Canes Beat Broncos 5-2 in Swift Current

No Hurricanes fans, you are not seeing things! The Lethbridge Hurricanes are in first place in the Western Hockey League.

Justin Gutierrez and Brayden Burke each had a goal and one assist to lead the Hurricanes to a 5-2 win Wednesday night in Swift Current. It was the Canes 5th victory in a row and improved their record to a WHL best 31-12 on the season.

Ryan Vadervlis got things going in this game for the Hurricanes. He scored his 3rd of the season midway through the opening period to make it 1-0 Lethbridge. Swift Current tied the game late in the period when Tyler Steenbergen beat Jayden Sittler to even the score at 1-1 after one.

In the second period, the Canes took over with a pair of goals. Bryaden Burke put home his 14th of the season to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. Then Arvin Atwal scored on a power play, his 8th of the year and the Hurricanes were up 3-1 after 40 minutes of play.

In the third, Giorgio Estpehan made it 4-1 Lethbridge with his 23rd. Tyler Steenbergen got another back for the Broncos with his second of the night on a power play, but Justin Gutierrez finished the game off with a shorthanded goal, his 22nd of the season and the Hurricanes would easily win it 5-2.

The Canes pretty much dominated this game, out shooting Swift Current 46-23. The Hurricanes went 1/3 on the power play and the Broncos were 1/4.

The victory temporarily moves the Hurricanes a point ahead of Kelowna for top spot in the WHL overall standings. They've scored 187 goalsmso far this season, far ahead of any other team.

The Canes return home for their next two games. They host Kamloops Friday (Jan. 15) and then play host to the Prince Albert Raiders Saturday (Jan. 16).

Thanks,

Pat