Hurricane Watch

Hurricanes This Week

2012-01-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well, just 20 games to go in the regular season for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The Canes started last week off in style with a comeback win over the Kootenay ICE, but they weren't able to muster much offence this past weekend losing 8-2 to Medicine Hat and then dropping a 6-3 decision the next night to the Prince Albert Raiders on home ice. The Hurricanes got themselves into some penalty trouble in those last two games and paid dearly for it. They're going to have to tighten up defensively if they want to see some success away from the ENMAX Centre in the coming days.

After 52 games, Lethbridge sits with a record of 19-32-0-1. This week the Canes will hit the road for 3 games in 4 nights. They play in Swift Current Wednesday, Brandon on Friday, and Regina Saturday to open the February portion of their schedule. A couple of interesting story lines to follow this coming week as well. On Friday, it'll be the first trip back to Brandon this season for both Liam Liston and Spencer Galbraith since they were traded to Lethbridge back in October in exchange for Brandon Anderson. On Saturday, it'll be the last game for 20 year old Damien Ketlo in Regina, a team he spent the majority of his WHL career with. I'm sure both Liston and Ketlo would love nothing more than to get the start in goal against their former teams.

Captain Brody Sutter currently leads the Hurricanes with 22 goals and 22 assists for 44 points through 48 games this season. Nick Buonassisi also has 22 assists and Phil Tot, who's been playing extremely well since around mid-December has 19 helpers to go along with 10 goals.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

It's time to bring back the Hurricanes Media Roundtable. For our last show of the month, Fred Jack and I will welcome back Paul Kingsmith from Global TV and Dylan Purcell from the Lethbridge Herald. The program will air LIVE at 6:00 pm (MST) from Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South.

Thanks,
Pat

Raiders Double Up Hurricanes 6-3 in Lethbridge

2012-01-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Four goals in the second period lifted the Prince Albert Raiders to a 6-3 win over the Hurricanes Saturday night.

A delay to get this game started. The lights at the ENMAX Centre wouldn't come on after the pre-game announcements. One things got underway. the Hurricanes had some great chances in the early going with three straight power plays, but were unable to beat Cole Holowenko in the PA goal. That was about all the offence in the opening period. Neither team was able to score and the two teams would head to the dressing room in a 0-0. Lethbridge held the edge in shots 12-8.

In the second, the Raiders would open the scoring. Just over a minute in, Tyler Yaworki let a wrist shot go, beating a screened Liam Liston up high give Prince Albert a 1-0 lead. Just over two minutes later, the Raiders would strike again, this time on the power play. Logan McVeigh's spin shot, would beat Liston low along the ice, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead. Those two goals were scored just over two minutes apart. Before the half way point in the period, the Raiders would make it 3-0 with another power play goal. Mike Winther jammed the puck by Liston to give the Raiders a little more breathing room. The Hurricanes finally got their offence going with a pair of goals later on. Tyler Kizuik scored to get Lethbridge on the board. It was his 1st of the season and got the Hurricanes to within two. A few minutes later the Canes would get another one, this time Nick Bounassisi notched a highlight reel goal with a great passing play from Jay Merkley and Jaimen Yakubowski. That was Buonassisi's 13th of the season and cut the PA lead to 3-2. The Raiders though would get their two goal lead back with less than a minute to go in the period when Josh Morrissey scored. That gave Prince Albert a 4-2 lead after two periods of play. Lethbridge held a slight edge in shots 29-26.

In the third, the Raiders would keep the offence coming and would put the game away. Just like the second period, PA would score twice in the first 5 minutes of the third. Josh Morrissey scored his second of the night to increase the PA lead to 5-2 and then just a few minutes after that, Shane Danyluk hammered home a shot by Liam Liston to make it 6-2 Raiders. Before the game would come to a close, Lethbridge would get one more, a power play goal this time by Tyler Kizuik. His second of the night to make it 6-3 Prince Albert and that's the way this game would end. Lethbridge out shot PA 37-35 on the night. PA finished the game 2/4 on the power play while the Hurricanes went 1 for 6.

Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post game show: "We couldn't match their compete level and and their energy tonight. It was just a disappointing weekend. We are way better than this. We need to regroup over the next few days, because we can't play like this on the road. There were several goals that went in tonight that I wasn't happy with."

This was just the second of four meetings this season between Lethbridge and PA. The two clubs will play twice more, in Lethbridge February 11th and in Prince Albert February 29th. Both clubs have had their fair share of ups and downs this season. With the loss, the Hurricanes sit only two points ahead of the Raiders in the standings. Lethbridge sits with a record of 19-32-0-1, while PA is 17-30-1-2.

The Hurricanes called up defenceman Joel Topping for Saturday's game. Topping was chosen in the 2nd round, 41st overall in the 2010 WHL draft. He's having a good year with AAA Rebels in Red Deer and was recently named AMHL All-Star game.

NEXT UP

That does it for the Hurricanes January schedule. The Canes went 5-7 during the month and now have just 20 games to go in the regular season. They'll kick off the month of February next week with three games in four nights in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Canes will play in Swift Current Wednesday (Feb. 1), Brandon Friday (Feb. 3), and Regina on Saturday (Feb. 4) before returning home February 8th to host Cam Braes and the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Thanks,
Pat

Tigers Hammer Hurricanes 8-2 in Lethbridge

2012-01-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Five power play goals powered the Medicine Hat Tigers to a lopsided 8-2 victory over the Hurricanes Friday night.

The visitors would open the scoring in this hockey game. Emerson Etem tipped a hard pass by Damien Ketlo to get the offence going. It was the 11th straight game Etem has scored a goal for the Tigers. That's the longest current goal-scoring streak in the CHL. That made it 1-0. A few minutes later, Medicine Hat would get another one, this time on the power play. Curtis Valk would knock it by Ketlo, giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead. Lethbridge would get one of those back when Captain Brody Sutter scored his 22nd of the season early on the power play to cut the Tigers lead to 2-1. Medicine Hat would regain it's two goal lead, when Curtis Valk scored his second goal of the night to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead. Damien Ketlo had surrendered 3 goals on just 9 shots at that point. Before the end of the period though, the Lethbridge power play would strike again. Jay Merkley tipped a point shot by Tyler Bunz to cut the Medicine Hat lead to 3-2 after one period of play. The Canes out shot Medicine Hat 13-10.

In the second, it certainly wasn't the same goal-scoring fest as we saw in the first. The Tigers, late in the period got their two goal lead back, for the third time in the game. Another power goal by Medicine Hat, this time a rocket point shot by James Bettauer to give the Tigers a 4-2 lead. Bettauer has been a Hurricanes killer this year. That was his 11th point in 6 games versus Lethbridge. That was the only goal of the period. The Tigers would take that 4-2 lead into the dressing room after 40 minutes of play. The shots were 26-20 Medicine Hat.

In the third, the Tigers would blow the game wide open with four goals. On yet another power play, Emerson Etem would fire home his 43rd of the game and second of the night to give Medicine Hat a commanding 5-2 lead. Then after that, Etem would record his 3rd of game and 44th of the season when he picked off a pass while shorthanded and put a backhander by Ketlo to give the Tigers a 6-2 lead. They weren't done there. Two more power plays and two more goals for Medicine Hat. Boston Leier would get one and Curtis Valk the other. That would be Valk's 3rd of the night. When it was all said and done, Medicine Hat would skate off with an 8-2 win. The Tigers power play was sensational, going 5 for 8 on the night, while the Hurricanes went 2 for 5. The Tigers out shot Lethbridge 44-25 in this game. The regular season series between these two rivals is even at 3-3. The loss drops the Hurricanes overall record to 19-31-0-1.

Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post game show that, "We let them do basically what we said we can't let them do. Free-wheel and give them too many power play chances. We have to come out against Prince Albert in our next game and pick up our socks and get ready to go."

The Hurricanes looked pretty sharp in their replica Lethbridge Sugar Kings Friday night. Former NHLer Lanny McDonald was the guest of honour and took some time out to come up to the broadcast booth to talk with Fred and I during the second intermission. Lanny said it was great to be back in Lethbridge and told the story of the old arena burning down in 1971 during a Sugar Kings playoff game which he happened to be playing in at the time.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes next action is Saturday (Jan. 28) when they host the Prince Alberta Raiders. This will be the second of four meetings this season between Lethbridge and PA. Game time from the ENMAX Centre is 7:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. The Hurricanes are on the road next week in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Rally to Beat ICE 5-4

2012-01-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Two power play goals in the third period completed the comeback as the Hurricanes rallied to beat the Kootenay ICE 5-4 Wednesday night at the ENMAX Centre

Not a good start for the Hurricanes in this one, but they can thank goaltender Liam Liston for keeping them in the first period. Lethbridge didn't register it's first shot until more than 11 minutes in. Kootenay would open the scoring with a goal by rookie Sam Reinhart, as he flipped a wrist shot by Liston to make it 1-0 ICE. The Hurricanes got that one back on a beautiful goal by Jamal Watson. He picked the puck up at centre ice and with blazing speed, beat two Kootenay defencemen and put it by Mackenzie Skapski to tie the game at 1-1. It was Watson's 7th of the season. That didn't last too long. Just 17 seconds later, Kootenay would regain the one goal lead. Joe Antilla's shot beat Liston to give the visitors a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes. Lethbridge was heavily out shot 14-5 in that first period.

In the second, the ICE would increase their lead to 3-1. John Neibrandt took a drop pass in front of the Lethbridge and blew the shot by Liston, giving Kootenay a two goal lead for the first time in this game. The Hurricanes kept plugging away and they'd get that one back. The same line that scored the Canes first goal would get their second, when Craig Leverton knocked in the puck for his 3rd goal of the season. That cut the ICE lead to 3-2. A little while later the Hurricanes would get a power play, but it would be Kootenay scoring shorthanded. Jesse Ismond grabbed the puck at centre and moved in and beat Liston to give the ICE a 4-2 lead. Before the end of the period though, the Hurricanes would get one more with Jaimen Yakubowski's 10th of season to cut the ICE lead to 4-3 after two periods of play. Kootenay held the edge in shots 20-14.

In the third, the Hurricanes would put on the full course press to fight their way back into the game. They would get the equalizer with one second to go on a power play when Brody Sutter scored his team-leading 21st of the season to tie the game at 4-4. Both teams continued to battle hard to get the go ahead goal and with about 4 minutes remaining in the game, Lethbridge would get another power play goal, this time from Phil Tot, his 10th of the season to give Lethbridge it's first lead of the night and that's the way the game would end. It was the first time this season the Hurricanes have won a game when trailing after two periods of play. The power plays were the difference. Lethbridge finished the night 2 for 6 with the man advantage while the ICE went 0 for 5. The victory improved the Hurricanes overall record to 19-30-0-1 on the season, and now one game over .500 on home ice.

NEXT UP: HERITAGE GAME

The Lethbridge Hurricanes will pay tribute to the Lethbridge Sugar Kings during their next game Friday night at the ENAMX Centre when they play host to the Medicine Hat Tigers. For this one game only, the Canes will wear a special replica Sugar Kings jersey. Those jerseys are currently being auctioned off online at www.hurricanesauction.com. Puck drop on Friday night will be around 7:10 (MST) after a short pre-game ceremony. The pre-game show on CJOC starts at 6:30. The Hurricanes will host Prince Albert on Saturday. They'll head out to Saskatchewan and Manitoba next week to open up the February portion of their schedule.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Welcome Lanny McDonald

2012-01-24T13:45:00.002-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are just a couple of days away from welcoming Lanny McDonald “home” for our special “Heritage Event” night January 27th, 2012 when the Lethbridge Hurricanes host the Medicine Hat Tigers.

The history of the Sugar Kings dates back to the early 1960’s when a group of Southern Alberta hockey enthusiasts were concerned with the declining caliber of hockey in Lethbridge and area. The group decided to take matters into their own hands and bring hockey back to Southern Alberta. In the decades before there was the Lethbridge Maple Leafs and the Lethbridge Native Sons. After some time and considerable debate, the Lethbridge Sugar King Hockey Club was established thanks to Syd Hall, Leo Harrold, Joe Green, Bill Nugent and several others. The Sugar Kings first year was the 1963-64 season playing in the Southern Alberta Intermediate League which consisted of the Calgary Cowboys, Calgary Buffaloes, Okotoks Oilers and Sugar Kings. In the summer of 1964, the Alberta Junior Hockey League was formed and for the next two seasons, while the AJHL continued to grow and develop, the Kings played a 16 game schedule. Since those early days, the team and league progressed and in 1966 the AJHL initiated a 32 game schedule and later expanding to 50 games.

The 1966-67 season marked the first time the Sugar Kings had a chance to participate in the playoffs for the Alberta Junior Hockey League Championship and ended up finishing in 2nd place. The following season, the AJHL expanded to a 40 game schedule and the Sugar Kings went from being operated by the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association to being operated and governed by an executive council with permanent members Carl Trentini (President), Syd Hall (Manager), Adrian Uitbeyerse (Secretary-Treasurer.) The team finished a disappointing 3rd and lost out to Red Deer in the Semi-finals.

The 1968-69 season was the Sugar Kings most productive – capturing first place honors with a 13 and 3 record, but narrowly missing out on a trip to the Western Finals with a loss to Regina. In the 1969-70 season the Sugar Kings who were the defending AJHL Champions were comprised mostly of first year players (having only seven returnees) from the Championship team. One of those first year players was Lanny McDonald who had 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) to go along with 19 PIM’s in 34 games. During the 1970-71 season, the Sugar Kings lost the Alberta Finals to the Red Deer Rustlers. Fire also destroyed the place they called home. On March 12th, 1971 the 50-year old Lethbridge Arena burned to the ground and with it went a lifetime of memories and hockey history. The season moved forward and second-year Centre Lanny McDonald had a breakout year finishing first in team scoring with 37 goals and 45 assists in 45 games. McDonald was named the AJHL’s Most Valuable Player for this year, and he also won the Alex Bennie Memorial Trophy as the Kings MVP.

In getting a chance to return home to celebrate and honor the Sugar Kings, McDonald says “Lethbridge was a huge part of my hockey memories, and wouldn't miss this. Hope the plans are coming together...I look forward to seeing everyone again.”

John Davidson joined the Sugar Kings as rookie in the 1970-71 season and in 46 games posted a 3.09 GAA with 3 shutouts. He won the Lethbridge Herald trophy as the Sugar Kings Rookie of the Year as well as the AJHL’s Rookie of the Year award. Davidson, while only playing one year in Lethbridge still has fond memories as a member of the Sugar Kings and told us he “wished he could be here for the event – but I’m busy with the All Star Game in Ottawa. Good luck to the Hurricanes on this special night.”

Thursday, January 26th is our 7th annual Celebrity Sports dinner. Those in attendance will be entertained by Clark Robertson (a Don Cherry impersonator) and there’s also a live auction planned for the evening along with Lanny McDonald. In honoring the Sugar Kings on Friday, pregame festivities with a ceremonial puck drop featuring members of the Sugar Kings will also take place.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes This Week

2012-01-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it's certainly nice to be back in southern Alberta!

