alberta AAA Midget League. He's one of the top scorers in that league as far as goals. Bennefield is pretty good for a 15 year old."
When it comes to some of these prospects like Bennefield, Soffilas, and Balog do they have a good shot at making this team in 2010/2011? Preston responded, "It's nice that we'll have a chance over the next few weeks to get these guys in the line-up and have a good look at them at this level. Balog is another guy I'd like to see in a game. I think it's good for the player too, to just get a few games in the league where as next year they have a real good chance at making this club. Pat, our '94 group is really strong with Balog Bennefield, Mitchell Guiel, Adam Henry, and Mason Blacklock, That's a pretty solid group for us."
Next Up
The Hurricanes will finish off this stretch of six games on the road to start February tonight up in Edmonton against the Oil Kings. This is actually one team the Canes' have had success against this year. Lethbridge has won all three meetings so far, including a shoot out victory at Rexall Place just after Christmas.
Game time tonight is 7 o'clock. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.
Thanks,
Pat
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Hurricanes @ Red Deer Rebels
The Lethbridge Hurricanes will once again try to end a long losing streak tonight against a team they've yet to beat in four tries this season.
The Red Deer Rebels have had the Canes' number this season. This will be the Hurricanes 5th straight road game to start off the month of February. Things haven't been going well for Lethbridge as of late. They've lost 8 in a row. As for the Rebels, they're poised to make the playoffs for the first time in a long time. The Rebels are currently sitting in 6th spot in the Eastern Conference and are 27 points ahead of Lethbridge.
The Rebels are playing some decent hockey as of late too. They're 7-3 in their last 10 games. In the last 3 games these two teams have played against each other in 09/10, it's been the Lethbridge-area players on this Red Deer squad that've proved to be the demise of the Hurricanes. Jordie Deagle (Lethbridge) and Adam Kambeitz (Coaldale) have done some serious damage for the Rebels.
The Hurricanes have been suffering from a number of injuries too lately. We found out last night during "Hurricanes This Week" that the Canes' plan to call up Ryley Bennefield to help fill some of the void. Lethbridge selected him 33rd overall in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.
Tonight's game from Red Deer is a 7 o'clock face-off. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.
The Hurricanes will play in Edmonton on Wednesday before returning home for two games this weekend.
Thanks,
Pat
The Red Deer Rebels have had the Canes' number this season. This will be the Hurricanes 5th straight road game to start off the month of February. Things haven't been going well for Lethbridge as of late. They've lost 8 in a row. As for the Rebels, they're poised to make the playoffs for the first time in a long time. The Rebels are currently sitting in 6th spot in the Eastern Conference and are 27 points ahead of Lethbridge.
The Rebels are playing some decent hockey as of late too. They're 7-3 in their last 10 games. In the last 3 games these two teams have played against each other in 09/10, it's been the Lethbridge-area players on this Red Deer squad that've proved to be the demise of the Hurricanes. Jordie Deagle (Lethbridge) and Adam Kambeitz (Coaldale) have done some serious damage for the Rebels.
The Hurricanes have been suffering from a number of injuries too lately. We found out last night during "Hurricanes This Week" that the Canes' plan to call up Ryley Bennefield to help fill some of the void. Lethbridge selected him 33rd overall in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.
Tonight's game from Red Deer is a 7 o'clock face-off. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.
The Hurricanes will play in Edmonton on Wednesday before returning home for two games this weekend.
Thanks,
Pat
Monday, 8 February 2010
Hurricanes This Week
Nice to be back at home for couple of days after a long week on the road in the B.C.
The bus arrived back in Lethbridge Sunday morning around 9 o'clock after an all night ride from Kamloops. The Canes' losing streak currently sits at 8 games. This time back at home will be short lived. Lethbridge will try to put a stop to the skid with games tomorrow in Red Deer and Wednesday up in Edmonton. They'll return home on the weekend as they host two very tough opponents Saturday and Sunday in the likes on Saskatoon and Calgary.