After a long 10 day road trip to BC which ended up being a bit a bit longer because of bad weather on the way back on Friday night, the Hurricanes will settle back into the ENMAX Centre for 3 games in 4 nights this week.

The Hurricanes went 2-3 on this latest trip to BC, with back-to-back losses in Prince George, a win in Vancouver, loss in Kamloops, and a victory in Kelowna. The Canes felt they should've been able to come back with at least three wins, as they look back to those two games in PG as ones that got away.

Lethbridge sits with 37 points after 49 games. They still have a good shot at catching Swift Current and Red Deer in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing those two teams by 4 points and 8 points respectively. The Hurricanes are still 11 points out of the last playoff position.

Coming up this week, the Hurricanes will host Kootenay on Wednesday, Medicine Hat is in town Friday, and on Saturday the Prince Albert Raiders make their first of two visits to Lethbridge. These three games will close out the January portion of the Hurricanes schedule. They'll hit the road again next week for three games in Swift Current (Feb. 1), Brandon (Feb. 3), and Regina (Feb. 4).

SUGAR KINGS JERSEY AUCTION

As of Noon today, fans can log onto www.hurricanesauction.com. and bid of the replica Lethbridge Sugar Kings jerseys. The Hurricanes will wear those jerseys for one game coming up this Friday night in honour of the Sugar Kings who played back in the 1960's and 70's. The Kings won the Alberta Junior League Championship in 1968-69.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Fred and I are back LIVE tonight from Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South for our next edition of Hurricanes This Week. On the program, Hurricanes Head Coach and GM Rich Preston for the first half hour and Jeff Holick, the radio voice of the Kootenay ICE. It all gets started at 6:00 pm (MST) on CJOC.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Down Rockets 6-3 in Kelowna

2012-01-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

KELOWNA, BC - Three goals by the Hurricanes in the first 5 minutes of the second period was the difference, as Lethbridge beat the Rockets 6-3 in Kelowna Friday night.

It was no doubt the Hurricanes best period of hockey on this BC road trip, maybe their best opening period on the road this season. The Hurricanes had several good scoring chances and got the first and only goal of the period. Off a face-off, Russ Maxwell flipped a backhand pass toward the goal and it was picked up and rifled off the post by Sam McKechnie to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. It was McKechnie's 7th goal of the season. Liam Liston was great in the opening period. He only faced 8 shots, but the Rockets had three very solid chances, all stopped by Liston. On the other side, Kelowna's goalie, Jordan Cooke was busy and made some key stops for his club, to keep it a one goal game. Lethbridge took that 1-0 lead into the dressing room
after 20 minutes. They also out shot the Rockets 18-8.

In the second, the Hurricanes blew the game wide open with 3 goals in a span 4:13 to start the period. Brody Sutter scored two of those just over a minute apart, his 19th and 20th goals of the season. Shortly after that Sutter would add the assist as Brady Ramsey notched his 18th of the year on the power play. That made it 4-0 Hurricanes. After that goal, the Rockets would make a goaltending change. Jordan Cooke was out and Adam Brown in for the rest of the game. Lethbridge kept the offence rolling, because the first shot the Hurricanes fired at Brown went in . Phil Tot put a wrist shot off the post and by Brown to make it 5-0 Lethbridge. That was Tot's 9th of the season. As the period moved along, Kelowna finally found a way to get a few puck past Liam Liston. Jesse Lees's point shot beat Liston on a Rockets' power play to cut the Hurricanes lead to 5-1 and then with less than a minute left, Colten Scissions put a backhander by Liston to cut the Lethbridge lead to 5-2 after 40 minutes. The Hurricanes held the edge in shots 32-20.

In the third, the Rockets would come up with a much better effort in the period and in the late stages, they would score to cut the lead to 5-3 for the Hurricanes. Tyrell Goulbourne put a shot by Liston to cut the Hurricanes lead to 5-3, but with the goalie pulled in the final seconds of the game, Graham Hood tapped the puck into an empty net for his 9th of the season and that sealed it up as the Hurricanes skated away with a 6-3 victory. Lethbridge out shot 42-29 in this game. The Hurricanes finished the night 1/4 on the power play and Kelowna went 1/6.

The Hurricanes played an extremely good 60 minutes from start to finish in this game and outworked the Rockets. Brody Sutter was a monster and probably the best player on the ice. He was given the game's first Liam Liston started in goal for the Hurricanes in Kelowna, his second start on this road swing and was excellent again between the pipes. Albin Blomqvist sat out his second straight game for Lethbridge after he was slightly injured in Vancouver earlier this week.

The Hurricanes now played 49 games this season and are closing in on the 3/4 point in their schedule. In fact as of Friday night, no team in the Western Hockey League had played more games to this point than Lethbridge. They currently sit with a record of 18-30-0-1 for 37 points. Last season (2010-2011) the Hurricanes finished with 23 wins and 59 points total.

NEXT UP

After 10 days of travel through BC, the Hurricanes will be at home for the next week, with three games in four nights at the ENMAX Centre. The Canes will host the Kootenay ICE Wednesday (Jan. 25), Medicine Hat Friday (Jan. 27), and Prince Albert Saturday (Jan. 29). Given the fact Lethbridge has been a pretty consistent team at home, with a record of 12-12, they were certainly be happy to be back in some friendly and familiar surroundings. The Hurricanes next road game isn't till February 1st in Swift Current.

YOUTH WINTER OLYMPICS UPDATE

Lethbridge Hurricanes Prospects Reid Duke and Ryan Pilon were held off the scoresheet as Team Canada lost 2-1 to Finland at the Winter Youth Olympic Games being held in Austria. With the semi-final loss to the Finns, Canada will have to play for the bronze medal. Duke has 4 points (3G 1A) and Pilon 3 poionts (2G 1A) at the Games.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes in Kelowna Tonight

2012-01-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

KELOWNA, BC - The Lethbridge Hurricanes play their final game of this 5 game BC road trip tonight against the Kelowna Rockets.

This will be the second of three meetings between these teams this year. The Rockets won the first match-up last month 5-2 here in Kelowna. These teams will meet once last time after tonight coming up in February at the ENMAX Centre. Lethbridge will be looking to rebound after losing 3-0 in Kamloops two nights ago. With only one victory on this road swing, the Hurricanes are looking to come back to southern Alberta on a positive note.

Jay Merkley and Nick Buonassisi have the hot hands for the Hurricanes as of late. Merkley has three goals in his last three games and Buonassisi with 5 points in his last 7 games. Liam Liston who played very well in Vancouver earlier this week and earned the victory in goal for the Canes in that game, will likely get the call in this game in Kelowna. Right now Captain Brody Sutter leads the Hurricanes with 37 points in 44 games and also leads the team with 18 goals.

Following this long BC road trip, the Hurricanes will head straight home after this game in Kelowna and get a few days off before their next action, set for Wednesday at home against the Kootenay ICE. It'll be the first of three games in four nights at the ENMAX Centre for the Hurricanes.

Tonight's game from Kelowna starts at 8:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30.

Thanks,
Pat

Blazers Blank Hurricanes 3-0 in Kamloops

2012-01-18T22:39:00.001-07:00

KAMLOOPS, BC - Cole Cheveldave stopped all 24 shots he faced as the Hurricanes were shut out 3-0 by the Kamloops Blazers.

A solid start to this game for Lethbridge, but it would be the Blazers who would strike first. Damien Ketlo came out to play the puck, it went off his stick and out in front of the Hurricanes goal where it was tapped in off a rebound by Brendan Ranford. That good bounce gave the Blazers a 1-0 lead. Lethbridge had some good chances to score in that opening period, but couldn't find a way to get the puck by Blazers' rookie goaltender Cole Cheveldave. Kamloops held the edge iin shots 12-8.

In the second, the Blazers would extend their lead by a two. Chase Souto got his stick on a point shot, deflecting the puck between Ketlo's legs, giving Kamloops a 2-0 lead. The Blazers would get one more before the period came to an end. Tim Bozon took a nice feed at the side of the Hurricanes goal and buried his 23rd of the season to make it 3-0 Blazers. For the second straight period, the Canes were unable to score and the Blazers would take that three goal lead into the dressing room after 40 minutes. Lethbridge didn't register it's first shot until the 13 minute mark of the period. Kamloops held the edge in shots 26-16 after two periods.

In the third, neither team was able to score. The Hurricanes again, took more than 10 minutes of the period to register their first shot goal. They had a few good chances after that, but Cole Cheveldave would shut the door as the Blazers blanked the Hurricanes 3-0. It was the rookie goaltender's 4th shut out of the year for Kamloops. The Blazers won their 7th game in a row. The loss dropped the Hurricanes record to 17-30-0-1 on the season. Kamloops out shot the Hurricanes 35-24. The Canes went 0/3 on the power play while Blazers finished the night 0/5.

Assisitant Coach Chisamore said on the CJOC post game that not getting a shot on goal until half way through a period is unacceptable and the Hurricanes have to find a way to generate more shots and get more traffic in front of opponents goals.

The Hurricanes played with out defenceman Albin Blomqvist Wednesday in Kamloops. He got his bell rung in Vancouver on Tuesday and will sit out the next few games as a precaution. Head Coach and GM Rich Preston says Blomqvist should be ready to go again next week.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will close out this BC road trip Friday (Jan. 20) when they play the Rockets in Kelowna for the second time this season. Lethbridge lost there a month ago and will be looking to return the favour in that Okanagan city this weekend. Game time is 8:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30. The Canes return home next week for three games in four nights at the ENMAX Centre starting with Kootenay Wednesday (Jan. 25) , Medicine Hat Friday (Jan. 27), and Prince Albert Saturday (Jan. 28)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Double Up Giants 6-3.

2012-01-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

VANCOUVER, BC - The line of Phil Tot, Jay Merkley, and Nick Buonassisi combined for 10 points as the Hurricanes beat the Giants 6-3 in Vancouver Tuesday night.

The Hurricanes got off to a quick start in Vancouver Tuesday night. Just under 3 minutes into the game, Jay Merkley fired home his 9th goal of season. That gave Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. The Canes nearly made it 2-0 when Russ Maxwell rang one off the goal post, but the Giants took the puck and came back the other way to score the equalizer. Jordan Martinook's shot beat Liam Liston in the Hurricanes goal, tying things up at 1-1. Four minutes later, Lethbridge regained it's one goal lead when Nick Buonassisi took a nice feed from Phil Tot and tapped home his 12th of the season to give the Canes a 2-1 lead. Lethbridge nearly went up by a pair when Landon Oslanski hit the goal post on a dump-in from centre ice. Vancouver though would even the score again before the period would come to a close. Riley Kieser tipped in a Blake Orban point shot, beating Liston between the legs and the game would sit at 2-2 through 20 minutes. Vancouver out shot the Hurricanes 18-15 in what was a pretty wide open period of hockey.

In the second, the Hurricanes would regain their one goal lead late in the period, when Jay Merkley continued his strong play, scoring his second of the night on a power play. That was his 10th of the season and gave Lethbridge a 3-2 lead. Phil Tot added his 3rd assist of the game on that goal. That lead would hold up through 40 minutes. The shots were close, 27-25 Giants.

In the third, the Giants would tie things up early. Just 22 seconds into the period, Marek Tvrdon tapped the puck by Liam Liston on a power play. That tied things up at 3-3. Just 58 seconds later though, the Lethbridge would get that back. Jaimen Yakubowski snapped a shot by Jackson Whistle to give the Hurricanes a 4-3 lead. That goal was reviewed, but it stood up. The Hurricanes weren't done there. Phil Tot scored on a power play for his 7th of the season to make the score 5-3 for Lethbridge and then with two seconds to go in the game, Tot would get one more into an empty net to make it 6-3. He finished off with a 5 point night and the game's first star. Lethbridge was out shot 41-36 on the night. The power plays were a big factor. Lethbridge went 2/3 and the Giants 1/3. The win improved their record to 17-29-0-1.

Jay Merkley was outstanding in this game for Lethbridge and in my opinion, his best game of the season so far. He was all over the ice and was rewarded with plenty of ice time. That's 3 goals in his last 2 games for Merkley, who certainly looks to be finding a comfort zone on this team. Tot had a huge game and so did Buonassisi. Tot had a career game with 5 points and Buonassisi added 3 points too. That entire line was the difference. Liam Liston started his first game in for the Lethbridge Hurricanes since December 9th. Damien Ketlo had started 13 straight for the Canes prior to Tuesday's game in Vancouver.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will play the Blazers in Kamloops Wednesday (Jan. 18). This will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams. Kamloops won the only other meeting in Lethbridge earlier in the year. The Blazers are probably the WHL's most improved team from year to year, having just missed making the post season in 2010-2011, to pushing for top spot overall this season. This will certainly be a huge test for Lethbridge, against one of the best in the west. This is also the Hurricanes 4th game of this 5 game BC road trip. They'll close out this swing Friday (Jan. 20) in Kelowna against the Rockets. Game time from Kamloops is 8:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Update From Youth Winter Olympics

2012-01-17T11:02:00.001-07:00

Lethbridge Hurricanes 2011 1st round draft pick (5th overall) Reid Duke (Calgary, Alta./Calgary Royals, AMHL) scored twice and 13 of Canada’s 15 skaters had at least one point as the Canadians blanked host Austria 9-0 Tuesday at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games. The win clinches a semifinal spot for Canada and eliminates the Austrians from final-four contention.

“Good win today, we just need to keep going with our game the rest of the way,” Canadian Defenceman Ryan Pilon (Duck Lake, Sask./Beardy’s, SMAAAHL) said to iihf.com. “We came out strong from the wins today and against the States and we want to carry it over against Finland next.”

Adam Brooks, Ryan Burton, Ryan Gropp and Eric Cornel had first-period goals as Canada scored on its first two shots to take an early lead. Reid Gardiner and Garrett James added second period goals before Pilon and Duke, with his pair, rounded out the scoring in the third.

Brycen Martin finished with three assists, joining Gropp, who had a goal and two helpers, as Canada’s leading scorers in the game. Only captain Joe Hicketts and blue-liner Brendan Nickerson failed to put their names on the scoresheet. Sam Walsh made 16 saves for the shutout as Canada outshot Austria 44-16.

Canada wraps up the preliminary round on Wednesday against Finland (4:45 a.m. local time) ahead of Friday’s semifinals.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes This Week

2012-01-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

VANCOUVER, BC - After a 10 hour bus ride from Prince George on Sunday, the Lethbridge Hurricanes have settled in to Vancouver for a couple of days.

The Canes will take on the Giants here Tuesday night at 8:00 MST in the second and final meeting of the season between the two teams. Lethbridge dropped both it's game on the weekend in PG, losing 6-3 on Friday and then falling 4-2 Saturday night in the rematch. The Hurricanes pounded a total of 93 on the Cougars goal in those two games, but had nothing to show for it in the win column.

The Hurricanes are nearing the 3/4 point in this WHL season. Through 46 games, they sit with a record of 16-29-0-1. They are 12-12 at home, but the road is where things have been the difference. Away from Lethbridge, the Canes are just 4-17-0-1. One of those 4 road victories came right here in Vancouver a month ago. The Hurricanes have lost 3 straight going into Tuesday's match up with the Giants. They'll be looking for their first win on this 5 game B.C. road trip before heading to Kamloops Wednesday and Kelowna Friday. The Hurricanes will practice here today at Pacific Coliseum before having the rest of the day to relax and prepare for tomorrow's game.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Our weekly Hurricanes radio show is back on the air tonight on CJOC. With me being away on the road with the team, Fred Jack will be in studio to host the program this evening along with Darrell Romuld from CTV Lethbridge. I'll chime in for a bit on the program from Vancouver and Hurricanes Business Manager Jim Bradley will drop by for a chat as well. The show airs at 6:00 pm MST on CJOC. Fred and I will be back LIVE at Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South Next Monday evening, January 23.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Lose 4-2 in Prince George

2012-01-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

PRINCE GEORGE, BC - Three goals on 7 shots in the third period blew the game open as the Prince George Cougars beat the Lethbridge Hurricanes 4-2 Saturday night at the CN Centre.

It wasn't as quick a start for the Hurricanes in the remtach against the Cougars. The game stayed scoreless until the late stages of the period, when Daulton Siwak lifted the puck over Damien Ketlo, giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead. Lethbridge had some great scoring chances in the opening 20 minutes, but Drew Owsley was solid in goal for PG, as the Canes out shot the Cougars 13-9.

In the second, the Hurricanes would press to get the tying goal, but just like the first period, they couldn't find a way to get the puck by Drew Owsley. The PG goaltender skunked the Hurricanes for a second straight period. At the other end, it was a good period for Lethbridge goal Damien Ketlo. He stopped at 11 shots he faced to keep the score 1-0 Prince George after 40 minutes. The Hurricanes held a slight edge in shots, 23-20.

In the third, the Hurricanes would finally tie the game with Brady Ramsey scoring his 16th of the season. That evened things up early at 1-1, but after that it was all Prince George. The Cougars would score three goals, one of those on the power play to jump ahead 4-1. Jordan Tkatch, Jesse Forsberg, and Jake Mykitiuk all scored for Prince George, with two of those goals just over a minute apart. That was the difference. In fact, PG scored 3 goals on just 7 shots in the 3rd period. Lethbridge scored one more before the game ended, when Jay Merkley notched his 8th of season on the power play with less than a minute left to cut the lead to 4-2 and that's the way the game would end. Lethbridge out shot the Cougars 41-27, but Drew Owsley was very good in the Cougars' goal in this one as was given the first star in the game. Prince George went 1/5 on the power play and Lethbridge finished the night 1/2. The loss dropped the Canes road record to 4-17-0-1.

Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore wasn't happy on the CJOC post game show saying it's frustrating to come all this way, hammer nearly 100 shots combined in two games at the Cougars goal and have nothing to show for it. He's hoping for a better result next week in Vancouver.

The Hurricanes played without the services of Graham Hood Saturday night. Hood has had an elbow problem for the last few weeks and sat out the second game in PG. Damien Ketlo, despite being pulled during Friday's 6-3 to the Cougars, started his 13th straight game in goal for Lethbridge Saturday night.

Congratulations to former Hurricanes Captain Cam Braes who scored his 100th career WHL goal Saturday for the Moose Jaw Warriors in Medicine Hat. Braes also recorded one assist, but the Warriors lost 6-3 to the Tigers.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will have the next two days off as they make their way to the lower mainland for the next leg of this BC road trip. They'll settle in for a couple of days in Vancouver and will play the Giants there on Tuesday night (Jan. 17). The Canes beat the Giants at Pacific Coliseum a month ago, ending a 7 year winless drought against Vancouver. They'll be looking to make it two for two against the Giants this season. Game time is 8:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30. Lethbridge will then head to Kamloops Wednesday (Jan. 18) and Kelowna Friday (Jan. 20) before returning to southern Alberta.

Thanks,
Pat

Cougars Double Up Hurricanes 6-3

2012-01-13T22:46:00.001-07:00

PRINCE GEORGE, BC - Three goals in a span of over just over three minutes in the first period lifted the cougars to a 6-3 victory over the Hurricanes Friday night in P.G.

An excellent start for the Hurricanes in this game. They were all over the Cougars in the early part of the first period and got on the scoreboard early. Craig Leverton hammered home his 2nd goal of the season less than 3 minutes in to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. The Hurricanes were all over PG, having out shot the Cougars 12-2 at one point in the opening period. That didn't last long. Prince George came back with three goals in roughly three minutes, two on the power play. Jesse Forsberg tapped home the puck by Damien Ketlo, who made his 12 consecutive start in goal for the Hurricanes to even the score at 1-1. That goal was scored on the man advantage. Just over a minute later, the Cougars would go ahead 2-1 when Jordan Tkatch knocked the puck behind Ketlo. Then a minute after that, another power play goal for PG when Cody Carlson hammered a point shot by Ketlo and just like that, The Cougars had jumped into a two goal lead after 20 minutes. Drew Owsley was busy in the Prince George goal, as the Canes out shot the Cougars 21-16.

In the second, Lethbridge would get to within one, when Brody Sutter blasted a shot by Owsley on the power play to make it a 3-2 game in favour of PG. The Cougars though would get that one back quickly. Just 12 seconds later, right off the draw at centre ice, Daulton Siwak fired the puck by Ketlo to make it 4-2 PG. Two minutes after that, the Cougars would get another one. Cody Carlson's wrist shot went off a Lethbridge defender and past Ketlo to give the home side a 5-2 lead. That was it for Damien Ketlo is goal. He was pulled in favour of Liam Liston for the rest of the night. Lethbridge got one more before the period ended, when Brady Ramsey backhanded home his 15th of the season to cut the Prince George lead to 5-3 after 40 minutes of play. Lethbridge kept pounding pucks at Drew Owsley in that PG goal. The Hurricanes held the edge in shots 40-27 through two periods of play.

In the third, the Cougars would make it 6-3 when Greg Fraser tapped the puck by Liam Liston. That would widen the Prince George lead by three. Unfortunately for Lethbridge, that would be as close as they would get. The Hurricanes pounded over 50 shots on Drew Owsley in the Prince Goerge goal, as he was key in this victory for the Cougars. Lethrbidge out shot PG 52-40 on the night. Penalties were a big problem for Lethbridge in this one. PG finished the game 3 for 10 on the power play and the Hurricanes went 1 for 4. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post game show that the Canes need to be more disciplined and can't be giving other teams 10 power plays and expect to win a game. The loss drops the Hurricanes overall record to 16-28-0-1 in 45 games this season.

AUSTIN FYTEN A VANCOUVER GIANT

The Vancouver Giants acquired the rights to 20 year old forward Austin Fyten earlier in the week. The Hurricanes had to drop Fyten off their reoster on Sunday, prior to the trade deadline, because at that time they had 4 overage players listed (Fyten, Braes, Ketlo, Sutter). The Giants picked up his rights and according to Gregg Drinnan of the Kamloops Daily News, the Giants are flying Fyten out to the west coast so he can be assessed by team doctors. Fyten was badly injured in the pre-season, when he suffered a knee injury during a game in Taber. He underwent surgery a few months ago and is still taking rehab. It's not know when or if Fyten will play again this season.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will play the second of back-to-back games against the Cougars in Prince George Saturday night (Jan. 14). After that, the team heads all the way down to Vancouver where they will play the Giants on Tuesday night (Jan. 17). Game time from PG Saturday is 8:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Paying Tribute to Lethbridge Sugar Kings

2012-01-13T16:05:00.007-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are proud to welcome Lanny McDonald “home” for our special “Heritage Event” night January 27th, 2012 when the Lethbridge Hurricanes host the Medicine Hat Tigers.

The Lethbridge Sugar Kings were a founding Member of the Alberta Junior A Hockey League team and Lanny McDonald was part of the Sugar Kings team for two seasons. In the 1969-70 season the Sugar Kings who were the defending AJHL Champions were comprised mostly of first year players (having only seven returnees) from the Championship team. One of those first year players was Lanny McDonald who had 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) to go along with 19 PIM’s in 34 games.

(Hurricanes sporting the Sugar Kings jerseys with former team members)

In the 1970-71 season the Sugar Kings lost the Alberta Finals to the Red Deer Rustlers. Fire also destroyed the place they called home. On March 12th, 1971 the 50-year old Lethbridge Arena burned to the ground and with it went a lifetime of memories and hockey history. The season moved forward and second-year Centre Lanny McDonald who dealt with injuries his rookie season had a breakout year. McDonald finished first in team scoring with 37 goals and 45 assists in 45 games and he added 56 penalty minutes during the regular season. McDonald was named the AJHL’s Most Valuable Player for this year, and he also won the Alex Bennie Memorial Trophy as the Kings MVP.

Thursday, January 26th is the Hurricanes 7th annual Celebrity Sports dinner. Those in attendance will be entertained by Clark Robertson (a Don Cherry impersonator) and there will also be a live auction planned for the evening.

Some of the live auction items include:

Gordie Howe Detroit Red Wing autographed jersey

Brent Seabrook Team Canada autographed jersey

Luca Sbisa Anaheim Ducks autographed jersey

Joe Sakic Colorado Avalanche autographed jersey

Evgeni Malkin Pittsburgh Penguin autographed jersey

Trip to New York

Sonoma VIP Wine Experience

Napa Valley Wine Country VIP Tour

Sports Fan Getaway

On game day, Friday, January 27th a pregame ceremony is planned to honour the Sugar Kings and that will be followed by a ceremonial puck drop.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes at Prince George Tonight

2012-01-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

PRINCE GEORGE, BC - The Lethbridge Hurricanes take on Prince George tonight in the first of back-to-back games between these two teams this weekend.

Both clubs are near the bottom of the standings in their respective conferences. Lethbridge is 16-27-0-1 and 11th place in the Eastern Conference and Prince George is 13-26-0-2 and 9th in the West. The Cougars have just 3 wins in their last 10 games and have lost 5 in a row, while the Hurricanes are 5-5 in their last 10.

This game will mark the return of Hurricanes forward Nick Buonassisi to PG for the first time since getting traded to Lethbridge back in October. This will also be the first game for Reid Jackson against his old team, who the Canes traded to Prince George in that same deal.

In the two games these two teams played against each other last year, the Hurricanes and Cougars split the two-game set, with Lethbridge winning 4-1 and then losing 7-2 to PG the following game. This is also the Hurricanes first trip up to Northern B.C. in two seasons.

Yesterday was a big day for the Canes as they officially named Brody Sutter as the team's 21st Captain in Hurricanes history. Sutter welcomes the challenge and told me Thursday that he's very excited and honoured to be following in the footsteps of his good friend Cam Braes. He hopes to continue providing the younger players with leadership for the rest of this season.

Tonight will officially mark the post-Cam Braes era for the Hurricanes. This will be their first game after Braes was traded to Moose Jaw on Monday. There's no question the Hurricanes will be leaning on Brody Sutter, who now leads the Hurricanes is scoring with 36 points in 40 games. He will certainly be the go-to guy offensively for Lethbridge. Sutter is currently on a four game point scoring streak. Not only that, but some of the other verterans like Graham Hood, Dan Johnston, Damien Ketlo and Nick Buonassisi will be heavily relied upon to provide leadership to the younger Hurricanes players.

Game time tonight from the CN Centre in Prince George is 8:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30. These two teams will play again tomorrow here in P.G.

Thanks,
Pat

Brody Sutter Named New Hurricanes Captain

2012-01-12T15:16:00.011-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes were proud to announce this afternoon that veteran forward Brody Sutter has been named the 21st Captain in Lethbridge Hurricanes history. Sutter follows former Captain Cam Braes who was dealt to Moose Jaw just before the trade deadline earlier this week.

Sutter currently leads the team in points (36) goals (17) and assists (19) and for the first time this year he was named an Alternate Captain with the team. Sutter began his WHL career in 2008-2009 as a member of the Saskatoon Blades, but a nerve injury in his shoulder, cost him several games at the start of the season. That year, Sutter came to Lethbridge near the WHL trade deadline in exchange for a 5th round pick in the Bantam Draft and played 30 games for the Canes registering 7 points. The following year, Sutter played all 72 games with 14 points. He followed that up with his best season with 42 points (18G, 24A) in 46 games and he’s set to break that mark easily this season. The Calgarian has already surpassed two milestones this season – 200 WHL games played (December 27th vs. the Kootenay Ice) and 100 points for his WHL career (January 6th vs. Medicine Hat)

The 20-year old is the tenth player of the famed Sutter family to make his way through the WHL, and was considered a diamond-in-the-rough by Saskatoon when he was listed by the Blades in 2007. Brody is the son of former Lethbridge Bronco and NHL journeyman Duane Sutter and wears the number 19, the same number his father wore while playing junior hockey in Lethbridge.

I spoke with Brody Sutter after the Hurricanes practiced today in Prince George to get his feelings on being named the Captain:

Brody Sutter by Pat Siedlecki

Rich Preston commented to me as well:

Rich Preston Comments on his new Captain by Pat Siedlecki

Hurricanes Captains:

1987-1988 – Kevin Heise
1988-1990 – Peter Berthelson
1990-1991 – Brad Rubachuk
1991-1993 – Jamie Pushor
1993-1994 – Shane Peacock
1994-1995 – Scott Townsend
1995-1996 – Randy Perry
1996-1997 – Dale Purinton
1997-1998 – Luc Theoret
1998-1999 – Sean Robertson
1999-2000 – Jason Hegberg
2000-2001 – Thomas Scantlebury
2001-2002 – Ryley Layden
2002-2005 – Brent Seabrook
2005-2006 – Mark Ashton
2006-2007 – Kris Hogg
2007-2009 – Ben Wright
2009-2010 – Carter Bancks
2010-2011 – Mike Reddington
2011-2012 – Cam Braes
2011-2012 – Brody Sutter

Thanks,
Pat

Pilon and Duke Heading to Youth Winter Olympics

2012-01-12T13:25:00.002-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes top two Bantam Draft picks from this year are wearing the Maple Leaf at the 1st ever Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria. Defenceman Ryan Pilon (1st round pick, 3rd overall) and Reid Duke (1st round, 5th overall) were named to the 17 player roster for Team Canada.

Duke has been called up to play 7 games with the Hurricanes this season, registering 5 points (2G, 3A.) With his team the Calgary Royals, of the AMHL, Duke has 24 points (9G, 15A) in 22 games. Pilon has played 1 game with the Canes this season and with the Beardy’s Blackhawks of the Saskatchewan Midget Triple A Hockey League, he has 14 points (5G, 9A) in 21 games.