Hurricanes This Week is back on the air tonight on CJOC. I'll be back in studio with Fred Jack to host the program. Joining us this evening will be Dylan Purcell from the Lethbridge Herald and Paul Kingsmith from Global TV as we bring back our monthly Media Roundtable to discuss the passed month in Hurricanes hockey. Lots to talk about this evening. We'll take some calls at 403-388-4646 and emails too at hurricanes@pttwireless.ca. The show starts at 6pm (MT). You can listen online as well at www.cjocfm.com.
Thanks,
Pat
The bus arrived back in Lethbridge Sunday morning around 9 o'clock after an all night ride from Kamloops. The Canes' losing streak currently sits at 8 games. This time back at home will be short lived. Lethbridge will try to put a stop to the skid with games tomorrow in Red Deer and Wednesday up in Edmonton. They'll return home on the weekend as they host two very tough opponents Saturday and Sunday in the likes on Saskatoon and Calgary.
Hurricanes This Week is back on the air tonight on CJOC. I'll be back in studio with Fred Jack to host the program. Joining us this evening will be Dylan Purcell from the Lethbridge Herald and Paul Kingsmith from Global TV as we bring back our monthly Media Roundtable to discuss the passed month in Hurricanes hockey. Lots to talk about this evening. We'll take some calls at 403-388-4646 and emails too at hurricanes@pttwireless.ca. The show starts at 6pm (MT). You can listen online as well at www.cjocfm.com.
Thanks,
Pat
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Hurricanes Lose 2-1 in Kamloops
KAMLOOPS - Two third period goals helped the Kamloops Blazers over the Hurricanes 2-1 last night at Interior Savings Centre.It was pretty much a wide open start to last night's game. The Hurricanes and Blazers played to a scoreless tie after 20 minutes. Both goaltenders, Brandon Anderson and Jon Groenheyde were busy. It was a pretty solid opening frame for Lethbridge, their second good start in a row. The Canes' held the edge in shots on goal at 13-10.
In the second, the Hurricanes broke the scoreless tie early when Carter Bancks tipped a Dustin Donanghy pass behind Groenheyde to give the Canes' a 1-0 lead less than 2 minutes into the period. Kamloops came on strong pressing for the equalizer. They thought the had tied the game, but the goal was called back after a penalty was assessed to the Blazers for goalie interference. Brandon Anderson had a great period between the pipes for Lethbridge as the Canes' were out shot 14-6 and out shot 24-19 through two periods. The Kamloops fans were not too happy with the official of record Matt Kirk, chanting "We want a ref" near the end of the period. I actually thought Kirk did a fair job up to this point. The Kamloops faithful though obviously disagreed.
In the third, the Blazers completed the comeback. Kamloops tied the game on an early power play goal and then got the winner with just over six minutes to go in the 3rd. Ryan Funk's point shot went off Mike Reddington and in. The Hurricanes pulled Anderson while on a late power play, but couldn't get the tying goal. The final score Kamloops over Lethbridge 2-1. The Blazers out shot the Canes' 34-22. Anderson was the game's third star and played well in the loss. Strangely enough, two nights in a row the game winner was scored late in the 3rd after the opponent banked a shot off Defenceman Mike Reddington. Bad break for the Hurricanes again. The losing streak is now 8 games. The power play kind of let the Canes' down in Kamloops. Lerthbridge went 0 for 5 while the Blazers were 1-1. That was the difference on the night. After the game, a frustrated Rich Preston told me, "Patty....same story, different chapter." Two nights in a row, so close but yet so far. That was also the 23rd game the Hurricanes have played this year decided by a single goal. The Hurricanes have one only 8 of those one goal contests.
Injury Update
Injury Update
Rich Preston's crew got back some of their walking wounded last night in Kamloops. Graham Hood who's missed the passed few games with a shoulder problem played last night as did Daniel Johnston who was scratched Friday was also back in Saturday. Hood though didn't see much action after the first period. Phillip Tot was scratched for the second game in a row with a concussion. He may not be back in the line-up until next weekend.
Next Up
The Hurricanes are heading back to Alberta now, but they'll only be in Lethbridge a short while. The Canes' head back on the road Tuesday to play the Rebels in Red Deer and then on Wednesday they'll head up to Edmonton to take on the Oil Kings. The Hurricanes return home Saturday to play host to the Saskatoon Blades.
Thanks,
Pat
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