Hockey Canada announced the 17 men’s 1996-born hockey players that were chosen by the Canadian Olympic Committee to represent Canada at the 2012 Youth Olympics back in October. The games take place between January 13th and 22nd with the men’s hockey event featuring five countries – Canada, Austria, Finland, Russia and the United States. Canada opens up the games Friday, January 13th against Russia.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

G.M. Rich Preston Talks About Trade Deadline

2012-01-10T18:13:00.003-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes remained quiet as the WHL's trade deadline came and went on Tuesday afternoon.

A day after he sent Cam Braes to Moose Jaw for a 1st round pick in 2012 and a second rounder in 2013, Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston decided to stick with the team he has for the rest of the season, electing not to make any furthur moves. He met the Lethbridge media shortly after the deadline passed and had this to say:

"Well, I wouldn't say we stood pat. Nothing really appealed to the organization. You don't make a deal for the sake of making a deal. We've still got a lot of young players on our team and we need leadership. A lot of teams are vulchers trying to pick over and steal players and that wasn't going to happen. I'm not disappointed. Monday was a tough day, trading Cam, but I think we got a real good return. You look at our team, we have a pretty good and competitive team. You take one guy out of the line up (Braes) and that means some other guys are going to get more ice time, so that will be good for them. We have 12 healthy forwards. We can't just simply keeping dealing for draft picks, we have to bring players in. We still have 28 games to play and we have to be competitive. Like I said before, I'm not going to trade players just to trade them. That doesn't make any sense. You need leadership, you have to win games and that's the way we look at it. When it comes to trading 20 year olds, a lot of teams are happy with what they have and it's pretty limited to how many teams are actually interested. There was definitely interest (in Brody Sutter), but it's pretty tough to trade both Brody and Cam, our top two centremen. You take those guys out and we have two 16 year old and two 17 year old centremen to play 28 games in this league. That's tough. There had to be a deal that made sense, there wasn't one. We would've had to bring in a player and it would've had to be a pretty good player as well. It could just be a pick in return. There was nothing for us to jump up and down about."

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Deliver Toys to C.R.H.

2012-01-10T09:53:00.002-07:00

A few weeks after holding their 16th annual Global TV/Canadian Tire Teddy Bear Toss night on December 17th, a number of Lethbridge Hurricanes players visited the Pediatrics Ward at Chinook Regional Hospital chatting with some young kids and delivering bears.

The players met one teen, Bridger, and he had the opportunity to talk with the players and ask them questions as well as receive a teddy bear. Landon Oslanski also had a chance to visit with one mother and her infant.

The Hurricanes collected 2,928 bears on their teddy bear night – an increase of 540 over last year. Along with the bears going to sick kids at Chinook Regional Hospital, bears were also distributed to the Interfaith Food Bank, Piikani Youth Centre, RCMP Victim Services Unit, the Salvation Army, Streets Alive, and 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union on behalf of Lethbridge Family Services Angel Tree for Kids.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes thank all the fans who generously donated bears to this worthy cause.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Deal Captain Cam to Moose Jaw

2012-01-09T13:15:00.005-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes announced today they have traded 20 year old Captain, Cam Braes to Moose Jaw for the Warriors 1st round Bantam draft pick in 2012 and a 2nd rounder in 2013.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes selected Braes in the 3rd round (48th overall) in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft and he’s a talent that was drafted, developed and brought up through the Hurricanes system. In his rookie season in 2007-08, he finished with 19 points (11G, 8A) and for the next three seasons he surpassed his point total from the previous years’ finishing 2008-09 with 25 points in 65 games and he was named winner of the Hurricanes Hardest Working Award. A 53 point campaign in 2009-10, he also tallied his first WHL Hat Trick on October 3rd in the Canes 9-2 win over the Prince George Cougars. He was named one of the 4 alternate Captains that season and also won the 3 Stars Award. Named an alternate Captain again last year, he posted a career high in goals (31), assists (30) and points and each year in the WHL he’s continued to establish himself as an elite WHL forward.

A native of Shawinigan Lake, BC Braes was named the 20th Captain in Hurricanes history this year and he has lived up to the role and exceeded it as a leader on the ice, in the dressing room and in the community. He takes his role seriously and with nine rookies in the lineup this year he has been a mentor among his teammates. Braes leaves the Hurricanes with 45 points (24G, 21A) in 44 games this season and his 320 games played with the Canes is second only to Shane Peacock’s club record of 336.

Of today’s trade, Hurricanes GM and Head Coach, Rich Preston said “Cam Braes has been a tremendous player, teammate, role model and leader for the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club during his career in Lethbridge. This is a move the organization makes with deep mixed emotions; however we feel it is good for Cam in the immediate future to pursue his goals and for the organization to continue to build for the future. Cam is a first class individual and has been a strong contributor to the community and we wish him the utmost success.”

Hurricanes Call Afternoon News Conference

2012-01-09T10:04:00.003-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - The Lethbridge Hurricanes have called a news conference for this afternoon at 1 o'clock.

The organization says it's to make an "important" announcement.

Details to follow................

Thanks,
Pat

Hitmen Double Up Hurricanes 6-3

2012-01-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

CALGARY -The Hurricanes saw a 3-0 lead slip away as they fell 6-3 to the Calgary Hitmen Sunday afternoon at the Saddledome.

It was the Damien Ketlo show in the first period of this hockey game. The Lethbridge goalie was outstanding again as the Hitmen came out like a house on fire in this one. The Canes were under siege for the first 13 minutes and didn't register their first shots on goal until that point in the game. Lethbridge finally picked things up after that with a couple of minutes to go and would open the scoring when Phil Tot banked a shot off Bandon Glover's pad and in to give the Canes a 1-0 lead. That was Tot's 6th goal of the season. The Hurricanes took that lead into the dressing room after 20 minutes of play. Calgary held the edge in shots 14-8

It appeared that late goal gave the Hurricanes some added life because in the second they would get two more. Landon Oslanski banged home the loose puck after a scramble in front of the Hitmen goal early in the period. That was his 6th of the season and made it 2-0 Lethbridge. Three minutes after that, the Hurricanes would jump ahead 3-0. Nick Bounassisi banked a backhander off a Calgary defenceman and by Glover to give Lethbridge a power play goal and increase their lead to 3-0. The Hitmen though would battle back to make things interesting with a pair of late goals to cut the Canes lead to just one. Brady Brassart had the puck go off his leg and in, beating Ketlo on the power play to make it a 3-1 game in favour of the Lethbridge and then with just 17 seconds remaining, Calgary's Victor Rask knocked the puck out of mid air, beating Ketlo to make it 3-2 Lethbridge after 40 minutes. Those would be key goals. Calgary held the edge in shots 28-20.

In the third, the Hitmen would press to find the equalizer and they would get it and more. Just after a Lethbridge penalty had expired, Chase Clayton took a pass at the side of the Hurricanes goal and scored to even things up at 3-3. Then a few minutes later, after another Lethbridge penalty finished up, Calgary would take the lead for the first time. Brady Brassart scored his second of the afternoon on the power play to give Calgary 4-3 lead. They weren't done there either. Calgary would add two more before the game would end. Brooks Macek and Jimmy Bubnick both found the back of the net to seal the deal and in the end the final score would favour the Hitmen 6-3. Calgary would score 6 straight to erase a 3-0 deficit in this one. It was also the 5th straight win for Calgary. Damien Ketlo was busy in goal as the Hitmen out shot Lethbridge 47-24. The Canes went 1/4 on the power play and Calgary finished the game 1/8. The Hurricanes only have 4 wins in 20 games on the road this season. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post game show he felt the Canes were one goal away from likely putting this game out of reach when they had a 3-0 lead, but they let Calgary back in and paid the price.

Assistant GM Brad Robson was on during our second intermission to talk about the trade deadline. He said there are plenty of phone calls coming in and being made. He made it clear, any deals that do happen will be made in the best interest of the future of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The deadline is Tuesday afternoon.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will hit the road to B.C. later in the week for a 10 day trip that will take them through Prince George, Vancouver, Kamloops, and Kelowna before returning home January 25th to play Kootenay. The Canes will play the Cougars on back-to-back nights Friday (Jan 13) and Saturday (Jan. 14) in P.G. All games on this trip are 8:00 pm (MST) start times with the pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Our first Hurricanes This Week radio show in 2012 hits the airwaves Monday night (Jan. 9) on CJOC. Fred Jack and I will be back LIVE from Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South. On the program, Hurricanes rookie forward Jaimen Yakubowski, Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore, and Dan O'Connor, the radio voice of the the Prince George Cougars. The show starts at 6:00 pm (MST) on CJOC.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Beat Tigers 3-1 on Hall of Fame Night

2012-01-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Damien Ketlo was outstanding between the pipes as the Lethbridge Hurricanes scored twice on the power play and they beat Medicine Hat 3-1 at the ENMAX Centre.

An entertaining period of hockey to open this game at the ENMAX Centre Friday night between these two Highway 3 rivals. Damien Ketlo had an outstanding period of hockey, stopping all 18 shots he faced, including a breakaway from Emerson Etem. The Hurricanes had a few good chances of their own, but they couldn't find a way to get one by Tyler Bunz on the other side. Lethbridge killed off a lengthy 5-on-3 power play for the Tigers to keep the game scoreless after 20 minutes. Lethbridge was out shot 18-8.

In the second, the Hurricanes weathered the Medicine Hat storm early and then opened the scoring on a power play. Phil Tot hammered home his 5th goal of the season to break the scoreless tie and give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. Brody Sutter recorded his 100th career WHL point with an assist. The Tigers continued to press to get the equalizer, but Ketlo came away with a number of sensational saves to keep the Hurricanes in a one goal lead.

In third, the Tigers would tie things on a power play goal by Emerson Etem. He ripped a low shot by Ketlo to even the score at 1-1. A few minutes later, Lethbridge would get that one back on a man advantage of their own. Dan Johnston, in front of the Tigers goal, poked it by Bunz to give the Canes a 2-1 lead. Late in the period, the Canes would add another when Cam Braes scored his 23rd of the year just after a penalty had expired to give the Hurricanes a huge goal and a big 3-1 lead. That's the way this game would end as the Canes would beat the Tigers for the 3rd time in 5 tries this season. The victory also improves the Hurricanes to 12-12 on home ice this season. Lethbridge had an excellent 3rd period as they out shot the Tigers 14-6 and overall 37-32 on the night. The Hurricanes special teams were very special in this game. Lethbridge went 2/4 on the man advantage while the Tigers finished the night 1/6.

The Hurricanes played a very solid 60 minutes from start to finish in this game and as Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post game show one the best efforts for this team all season. Cam Braes told CJOC's Fred Jack after the game that "nothing feels better than beating your biggest rival on SHAW TV on a Friday night at home!"

The Hurricanes got back three players from the U-17's Friday. Macoy Erkamps, Craig Leverton, and Jay Merkley played their first game since just before the Christmas break. They missed five games with the Canes.

HALL OF FAME NIGHT

Prior to the drop of the puck Friday, the Hurricanes inducted Jamie Pushor, Jason Ruff, and Bob Barlett in the Hurricanes/Broncos Hall of Fame. Another great job by Dick Gibson and his Alumni Committee.

TRADE DEADLINE APPROACHING

The WHL's trade deadline is Tuesday afternoon. I spoke with Head Coach and GM Rich Preston prior to Friday's game about the deadline. He says General Managers continue to talk and the last week has been busy on the phone.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes play their next six games on the road and won't play back in Lethbridge until January 25th. On Sunday, the Canes head up to Calgary to take on the Hitmen. Game time is 2:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 1:30 After that they held to B.C. for 10 for two games against Prince George and then games in Vancouver, Kamloops, and Kelowna.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Fall 6-3 in Edmonton

2012-01-04T21:43:00.001-07:00

EDMONTON - A five goal explosion in the second period lifted the Oil Kings to a 6-3 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes Wednesday night at Rexall Place.

The Hurricanes knew they'd be in tough against the Oil Kings, a team that had a home record of 16-3 going into this game and they did a fine job weathering the storm. Edmonton came out gunning, but Damien Ketlo turned away every shot he faced. Despite being outplayed, the Canes opened the scoring mid-way through the period, when Nick Buonassisi's shot went off goaltender Laurent Brossoit and onto the stick of Cam Braes. He tapped it in for his team leading 22nd of the year to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. That held up as the only goal in the opening 20 minutes. Ketlo was great in goal as the Hurricanes were out shot 19-5.

In the second, the Oil Kings would make short order of that 1-0 Lethbridge and blew the game open with five goals. Edmonton scored two goals in 1:34, on their first two shots of the period to quickly take a 2-1 lead. First, Klarc Wilson beat Ketlo between the legs just 44 second into the period and shortly after that T.J. Foster fired a shot that beat Ketlo to give Edmonton a 2-1 lead. The Canes got that back soon after, when Reid Duke stole puck off an Oil Kings turnover and made a pretty move to beat Brossoit and tie the game at 2-2. Edmonton though would take over after that with three more goals. In final 12 minutes of the period, Cole Benson, Michael St. Croix, and Dylan Wruck all scored to give the Oil Kings a 5-2 lead through two periods.
The Hurricanes did better in the shots on goal department, but Edmonton still held the edge in shots 31-22.

In third, Liam Liston would start in goal for the Hurricanes. Liston played well in relief, but he did allow one goal. With about 7 minutes to go, Mitch Moroz sealed the game with a power play goal. That made it 6-2 Edmonton. The Hurricanes would get one more before the end when Landon Oslanski scored his 5th of the year on the power play to cut the lead to 6-3, but that's as close as the Canes would get on this night. Lethbridge was out shot 41-33. The Canes went 1/4 on the power play and Edmonton finished the game 1/2.

A milestone in this game for Cam Braes with a goal and one assist. Those two points give the Hurricanes Captain 200 in his WHL career. Both teams played a disciplined game with only a few power plays combined, but for Lethbridge it was the second period that was the difference. The loss drops the Canes overall record to 15-26-0-1. Lethbridge has been pretty much a .500 team at home with a record of 11-12, but on the road things have been different. Away from the ENAMX Centre, the Hurricanes have just 4 wins in 19 games.

The Hurricanes played with a shortened bench last night. With three players still away at the U-17's and Brady Ramsey and Spencer Galbraith out with injury, the Canes called up forwards Reid Duke and Tyler Wong to play in Edmonton. It was Duke's 7th game with the Hurricanes and Wong's 3rd this season. Jay Merkley, Craig Leverton, and Macoy Erkamps will be back in the Lethbridge line-up Friday night.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes are back home Friday night to host the Medicine Hat Tigers. This will be 5th meeting of the season between the two rivals. The Hurricanes will also hold their Alumni Induction ceremony prior to the game as the organization installs Jamie Pushor, Bob Bartlett, and Jason Ruff into the Hurricanes/Broncos Hall of Fame. Fans are asked to be in their seats by 6:45 pm for this game as the induction ceremony will begin at 6:50. This game will also be broadcast on SHAW and because it's a TV game, the ceremony has to start and be finished shortly after 7:00. This will be the Canes last home game for two weeks as they will play their next 6 straight away from the ENMAX Centre.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Final Wrap From U-17's

2012-01-03T21:52:00.002-07:00

Team Pacific and Team West played for 5th and 9th place at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Tuesday in Ontario. Team Pacific had their medal hopes dashed Monday in a loss to the USA that would have sent them to the semifinals.

Playing Quebec for 5th place, Lethbridge Hurricanes Defenceman Macoy Erkamps scored in the second period as Team Pacific had a 4-2 lead after 40 minutes, but Quebec managed to score a pair of late goals sending the game to OT. Pacific, who is coached by former Lethbridge Hurricanes Coach Michael Dyck, claimed 5th with their 5-4 win after outshooting their opponents 53-36 in the game. Erkamps finished the tournament with 3 goals and 1 assist, while Jay Merkley had 1 assist.

Earlier in the day, Team West played Germany for 9th place. Hurricanes Forward Craig Leverton scored a goal, but West lost the game 6-3. Leverton closed out the tournament with 2 goals, while Canes prospect Remi Laurencelle finished with 2 goals and an assist in the four games he played.

Erkamps, Leverton and Merkley are all expected back in the Hurricanes lineup Friday when they host Medicine Hat, while Laurencelle will return to his Winnipeg Wild teammates of the Manitoba Midget AAA Hockey League where he sits 2nd in league scoring with 49 points in 28 games.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Hammer ICE 7-2 in Lethbridge

2012-01-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Seven different players scored as the Lethbridge Hurricanes ended a three game losing skid with a convincing 7-2 win over the Kootenay ICE Monday night at the ENMAX Centre.

A strong start for the Lethbridge Hurricanes on home ice in their first game of 2012. About five minutes in Jamal Watson, fed the puck across to Reid Duke who scored his first-ever WHL goal, lifting the puck over Mackenzie Skapski to give Lethbridge a 1-0. Dan Johnston collected the puck so the 15 year old Duke could have that as a souvenir. Not too long after that, Kootenay would tie the game on a power play. Max Reinhart took a pass from behind the Hurricanes goal and buried behind Damien Ketlo to even the score at 1-1. Late in the period, Lethbridge would regain it's one goal lead when Brody Sutter scored his 17th of the season on a power play. That gave the Canes a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. The shots were even at 12-12.

In the second, the Hurricanes continued to pound pucks at the Kootenay goal with some quality scoring chances, but Skapski was able to shut the door for the first 10n minutes. The ICE would get the equalizer near the mid-way point, when Max Reinhart roofed a backhander over Ketlo for his second goal of the game. That tied things up at 2-2, eventhough the Canes had been the much better team in the first half of the period. In the last half of the period, the Hurricanes took over with three goals to jump ahead by a trio. First it was Russ Maxwell notching his 9th the season to give the Canes a 3-2 lead. Shortly after that, Phil Tot tipped a Dan Johnston point shot for his 4th of the season to the put the Hurricanes ahead 4-2. Then before the end of the period, Sam McKechnie took a long cross ice pass from Russ Maxwell for his 6th of season to extend the Lethbridge to three through 40 minutes, 5-2. The ICE held the edge in shots 26-21.

In the third, the Hurricanes would add another, when Cam Braes fired home his 21st goal of the season on a 5-on-3 power play. That gave Lethbridge a 6-2 lead and pretty much put the nail in the Kootenay coffin. The Hurricanes though would get one more before this game would come to a close. Juraj Bezuch flew down the left wing and wrapped the puck in from the back of the goal for his 4th of the season and that gave the Hurricanes a 7-2 lead and that's the way the game would end. The Hurricanes were very disciplined in this game, as that was key. The ICE went 1/5 on the man advantage. The Hurricanes went 3 for 9 with the power play. The ICE out shot Lethbridge 36-29.

The Hurricanes coaching staff rolled four lines all night long and it certainly paid off. Seven different players got goals and Dan Johnston added three helpers in the win. The victory put the breaks to a three game post-Christmas losing skid for Lethbridge. It was also their first win in five games over the Kootenay ICE this season. With the seven goals, the Canes more goals against the ICE in this one game, than what they had scored combined in the previous four, which was five.

The Hurricanes called up Reid Duke to play against the ICE. Although Duke had already played his 5th game for Lethbridge prior to Monday night, he was allowed to play his 6th because the Canes are shorthanded with players away at the U-17's. Once an underage player has played his 5th game, it's up to the league to determine, on a case by case basis if his WHL club can call him up. Merkley, Leverton, and Erkamps are expected back in the Hurricanes line-up Friday when they host Medicine Hat.

COACH PRESTON FINED

Hurricanes Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston was tagged with a $500 fined from the WHL after he was ejected late in the game during the Canes 3-2 loss in Medicine Hat December 30th. Preston had words will the officials after he wasn't happy with some of the calls or non-calls in the 3rd period.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes hit the road for their next action on Wednesday (Jan. 4) when they travel to Edmonton to take on the Oil Kings. Including that game, the Hurricanes will play 7 of their next 8 games all on the road. Game time from Rexall Place is 7:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Hurricanes Update From the U-17's

2012-01-01T21:04:00.002-07:00

Team West was hoping a new year might bring their first win of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge after a pair of 5-2 losses to Team Pacific and the Czech Republic. The West would be in tough though, facing last year’s Silver Medal winners, the USA who entered the game with a 1-1 record.

The Americans opened up the scoring on a powerplay just over 2 minutes into the game, but midway through the 1st, Team West would pull even on a powerplay of their own. Lethbridge Hurricanes prospect Remi Laurencelle scored his 2nd goal of the tournament to make it a 1-1 game, but the USA would take a 2-1 lead after the first after outshooting the West 17-7. The USA would add two more goals in the second period while the West would also score making it a 4-2 game. The West managed to cut the deficit to one in the third, but the Americans scored 3 unanswered on the way to a 7-3 win. The loss drops Team West to 0 and 3 and Monday night they’ll go in search of their first win when they play Russia. Laurencelle has 2 goals and 1 assist so far, while his teammate, Lethbridge Hurricanes Forward Craig Leverton has one goal.

Team Pacific had Sunday off but puts their perfect 3-0 record on the line Monday night when they face the USA. Canes Defenceman Macoy Erkamps has 2 goals and 1 assist while Forward Jay Merkley has registered one assist.

(Info from Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Fall 3-2 to Tigers in Medicine Hat

2011-12-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

MEDICINE HAT - Two power play goals by the Tigers and some late penalties by the Hurricanes lifted the Medicine Hat Tigers to a 3-2 victory over the Hurricanes Friday Night.

A rather quick start to this game for the Medicine Hat Tigers. Just a couple of minutes in, the Hurricanes took a penalty and the Tigers made them pay. Jayden Hart took a pass from the corner and buried it behind Damien Ketlo to give Medicine Hat a quick 1-0 lead on the power play. The Tigers continued to pour it on as the period continued, but Ketlo settled down nicely and held home side off the score sheet. Medicine Hat took that 1-0 lead into the dressing room after 20 minutes and held the edge in shots 14-9. The Canes had a few chances in that period, but just find a way to beat Tyler Bunz.

In the second, the Hurricanes came close to evening up the score on a two-man power play, but Brody Sutter rang one off the goal post and that was as close as they would get. Just after that on a 4-on-4 situation, the Tigers jumped ahead 2-0. Kale Kessey tipped the puck by Ketlo giving Medicine Hat a two goal lead. That goal didn't take the wind out of the Canes sails. Not too long after that, Lethbridge finally found it's way onto the scoreboard. Jaimen Yakubowski took a bank shot off the boards behind the Tigers goal and popped it by Bunz for his 8th of the season. That cut the Tigers lead to 2-1 after 40 minutes. The shots were dead even at 23-23 through two periods of play.

In the third, the Hurricanes continued to press to find the equalizer and came close several times, but they would again get into penalty trouble in the late stages after they received an unsportsmanlike conduct and a bench minor when Head Coach Rich Preston was ejected from the game for arguing calls with the officials. Right after that, the Tigers would score what turned out to be the game winner on a 5-on-3 power play. Curtis Valk wired a shot by Ketlo to give Medicine Hat a 3-1 lead. A minute or so later though, Lethbridge would get back to within one, when Adam Henry's point shot beat Bunz to make it a 3-2 game. That was Henry's 2nd of the year. The Canes pulled to goalie to try and tie, but it wouldn't happen on this night as they would fall 3-2. The Canes out shot the Tigers 31-28 in this one. Lethbridge went 0/4 on the power play and the Tigers finished the game 2/9. The Tigers had a total of 18 power plays in back-to-back games against Lethbridge this week. The Hurricanes have now lost three straight since coming back from the Christmas break.

The Hurricanes got one defenceman back from injury Friday, but lost another. Tyler Kizuik had missed the passed few weeks with a concussion and finally returned to the Lethbridge line-up. Spencer Galbraith is now sidelined with a concussion. He suffered the injury Thursday night and will miss the next few games.

Hurricanes Update From the U-17's

Three members of the Lethbridge Hurricanes are used to battling every night for each other, but at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Windsor, Ontario they’re forced to go head to head. Hurricanes Defenceman Macoy Erkamps and Forward Jay Merkley are suiting up for Team Pacific which is led by former Hurricanes Coach Michael Dyck, while Forward Craig Leverton and prospect Remi Laurencelle play for Team West.

The tournament kicked off Thursday with Team West playing Team Pacific in the final game of the day and Team Pacific came out on top 5-2 in the all-Canadian battle. West opened the scoring 5 minutes into the game, but Pacific would even things up after the first period thanks to Erkamps who tied it up at the 17:09 mark. Pacific added two more goals early in the second before West responded on a powerplay goal by prospect Remi Laurencelle who made it 3-2. Pacific led the game 4-2 through 40 minutes and in the final minute of the game; they added an empty netter to seal the victory.
(Info from Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Hurricanes Update From the Mac's

Lethbridge Hurricanes 1st round draft pick Reid Duke put on a show for his Calgary Royals in their 6-2 win over the Vancouver NE Chiefs. Duke was named player of the game after scoring a pair of goals and chipping in 3 assists. Hurricanes Assistant GM, Brad Robson said Duke was “very good, a one man wrecking crew, as everything went his way.” The Saskatoon Blazers got a goal from 2010 10th round pick Chris Thorimbert as they edged the Calgary Flames 6-4. Another 2010 pick (9th round), Lenny Hackman picked up an assist in the UFA Bisons 3-1 win over Sherwood Park. In other action, the Saskatoon Contacts were 4-1 winners over the West Valley Hawks. Kolten Olynek with a goal and an assist in the win and Robson said “he was very good, he played with lots of speed and energy.” Brandon Scheidl also impressed Robson saying “he was good and played with lots of confidence.” One of the other stories from the Mac’s has been the amount of shots Hurricanes listed Goalie Christopher Tai has faced. In his first two games, he faced nearly 100 shots and today he faced another 41 and gave up just 2 goals. Tai’s Greater Vancouver Canadians tied the Red Deer Rebels 2-2 and Tai was named player of the game.

The Prince Albert Mintos finished the round robin a perfect 4-0, UFA was 3-0-1, while Beardy’s, Saskatoon Contacts, Blazers and Royals all finished with 2 wins. Red Deer was 1-1-2 and Vancouver was 0-3-1. Playoffs start Saturday morning with the UFA Bisons, PA Mintos and Beardy’s into the Quarterfinals, the tournament wraps up on Sunday.
(Info from Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will play four games next week to open 2012, two at home and two on the road. On Monday (Jan. 2), the Canes will host the Kootenay ICE at the ENMAX Centre, Wednesday (Jan. 4) it's off to Edmonton, then on Friday (Jan. 6) back home to face Medicine Hat once again, and then Sunday (Jan. 8) on the bus and up to Calgary for a late afternoon game (4:00 pm) against the Hitmen.

Thanks,
Pat

Tigers Beat Hurricanes 5-2 at ENMAX Centre

2011-12-29T21:52:00.002-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - A late goal in the second and an early goal in the third broke open a one goal and lifted the Medicine Hat Tigers to a 5-2 win over the Hurricanes Thursday night at the ENMAX Centre.

A great start for the Hurricanes in this game. Just a few minutes in, Cam Braes stole the puck away from Matthew Konan and flipped it across to Brady Ramsey who buried it for his 14th goal of the season. That gave Lethbridge a quick 1-0 lead. Braes recorded his 100th career WHL assist on that goal. A few minutes later the Tigers would tie things up and then ended up taking the lead with a couple of quick goals. Trevor Cox put the puck over Damien Ketlo who was down and out in his crease to tie the game at 1-1 and then a couple of minutes after that, Kale Kessey banged home the loose puck to give Medicine Hat a 2-1 lead half way through the opening period. That score held up for the rest of the period. The Tigers held a slight edge in shots at 9-8 after one.

In the second, both teams continued to go at each other as the Canes tried to get the equalizer and it appeared that 2-1 score for Medicine Hat would last into the third period, but the Tigers would get a huge goal with just 15 seconds remaining in the second when a long shot from Matt Konan went off the crossbar and beat Damien Ketlo to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead heading into the dressing room. Medicine Hat continued to hold the edge in shots at 19-17 after 40 minutes.

In the third, the Tigers would increase their lead with an early goal on a 5-on-3 power play. Curtis Valk tapped the puck by Ketlo to give the Tigers a 4-1 lead and then a few minutes later on another man advantage, Hunter Shinkaruk blasted the puck home to give Medicine Hat a 5-1 lead. Lethbridge got more back when Sam McKechnie scored his 5th of year to cut the Tigers lead to 5-2, but that would be it for Lethbridge in this one. Things got pretty chippy late in the period when the Hurricanes took a number of penalties, giving the Tigers four two-man power plays in that final period. The Tigers out shot Lethbridge 36-26. Medicine Hat finished the game 2 for 9 on the power play and Lethbridge went 0 for 3.

The loss ended the Hurricanes six game winning streak on home ice. Their record now sits at 14-24-0-1 for 27 points. With Prince Albert winning Thursday, the Canes fall back to last place in the Eastern Conference. On the CJOC post-game show, Sam McKenchnie said the Hurricanes let up after that first goal they scored early in the first and allowed way too many odd-man rushes in this game.

CANES UPDATE FROM THE MAC'S

The Greater Vancouver Canadians faced the Saskatoon Blazers and goalie Christopher Tai would come in relief of teammate Nathan Alalouf who made 25 saves. Tai made 6 saves in relief as the Canadians lost 4-2 to the Saskatoon Blazers. Forwards Carter Amson and Chris Thorimbert were held off the scoresheet in the Blazers win. The Prince Albert Mintos rolled to their 3rd straight victory with an 8-1 win over the York Simcoe Express. Lethbridge Hurricanes 2011 3rd round bantam pick, Bryton Sayers, registered a goal in the victory. Canes Defenceman Ryan Pilon was held pointless as his Beardy’s Blackhawks knocked off the Vancouver NW Giants. Beardy’s jumped out to a 4-0 start before the Giants started their comeback which ultimately fell short in a 7-5 loss. The UFA Bisons rebounded from a 4-2 deficit to beat the Edmonton SSAC Athletics 6-4. Canes draft picks Tyler Wong and Lenny Hackman each registered an assist in the Bisons win. The Calgary Royals, featuring 1st round draft pick, Reid Duke, lost 3-2 to St. Albert.
(Info provided by Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes and Tigers will go at one more time Friday night (Dec. 30) in Medicine Hat. It'll be the final game of 2011 for the Hurricanes. Game time is 7:30 (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:00. The Canes will open 2012 at home on Monday (Jan. 2) when they host the Kootenay ICE.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Update From The Mac's

2011-12-28T11:55:00.004-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are keeping a watchful eye over their 11 players competing at the Mac’s AAA Midget hockey tournament in Calgary. In the first day of action Monday, 4 of their drafted players (3 from 2011 and 1 from 2010) combined for 7 points with their respective teams.

It was a busy day again for the Canes 2010 listed goalie Christopher Tai of the Greater Vancouver Canadiens. Tuesday, he faced 50 shots and gave up 8 goals as his Canadiens dropped an 8-1 decision to Russia Severstal/Locomotiv, but he made a number of unbelievable saves and for his efforts, he was named the game star for his team. In the two games played, Tai has faced a total of 91 shots. The UFA Bisons and Beardy’s Blackhawks saw draft picks Ryan Pilon and Tyler Wong go head to head. The game ended in a 1-1 tie with 2010 9th round draft pick, Lenny Hackman, picking up an assist for UFA. Hurricanes draft picks were held off the scoresheet in the Saskatoon Contacts 2-1 loss to the St. Albert Raiders and the Prince Albert Mintos 3-1 win over the Calgary Buffaloes. Hurricanes Assistant GM, Brad Robson says Bryton Sayers played well for the Mintos. The feature game was between the Calgary Royals and the Valley West Hawks. The Royals won the game 6-2 with Reid Duke, the Canes 1st round draft pick this year registering a goal and an assist in the win. The final game had the Red Deer Optimist Rebels take on the Saskatoon Blazers which has Carter Amson and Chris Thorimbert on their roster. The Rebels were dominant in a 5-0 shutout of the Blazers.

Lethbridge Hurricanes scouting staff will be on hand for day 3 of the tournament with players on Prince Albert, Beardy’s UFA, Greater Vancouver, Calgary Royals and the Saskatoon Blazers all in action. For more information on the Mac’s visit http://www.macstournament.ab.ca/.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Canes Lose 4-2 in Cranbrook to ICE

2011-12-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

CRANBROOK, BC - The Hurricanes play a good game and had several great scoring chances, but ran into a hot goalie, dropping a 4-2 decision to the Kootenay ICE Tuesday night, ending a four game winning streak.

Not the start the Hurricanes were looking for in this game. Just over two minutes in, Jagger Dirk wired a slap shot by Damien Ketlo to give the ICE an early 1-0 lead. The Canes settled down quite nicely after that goal and had some great scoring chances as the period moved on and finally in the late stages, they would get rewarded for their efforts. Russ Maxwell picked off the puck on a bad defensive giveaway by the ICE in their own zone. His shot was stopped, but Jamal Watson followed up on the rebound and scored his 3rd of the season by Kootenay goalie Mackenzie Skapski to tie the game at 1-1. That's the way the period would end. Lethbridge held the edge in shots 10-8.

In the second, the ICE would regain their one goal lead with an early goal. Brock Montgomery's shot beat Ketlo to give Kootenay a 2-1 lead. That lead held up throughout the rest of the period. The Canes had some solid chances, including a breakaway by Russ Maxwell, but Mackenzie Skapski was very good between the pipes for the ICE stopping that shot and the 7 others he faced in that period. The ICE would take that one goal lead into the final period. Lethbridge held the edge in shots 18-16 through 40 minutes of play.

In the third, the Canes would press hard to find that tying goal but it would be the Kootenay ICE who would get the next one. Joe Antilla slid the puck low along the ice, beating a surprised Ketlo on the glove side to give Kootenay a 3-1 lead. The ICE would then get one more when Drew Czerwonka scored to increase the home team's lead to 4-1. That pretty much did it. Lethbridge would get a late one before the game would end, when Brody Sutter scored on the power play for his 16th of the year in the dying seconds. That cut the lead to 4-2, but that's as close as the Hurricanes would get on this night. The loss put an end to the Canes four game winning streak, dropping their record to 14-23-0-1 on the season. There were plenty of power play chances in what was a very physical and chippy game at times. Lethbridge finished 1 for 9 and Kootenay ICE went 0 for 6. Kootenay slightly out shot the Hurricanes 30-28 on the night. I thought the Hurricanes played pretty well despite the loss and had several great chances, but a few missed opportunities, coupled with a hot goalie on the other side proved to be the difference. Kootenay goaltender Mackenzie Skapski was the first star and very deserving.

The Hurricanes played Tuesday without Juraj Bezuch and Tyler Kizuik. Bezuch served a one game suspension for a hit in the Canes last game before the break. Kizuik is still sidelined with a concussion, making him unavailable to the team as well.

With three current roster players at the U-17's in Ontario and 11 prospect players at the annual Mac's Tournament in Calgary, Rich Preston was able to call up forward Harrison Harper for a couple of games. As for that Mac's Tournament, a number of Canes prospects have already figured in on the scoring including players like Reid Duke, Tyler Wong, Bryton Sayers, Joel Topping and Christopher Tai. 9 of those 11 prospects are Hurricanes draft picks. The tournament will continue for the next week.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will close out 2011 with back-to-back games against rival Medicine Hat. The Canes will host the Tigers Thursday (Dec. 29). They'll travel to the Hat on Friday (Dec. 30). Lethbridge is 2-0 vs. the Tigers this season with both wins on the road. The Hurricanes will open 2012 Monday (Jan. 2) when they host Kootenay.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes @ Kootenay ICE

2011-12-27T07:34:00.001-07:00

Hope you had a great Christmas!

After a 10 day break, the Lethbridge Hurricanes will begin the unofficial second half of this WHL season tonight when they travel to Cranbrook to take on the Kootenay ICE. Going into the break, the Canes were one of the hottest teams in the league, having won 11 of their past 15 games, including 4 in a row. The hope is that some time off won't slow this young group down.

This will be the 4th meeting of the season between the Hurricanes and ICE, with Kootenay winning all three previous match-ups, twice in Cranbrook and once in Lethbridge. A couple of players have been on hot streaks too as of late. Nick Buonassisi has 20 points in 25 games since joining the Hurricanes and Brody Sutter has 15 points in his last 12 games.

Lethbridge will be without three players for the next few games. Jay Merkley, Macoy Erkamps, and Craig Leverton are all playing at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge in Ontario. Head Coach and GM Rich Preston has his hands tied a bit when it comes to trying to fill those spots. The Hurricanes have 11 prospects playing at the Mac's Tournament in Calgary this week. That pretty much means the Canes are going to have to make do with what they have.

Damien Ketlo has been a big reason for the Hurricanes recent turn-around. He's been nothing short of outstanding in goal. He sits with a record of 10-9, a Goals Against Average of 3.36 and a Save Percentage of .907. If he continue to play the way he has the last six weeks, perhaps the Hurricanes can continue on this roll.

Tonight's game from the RecPlex in Cranbrook is 7:00 (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Well Represented at Mac's Tournament

2011-12-19T09:19:00.004-07:00

It’s the Christmas break in the Western Hockey League but work continues through the holidays for the scouting staff of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Staff will be in Calgary for one of the biggest Midget AAA tournaments around – the Mac’s Midget Tournament which runs from December 26th through January 1st. The Lethbridge Hurricanes are proud to announce 11 of their draft picks will be lacing up the skates at the Mac’s which is tied with Medicine Hat and Spokane as having the most players by a WHL Club in the tournament. The players are:

1996-Born Players:

• D – Ryan Pilon, 2011 1st round Bantam pick (Beardy’s Blackhawks)
• F – Reid Duke, 2011 1st round Bantam pick (Calgary Royals)
• F – Carter Amson, 2011 2nd round Bantam pick (Saskatoon Blazers)
• F – Kolten Olynek, 2011 2nd round Bantam pick (Saskatoon Contacts)
• D – Bryton Sayers, 2011 3rd round Bantam pick (Prince Albert Mintos)
• F – Tyler Wong, 2011 5th round Bantam pick (UFA Bisons)

1995-Born Players:

• D – Joel Topping, 2010 2nd round Bantam pick (Red Deer Rebels)
• D – Lenny Hackman, 2010 9th round Bantam pick (UFA Bisons)
• F – Chris Thorimbert, 2010 10th round Bantam pick (Saskatoon Blazers)
• D – Brandon Scheidl, trade with Portland (Saskatoon Contacts)
• G – Christopher Tai, Listed player (Greater Vancouver Canadiens)

Last year’s Mac’s Tournament featured 6 players currently on the Hurricanes roster – Macoy Erkamps, Craig Leverton, Sam McKechnie, Jay Merkley, Jamal Watson, Jaimen Yakubowski and Tanner Kovacs. The 6 players this year have combined for 22 goals and 37 assists (59 points) through the first half of the season.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes With 4th Straight, 4-1 Over Broncos

2011-12-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - A three goal second period lifted the Lethbridge Hurricanes to their 6th consecutive win at home, beating the Swift Current Broncos 3-1 at the ENMAX Centre Saturday night.

On what was Teddy bear Toss night at the ENMAX Centre, there would be no throwing of the stuffed animals in the first period of this one. Both teams went at each other in a back-and-forth, fast-paced opening 20 minutes. Damien Ketlo and Jon Groenheyde managed to keep the door closed keeping the game scoreless after one. Swift Current held the edge in shots at 10-9 after one.

In the second, the Hurricanes would get the offence going and break the scoreless tie very early, when Graham Hood, who's been hot as of late scored his 8th of the season to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. That was the Teddy Bear goal, sending 2928 stuffed animals onto the ice at the ENMAX Centre. After a short delay to clean the ice, the Canes added another, this time short-handed. Cam Braes moved in on a two-on-one rush and rifled the puck over Groenhyede to give Lethbridge a 2-0 lead. It was Braes' team-leading 20th goal of the season. The Hurricanes scored two goals in a span of 1:31. Later in the period, the Canes would jump ahead 3-0, when Russ Maxwell scored his 8th of the year. That would give the Hurricanes one goal each on the power play, short-handed, and even strength up to this point. Before the end of the period, Swift Current would finally get one by Damien Ketlo. Coda Gordan fired the puck past the Lethbridge goalie to cut the Canes lead to 3-1 after 40 minutes of hockey. The Broncos out shot the Canes 26-18 through two periods.

In the third, the Hurricanes would get another one. Right out of the penalty box, Albin Blomqvist took a feed from Brody Sutter and hammed a shot by Groenhyede for his first-ever WHL goal to give Lethbridge 4-1. That would also be it for Broncos goalie Jon Groenhyede. Austin Smith would play the rest of the game for Swift Current. The lead would stick all the way to the end, as the Canes would win again on home ice. Damien Ketlo was outstanding in goal, as Lethbridge was out shot 36-25. Lethbridge finished the night 1/4 on the power play and Swift Current went 0/5.

Going into the WHL's Christmas break, the Hurricanes have won 4 games in a row, 6 straight at home, 8 of their past 9 at the ENMAX Centre, and 11 of 15 overall. This dramatic turnaround in the last 6 weeks has put the Hurricanes just 8 points back of a playoff spot, something that wasn't even a topic of discussion for this team in mid-November. I will say this. This team deserves a boatload of credit for the recent 180 turn. Things weren't looking all that good two months ago and now there is a fair bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Big props to the entire team. There's still lots of work to be done in the next two months for the Hurricanes, but they could make things very interesting after the break if they've able to pick up where they've left off.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes are now off for the next 10 days for the WHL's annual Christmas break. They're next action isn't until December 27th when they travel to Cranbrook to take on the Kootenay ICE. The Canes will then close out the 2011 portion of their schedule December 29th and 30th with back-to-back games against the Medicine Hat Tigers.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On behalf of myself and Fred and everyone at 94.1 CJOC, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and happy 2012! For all those who tune into the radio broadcast, the Monday night radio show, or contribute their two cents to this blog thanks so much! All the best during the holiday season to you and yours and God Bless!

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Beat Victoria 5-4 in Overtime

2011-12-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - One line did most of the damage as the Lethbridge Hurricanes won their 5th straight on home-ice, beating the Victoria Royals 5-4 in overtime Friday night.

The Hurricanes got off to another quick start, this time it was Brody Sutter that opened the scoring. Just 2:01 into the game, Phil Tot dropped a blind pass from behind the Victoria goal and Sutter fired it by Keith Hamilton for his 15th of the season to give Lethbridge an early 1-0 lead. The game stayed that way and the Hurricanes had several chances to increase their lead and they found a way to do just that late in the period when Phil Tot scored with just 35 seconds to go to give Lethbridge a 2-0 lead heading into the dressing room. It was Tot's 3rd goal of the season. The Canes held the edge in shots 12-11 after 20 minutes.

In the second, the Hurricanes would extend their lead to 3-0. Graham Hood, who's been a monster lately nailed home his 7th of these season, and third in two games. That was a power play goal and gave Lethbridge a bit of breathing room. That forced Victoria to make a goaltending change. Jared Rathjen was in and Keith Hamilton out. A few minutes later, Victoria would get on the scoreboard. Jesse Pauls would score on the power play, beating a screened Damien Ketlo. That cut the Hurricanes lead to 3-1. That would be it for the period. The Royals held the edge in shots 25-22.

In the third, the Royals would make it a one-goal hockey game. Less than a minute in, Ben Walker cashed in a rebound by Ketlo to cut the Lethbridge lead to 3-2 with lots of hockey to be played. A few minutes later, the Royals would complete the comeback. Jesse Pauls was left alone in front of the goal and scored his second of the game to tie the score at 3-3 and then moments later, Victoria would take the lead for the first time when Jamie Crooks ripped a shot by Ketlo and in. That made it 4-3 Royals. The Royals scored three goals in roughly 6 minutes to take the one-goal lead. Seconds later, Lethbridge would tie things when Dan Johnston scored his first of the year to make it a 4-4 score. That ended up sending the game into overtime for the second consecutive night at the ENMAX Centre. Early in the extra period, the Hurricanes did it again. This time Brady Ramsey was the hero, scoring the O.T. winner to give Lethbridge another thrilling 5-4 comeback win. It was Ramsey's 15th of the season and a big one at that. Victoria out shot Lethbridge 44-28. The Royals finished the game 1/6 on the power play and Lethbridge 1/2. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post-game show that eventhough he's happy with the victories, but is concerned about letting teams back into games. With that, he'll take the win and move on.

The Hurricanes are playing some pretty darn good hockey right now. That's 5 straight wins at home, 7 victories in their last 8 at the ENMAX Centre and 10 of their past 14 overall. This is the best stretch of hockey the Canes have played in the last three seasons. Cam Braes' 10 game point scoring streak came to an end in this one.

AT THE HALF-WAY POINT

The Hurricanes are now officially at the half-way point in this WHL season. They sit with a record of 13-22-0-1 for 27 points. Compare that to the Canes record at the half-way point last season when the finished 36 games with a record of 12-16-2-6 for 32 points.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will close out their pre-Christmas schedule Saturday when they host the Swift Current Broncos. It's the annual Teddy Bear Toss game. Fans are asked to bring a stuffed animal to the game and when the Canes score their first goal, all the toys will be thrown onto the ice, collected, and donated to several local charities in the Lethbridge-region. Last season, Cam Braes scored the teddy bear goal.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Outlast Hitmen 6-5 in Overtime

2011-12-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Cam Braes scored three times, including the game-tying goal with the goalie pulled late in the 3rd period as the Lethbridge Hurricanes beat the Calgary Hitmen 6-5 in overtime Wednesday night at the ENMAX Centre.

A quick start to this game for the Hurricanes on home ice. Lethbridge was given a 5-on-3 power play early in the period and scored twice to take a 2-0 lead. First Cam Braes scored his 17th of the season, ripping a shot over the shoulder of Chris Driedger to give the Canes a 1-0 lead. Just over a minute later, the Hurricanes would make it 2-0 with another power play goal. This time Nick Buonassisi would get the goal, his 11th of the year. Just like that, the Hurricanes were up by a pair. Calgary got one of those back when Brady Brassart beat Damien Ketlo to cut the Canes lead to 2-1, but Lethbridge would soon after regain their two-goal cushion when Jaimen Yakubowski notched his 7th of the season, right off the face-off. That would make it 3-1 Lethbridge. Late in the period though, with just 24 second to go Calgary would get a power play goal courtesy of Jimmy Bubnick. That would cut the Hurricanes lead to 3-2 after one. The shots favoured the Hitmen 19-13.

In the second, the Hurricanes would get back their two goal lead early. A bad giveaway by Calgary in it's own zone would end up in the back of the net when Graham Hood scored his 5th of the year to give Lethbridge a 4-2 lead. The Hitmen would have several chances to score as the period moved on, but Damien Ketlo was great in goal and kept Calgary off the scoreboard. Lethbridge took that two-goal lead into the second intermission. Calgary held the edge in shots at 35-21.

In what turned out to be a wild third, the Hitmen would make it a one goal game very quickly on the power play, as Brady Brassart scored just 16 seconds into the period to make it 4-3 Lethbridge with lots of hockey yet to be played. The Hitmen would keep pressing and a few minutes later got the equalizer. Kenton Helgesen wired a low point shot by a screened Ketlo to even the game at 4-4. Then with about 3:30 left, Calgary would take the lead for the first time when Cody Sylvester snapped a shot by Ketlo, putting the Hurricanes behind in the game with a couple of minutes to go. Lethbridge pulled the goalie in the final minute and Cam Braes would score with just 25 seconds to go in the period to tie things up at 5-5. That was Braes' 3rd goal of the night and 19th of the season. That would send the game into overtime. Just 21 seconds into the extra period, Graham Hood would jam the puck by Driedger to lead Lethbridge to a thrilling 6-5 win. That was Hood's 2nd goal of the game and 6th of the season and a big one at that. Calgary out shot Lethbridge 47-28 in this one as Damien Ketlo was very busy between the pipes. Lethbridge went 2 for 4 on the power play and Calgary finished the night 2 for 2.

The victory is the Hurricanes 9th in their last 13 games and 4th straight on home ice. Lethbridge has also won 6 of it's last 7 games at the ENMAX Centre. The win improves their record to 12-22-0-1 on the season. It wasn't a pretty win, but the Hurricanes will take it. Cam Braes said on the CJOC post-game show that it wasn't a very good defensive effort in this game, but they'll take the two points and try and learn from some of the mistakes. Braes is red hot right now. He's on a 10 game point scoring streak with 11 goals and 5 assists during that period.

The Hurricanes saw the return of Phil Tot to the line-up Wednesday. He's missed the past few weeks with injury. For the most part, the Hurricanes have pretty much a healthy line-up heading into the final two games before the WHL's annual Christmas break. Just two players remained sideline. Craig Leverton still has an upper body injury and it out and Tyler Kizuik suffered a mild concussion in Victoria last weekend and won't play until after the break.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes are back home Friday night to host the Victoria Royals. The Canes will be looking to make amends for an 8-5 loss to the Royals on Vancouver Island a week ago, a game in which saw the saw number of lead slip away. This will be first and only visit to Lethbridge this season by the former Chilliwack Bruins franchise. Game time is 7:00 pm (MST). The Hurricanes will host Swift Current Saturday for their annual Teddy Bear Toss game. After that, the Hurricanes won't play again until December 27th in Cranbrook against the Kootenay ICE.

Thanks,
Pat

Merry Christmas from the Lethbridge Hurricanes!

2011-12-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hurricanes This Week

2011-12-12T07:48:00.001-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are back home after a long, but happy 13 hour bus ride back from Vancouver Saturday night.

The Canes took a four game winning streak into B.C. and came back home with one win and two losses. They lost 5-2 in Kelowna, followed that up with an 8-5 defeat to the hands of the Royals in Victoria, and then on Saturday played their best game of the week beating Vancouver Giants 4-2, ending a 12 game losing skid versus the Giants that went on for 7 seasons. The Hurricanes currently sit with a record of 11-22-0-1 on the season in 34 games as the team gets set this week to mark the official half-way point in the 2011-2012 WHL season, which has most certainly seen it's ups and downs for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The Canes will play three games upcoming this week before the players head home for the WHL's Christmas break. On Wednesday (Dec. 14) the Calgary Hitmen are in town, on Friday (Dec. 16) the Victoria Royals will stop by, and on Saturday (Dec. 17) the Swift Current Broncos are back at the ENMAX Centre. Saturday is the Hurricanes annual Teddy Bear Toss game, which always draws a good crowd. Following the game on Saturday, the Canes have a 10 day break for Christmas and won't play again until December 27th.

Lethbridge will make one more road trip back to B.C. in a couple of weeks. In mid-January they'll play back-to-back games in Prince George, travel back to Vancouver, and then play in Kamloops and Kelowna. The Hurricanes will also have a couple short trips out east to Brandon and Regina as well as Prince Albert and Saskatoon, but the major travel will be in the books after mid-January.

The WHL's trade deadline in less than a month away as well. January 10th is the big day, so it'll be interesting to see what the Hurricanes do. Assistant G.M. Brad Robson told me last month that the hockey team wouldn't be parting with any of it's young, up and coming players, but we will see what all shakes down in the next couple of weeks.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Our weekly radio show in back on the air tonight on CJOC. Joining Fred Jack and I LIVE from Average Joe's Sports Bar is Hurricanes Vice-President Brian Wichers for our mid-season Board report. We'll also be joined on the phone by Assistant G.M. and Director of Player Personnel Brad Robson, and in the last segment of the show an interview with Marlon Martens, the radio voice of the Victoria Royals. It all starts at 6:00 pm (MST) on CJOC.

Thanks,
Pat

Canes End Long Losing Streak Against Vancouver

2011-12-10T22:48:00.003-07:00

VANCOUVER, BC - Jaimen Yakubowski scored twice to lead the Lethbridge Hurricanes to their first victory against the Vancouver Giants in seven years.

The Hurricanes came out the gates like a house on fire in this game. The Canes had five quality scoring chances in the opening few minutes, including hitting a cross bar less than 30 seconds in. Both teams would continue to come at each other and then late in the period, the Giants would open the scoring when Taylor Makin knocked the puck by Damien Ketlo while down on his knees. That made it 1-0 Giants, not too long after the Hurricanes responded to even the score. Cam Braes took a feed on the power play from Nick Buonassisi for his 16th of the season to tie the game at 1-1. The shots were even through one period at 8-8.

In the second, the Hurricanes would keep the offence rolling with two goals in less than five minutes to open the period, both by Jaimen Yakubowski. Yakubowski was awarded a penalty shot after being taken down on a partial breakaway. He would make no mistake beating Adam Morrison in the Vancouver goal for his 5th of the season. That gave Lethbridge a 2-1 lead. Then two minutes later, the Hurricanes would go ahead by a pair. Yakubowski tipped a slap pass by Morrision to give the Canes a big 3-1 lead early in the second period. Vancouver would get one of those back when James Henry scored on the power play, to cut the Lethbridge lead to 3-2 after 40 minutes of play. The shots favoured the Giants 20-17.

In the third, the Giants would press to get the equalizer, but Damien Ketlo shut the door for the rest of the game. The Hurricanes added one more into an empty net, Russ Maxwell scored short-handed for his 7th of the year to seal the game for the Hurricanes. Final score: 4-2 Lethbridge. It was the Hurricanes first win over the Giants since December of 2004. The win improves their record to 11-22-0-1 on the season. Vancouver out shot Lethbridge 30-21. Both teams went 1/5 on the power play in this one. Dan Johnston was a physical monster for Lethbridge in this game. He laid two huge hits in the opening period, although he was penalized on hip check that looked pretty clean to me.

The Hurricanes played a very solid 60 minutes in Vancouver and were very good right from the goaltender out. For their 3rd game in 4 nights, there were no passengers in this game. Despite two losses in three games on this trip, it was a nice week out in B.C. and a nice way to finish things with a victory in Vancouver. I know the players really enjoyed the trip on the ferry to and from Victoria and for a lot of guys, it was either the first time they saw the ocean and for a few others, their first ride on a ferry.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes have three game left before the WHL's 10 day Christmas break. The Hurricanes will play three games in the coming week, all back home at the ENMAX Centre. Wednesday they play host the Calgary Hitmen, Friday the Victoria Royals come to town, and then on Saturday the Swift Current Broncos make the trip to Lethbridge. Once again, Saturday night (Dec. 17) is the Hurricanes annual Teddy Bear Toss game. All fans coming to the game next weekend are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal to throw on the ice when the Hurricanes score their first goal of the game. All the toys collected will be donated to local charities.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Dumped 8-5 by Royals in Victoria

2011-12-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA, BC - Three quick goals early in the third period blew the game wide open and helped the Royals to an 8-5 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes got off to a quick start in this game. Just over three minutes in, Juraj Bezuch took a nice feed from Adam Henry and put the puck by Keith Hamilton to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. It was Bezuch's 3rd of the season. The Hurricanes kept it coming. They had several good chances as the period moved on and before the buzzer went, they would get another. Jaimen Yakubowski tipped in a Daniel Johnston point shot for his 4th of the season. That gave Lethbridge 2-0 lead. Late in the period though, the Royals would finally beat Liam Liston. Ben Walker wheeled out from behind the goal and fired a shot over the blocker to make it 2-1 Lethbridge and less than a minute later Kevicn Sundher would tie the game at 2-2. Despite the tie, the Hurricanes had a very strong opening period with several scoring chances. They out shot the Royals 15-7.

In the second, the two teams would continue to trade goals in what turned out to be a rather wild period of hockey. The Royals would take the lead early when Kevin Sundher notched his second of the night to make it 3-2 Victoria. Lethbridge would get two quick goals of their own to tie things up and right after that they would take the lead. Brady Ramsey scored his 12th of the season short-handed to tie the game at 3-3 on a bad give-away by the Royals in their own zone and then just over a minute later, Jay Merkley scored his 7th of the season on the power play to give Lethbridge a 4-3 lead. The Royals would once again come charging back on a goal by Jamie Crooks. That tied things up at 4-4, but the Hurricanes would again get the go-ahead goal again when Brody Sutter found the back of the net for his 14th of the year. That gave the Hurricanes a 5-4 lead through 40 minutes of play. The Canes held the edge in shots 25-17.

In the third, the Royals would blow the game open with three goals in a span of 3:51. Jamie Crooks would score a pair, including his hatrick goal and a third goal was added by Brandon Magee. That turned a 5-4 deficit for Victoria into a 7-5 lead in a matter of minutes. The Royals would add one more a few minutes later when Steven Hodges scored. That made it 8-5 Victoria and that's the way the game would end. The Hurricanes out shot the Royals 31-26 on the night. Lethbridge went 1/7 on the power play while Victoria finished the night 1/3. The loss drops the Canes record to 10-22-0-1 on the season. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore wasn't very happy on the CJOC post-game show. He said, "Our defence tonight was absolutely terrible". This game way too wide open for his liking and I certainly agree. It was a good start for Lethbridge in this game, but they weren't able to put the Royals away. Certainly not a very good finish, especially the start of the third period. That was the difference.

Brody Sutter returned to the Hurricanes line-up Friday night in Victoria. Sutter missed the Hurricanes previous game in Kelowna after blocking a shot last weekend and leaving the game against Spokane. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston says that forward Phil Tot is very close to making his return as well. Captain Cam Braes had a large contingent of local supporters cheering him on in Victoria. The native of Shawnigan Lake, about a 45 minute drive north of here had a lot of family and friends make the short drive to see him play. He said before the game that he was very excited to play his first WHL game near his home town in his last season in the league.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes next action is Saturday (Dec. 10) when they play the Giants in Vancouver. As many people are well aware, it's been 7 years since the Canes last beat Vancouver in either Lethbridge or in Vancouver. December of 2004 was the last time the Hurricanes managed a victory over the Giants and they hope Saturday night that awfully long drought comes to an end. I'll have the pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30 pm. The puck drop at 8:00 (MST). The Hurricanes return home to play three game in four nights next week, starting with the Calgary Hitmen in town on Wednesday (Dec. 14).

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes @ Victoria Royals Tonight

2011-12-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA, BC - The Lethbridge Hurricanes will play their first game in Victoria since the mid-1990's.

The Canes arrived on Vancouver Island around 4:30 Thursday afternoon after a trip from Kelowna. For a number of players, it was the first time they saw the ocean and for others, their first trip on ferry. Having lived on the Island for 10 years, it was just another ferry ride for this guy, but no question the players enjoyed the short trip across the water.

Given that, the Hurricanes will play their first game against the former Chilliwack Bruins franchise. The Victoria Royals and the Lethbridge Hurricanes have very similar records at the moment. Both teams have played 32 games up to this point. The Canes are 10-21-0-1 while the Royals are 12-18-1-1. Victoria is struggling right now with just one win in their last 10 games, while during that same stretch, Lethbridge is 7 and 3.

These two teams will play twice in the next week as the Royals will make the trip out East to southern Alberta next Friday for the re-match. Eventhough the Hurricanes make their way out here to the West Coast again next month, this will be their only trip to Victoria this season.

Cam Braes continues to lead the Hurricanes in points and has the hot hand at the moment. Braes scored his team-leading 15th goal of the season on Wednesday, in a 5-2 loss in Kelowna. This is a special game for Braes tonight as well and is kind of a home game or sorts for him as his family's home is just north of Victoria in Shawnigan Lake. Braes is expected to have a full contingent of family and friends at Save-On-Food Memorial Centre to cheer him on this evening. Another player that's rolling right now is Nick Buonassisi. He's turned out to be a very key acquisition by the Hurricanes. Buonassisi tallied two more points for the Hurricanes in Kelowna. He's now 3rd in team scoring with 10 goals and 11 assists and is turning out to be nearly a point-a-game player for Lethbridge.

After dropping their last game on Wednesday and seeing their four game winning streak come to an end, the Hurricanes know they need to rebound in this game tonight. Liam Liston will likely get the start in goal and Damien Ketlo will go tomorrow in Vancouver. Two players the Hurricanes are going to need to keep an eye in this game will be Kevin Sundher and Logan Nelson. Sundher has 46 points this season and is by far and away the leading scorer on this Royals team. Keeping him of the scoreboard this evening will have to be a key for Lethbridge if they want to win tonight.

Game time from Victoria is 8:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30.

Thanks,
Pat

Rockets Beat Hurricanes 5-2 in Kelowna

2011-12-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

KELOWNA, BC - The Hurricanes saw their four game winning streak come to an end with a 5-2 loss to the Rockets in Kelowna Wednesday night.

A much better start in this game for the Hurricanes than the past few games. The contest remained scoreless until late in the period when the Rockets would get on the board with a power play goal. Brett Bulmer tipped the puck by Damien Ketlo to give the home side a 1-0 lead. The Hurricanes responded quickly after. Exactly a minute later, the Canes would take another penalty, but this time Cam Braes tied the game at 1-1 with a short-handed goal. A nice snap shot from the right wing beat Adam Brown on the blocker side. That was the Captain's team-leading 15th of the season and the Hurricanes second short-handed goal of the year. That's the way the period would end. The shots finished 11-9 after 20 minutes.

In the second, the Rockets would jump ahead 2-1 on a goal by Damon Severson. Just seconds after a Lethbridge penalty had expired, Severson blasted a one-timer by Ketlo to give Kelowna a one-goal heading into the third period. The shots were fairly close through 40 minutes of play, 19-16 for the Rockets.

In the third, the Hurricanes tied things up very quickly. Nick Buonassisi took a pass out in front of the Rockets goal and buried it behind Brown for his 8th of season, tying the game at 2-2. That goal came just 27 seconds into the period. The Rockets though would soon get that one back and then add some insurance. Shane McColgan regained the lead for Kelowna to make it 3-2 and then right after that, Carter Rigby wired a slapshot that beat Ketlo to make it 4-2 for the Rockets. That took some wind out of the Hurricanes sails. The Hurricanes tried to push to get back into the game, but Colten Sissons iced it with an empty net goal to make the final 5-2 Rockets. The loss puts an end to the Hurricanes four game winning streak. They were out shot 29-23 in this game. Lethbridge 0/4 on the power play while Kelowna finished the game 1/5. The loss drops the Hurricanes record to 10-21-0-1 on the season.

Lethbridge played fairly well in this game, but got into some penalty trouble which put them a bit behind the 8 ball. Kelowna's second goal came seconds after a penalty had expired. The Hurricanes will now have to regroup here on the road and try and get back to their winning ways on the weekend. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post-game show that despite the loss, he thought they did some positive things in this game. The Hurricanes sat out Brody Sutter Wednesday night. He blocked a shot during the Canes 1-0 win over Spokane last weekend and Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston says his ankle is still a bit tender. Phil Tot also didn't play as he's still recovering from injury. Both players are listed as day-to-day. Lethbridge got it's big man back on defence, as Daniel Johnston made his return to the Canes line-up in Kelowna after missing a few games with injury.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes continue this B.C. road trip on Vancouver Island Friday night when they play the Royals in Victoria. It'll be the first of two meetings in the next week between the two teams. The Royals will play in Lethbridge next Friday. Game time from Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena is 8:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30. The Hurricanes will play in Vancouver Saturday before returning home for three games next week to close out the pre-Christmas schedule.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes @ Kelowna Rockets Tonight

2011-12-07T07:32:00.002-07:00

KELOWNA, BC - The Lethbridge Hurricanes take on the Kelowna Rockets tonight.

It's the first of three meetings this season between these two teams. The Rockets won both games the two clubs played last year. The Canes are playing their best hockey of the season right now, with 7 wins in their last 9 games. Lethbridge is being lead by Captain Cam Braes who has 10 points in his last 6 games, including 7 goals. During this recent streak for the Hurricanes, we've seen a lot more from the rookies and it's paying off. Sam McKechnie and Jamal Watson each have 3 points in their last 5 games and Adam Henry has chipped in with 5 assists during that same time. Getting contributions from across the line-up as well as stellar goaltending has been a big reason for the turn-around. I would expect to see both Damien Ketlo and Liam Liston start games this week.

The Hurricanes held a good practice in Kelowna yesterday. Defenceman Daniel Johnston will return to the line-up tonight against the Rockets after missing the few games with injury. Brody Sutter also skated Tuesday, but his status for tonight isn't known. Sutter left the last game after blocking a shot. Other than that, the Hurricanes are, for the most part a healthy group as they begin this B.C. road trip here in the Okanagan.

Game time from Prospera Centre in Kelowna is 8:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Shut Out Spokane Chiefs 1-0

2011-12-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Liam Liston put on quite a goaltending performance as the Lethbridge Hurricanes shut out the Spokane Chiefs 1-0 at the ENMAX Centre Sunday night.

The Hurricanes came out of the gate flat in this game. The Chiefs, who were playing their 5th game in 6 days were all over Lethbridge in the first period. Liam Liston was very good between the pipes as the Canes were heavily out shot 17-4. Liston stopped every single shot he faced as both teams would head to the dressing in a scoreless tie.

In the second, both teams continued to try and break the scoreless tie, but neither goaltender Liam Liston of Mac Engel would break. It was a much better period of hockey for Lethbridge. The best chance came from Jamal Watson, when the Canes' rookie was awarded a penalty shot, but he couldn't get the puck by Engel. The Chiefs continued to hold the edge in shots 27-15 after 40 minutes of play.

In the third, the Hurricanes would find a way to break the 0-0 tie. Cam Braes on the power play, would tip the puck over Mac Engel to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. It was Braes' team-leading 14th goal of the season and a huge one at that for the home team. Late in the game the Chiefs pulled the goalie to try and even the game and they'd have a great chance late when Mitch Holmberg was awarded a penalty shot with less than a minute to go. Liston stopped him and that would seal the game for the Hurricanes as they would skate away with a 1-0 victory. The Hurricanes have now won 4 straight games and 7 of their last 9. The win improves the Canes record to 10-20-0-1 on the season. Lethbridge went 1/3 on the power play while Spokane finished the night 0/3. Brody Sutter left the game in the second period after blocking a shot. He went to hospital for x-rays and his status right now isn't known.

You have to give this young team a lot of credit. Given all the adversity this group has faced this season, they've no question found their groove. Everyone is chipping in and they're getting some very timely goaltending as well. It's a combination of a few things that's making the difference for this team right now.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes hit the road for their next three games as they head into B.C. The Canes will play in Kelowna Wednesday (Dec. 7), Friday (Dec. 9) in Victoria, and on Saturday (Dec. 10) it's off to Vancouver to play the Giants. All three games are 8:00 pm (MST) start times with the pre-game shows on CJOC at 7:30.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Our weekly Hurricanes radio show hits the airwaves once again Monday night on CJOC. I'm away on the road with the Canes traveling to Kelowna, but Fred Jack will be in the studio to host the program along with our guest co-host, Esther Madziya. Esther, the former CJOC morning show co-host is now the Hurricanes Media Relations Co-ordinator. She'll join Freddie on the program for the whole hour. I hope to chime in for a bit on the phone as well. We'll also have an interview in-studio with Marty Baceda from Global TV Sports and in the final segment of the show, we will welcome Vancouver Giants radio play-by-play voice Dan Elliott. It all gets going at 6:00 pm (MST) Monday night on CJOC.

Thanks,
Pat

Lethbridge Beats Saskatoon Blades 6-3

2011-12-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Damien Ketlo was outstanding in the Lethbridge goal as the Hurricanes beat the visiting Saskatoon Blades 6-3 at the ENMAX Centre Saturday night.

The Hurricanes would get on board first and early in this one. Reid Duke would make a great off-wing pass to Sam McKechnie who would bury his 4th goal of the season to give Lethbridge a quick 1-0 lead. Damien Ketlo was outstanding in the Lethbridge goal in that opening period, stopping all 23 Saskatoon shots he faced. Late in the period, the Blades had thought they had tied the game, but after video review the goal was disallowed after it was directed in with a skate.

In the second period, in the Hurricanes would make it 2-0. Nick Buonassisi threw the puck at the Saskatoon goal, banking it off a Blades' defender and by Adam Todd and into Saskatoon goal to give the Canes a two goal lead. Sasktoon though would come charging back with two goals in 41 seconds. First, Josh Nicholls found the back of net by Damien Ketlo and the right that after Dalton Thrower beat Ketlo on the shortside to quickly tie the game at 2-2. Lethbridge would regain it's one goal a few seconds later. Russ Maxwell fired home his 6th of the season to give the Hurricanes a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes. Three goals scored between the two teams in a span of just 67 seconds. Saskatoon out shot the Canes 39-21 through two periods of play.

In the third, the Hurricanes would keep it coming with a couple of quick goals to start the period. Jaimen Yakubowski would score his 3rd of the season and then right after that, Jay Merkley would get his 6th of the year and just like that, Lethbridge would increase it's lead to 5-2. The Blades would get one of those back. Matej Stransky unloaded a shot that beat Ketlo, cutting the Hurricanes leads to 5-3. The Blades pulled the goalie late to try and get back into the game, but Cam Braes would ice the game for Lethbridge with an empty-netter for his 13th goal of the season. That would be it as the Canes would skate away with a 6-3 win. Damien Ketlo was brilliant in the Hurricanes goal, as Saskatoon out shot Lethbridge 55-34. The Canes went 1/5 on the power play and Saskatoon went 0/3. The win improved the Hurricanes record to 9-20-0-1 on the season. Lethbridge has won three games in a row for the first time this season and have now won 6 of their last 8 games.

Hurricanes Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post-game show that Ketlo's goaltending perfomance against the Blades was the best he's seen iby a Lethbridge goalie in his time as a coach with this team.

The Hurricanes got back one of their wounded defencemen Saturday. Macoy Erkamps returned to the line-up after missing the last week of action. The Hurricanes also called in a couple of draft picks to play. Reid Duke played his third straight game with the Hurricanes and his 5th already this season. The Canes also brought in Tyler Wong from the UFA Bisons. It was his first WHL regular season action. Wong had a 101 points as a Bantam last year and has 14 points in 13 games in Midget AAA. Like Duke, the Hurricanes are hoping for big things from Wong in the years to come.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will host the Spokane Chiefs at the ENMAX Centre Sunday night at 6:00 (MST). This will be the last of the U.S. Division teams to roll through Lethbridge this season. Fred and I will have the pre-game show at 5:30. After that, the Hurricanes hit the road next week for games in Kelowna Wednesday (Dec. 7), Friday (Dec. 9) it's off to Vancouver Island to play the Royals in Victoria, and then next Saturday (Dec. 10) the Hurricanes will play the Giants in Vancouver, looking for their first win against the Giants in nearly 7 season. All games on the B.C. road trip start at 8:00 pm (MST).

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Help Operation Christmas Child

2011-12-01T14:40:00.002-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are kicking off the holiday season by helping those in need around the world.

On Thursday, December 1st Cam Braes, Damien Ketlo, Brody Sutter, Landon Oslanski, Brady Ramsay, Spencer Galbraith, Tyler Kizuik, Graham Hood, Nick Buonassisi, Juraj Bezuch, Liam Liston, Phil Tot and Albin Blomqvist lent a helping hand to Richard and Lisa Henry and Rev. Brian Palsky at University Drive Alliance Church for Operation Christmas Child. The church, located at 55 Columbia Blvd. West is the regional collection centre for Southern Alberta and in total 6,746 shoe boxes were collected from Lethbridge and surrounding area for the global Christmas exchange program.

The program encourages churches, children and adults to pack shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items and school supplies to be given to thousands of children living in impoverished areas all over the world. In the coming days the shoe boxes will be sent to Calgary and then distributed around the world.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are proud to get into the community and help raise awareness for this great cause and to give the other volunteers a hand in loading up the cartons of boxes to be shipped to needy children.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Upset Tigers 4-3 in Medicine Hat

2011-11-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

MEDICINE HAT - Three goals late in the second period lifted the Lethbridge Hurricanes to a 4-3 come-back win against the Tigers in Medicine Hat Wednesday night.

The Medicine Hat Tigers would draw first blood in this game. About 14 minutes into the period, the Tigers would make it 1-0 with a power play goal from James Bettauer. He ripped a low point shot by Damien Ketlo to give the home side the lead. That would be the only offence in the opening 20 minutes. The Tigers outshot Lethbridge 13-8 in the first period. Ketlo was very good in goal in that period and came up with a couple of key saves in the late stages.

In the second, the Tigers would keep up the pressure. They would end up getting another power play goal. Jayden Hart tipped in a point shot over a screened Ketlo to put Medicine Hat agead 2-0. The Hurricanes would get one of the back on a power play of their. Brady Ramsey took a nice feed from Nick Buonassisi and buried behind Tyler Bunz to make it a one goal game, 2-1 Tigers. The Hurricanes would keep it coming. Jamal Waton soon after rifles a wrist shot by Bunz to even the score at 2-2 and then right after that, Sam McKenchie blasted home his 3rd of the season to give Lethbridge a 3-2 lead. The Canes score three goals in a span of 2:55 to erase a two goal deficit and take a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes. The shots were 26-16 in favour of Medicine Hat.

In the third, the Hurricanes would get an early 5-on-3 power play and they would make good, extending their lead to 4-2. Cam Braes fired a slap shot right off the face-off into the top corner for his 12th goal of the season. That gave Lethbridge a huge two-goal lead. The Tigers though would soon after get a two-man advantage of their own. James Bettauer hammered a shot that beat Ketlo and that cut the Hurricanes lead to 4-3. Both teams' power plays were clicking in this game, scoring three times each up to this point. The Tigers would press hard to get the tying goal, but Damien Ketlo managed to shut the door the rest of the way and the Hurricanes would win the game 4-3. The Canes have now won 5 of their last 7 games. Medicine Hat out shot Lethbridge 38-27. The Hurricanes went 3/5 on the power play and the Tigers finished the night 3/5 as well. The win improves the Canes record to 8-20-0-1. Damien Ketlo was outstanding in the Hurricanes goal and was a huge reason the Hurricanes had a chance to win this game.

The Hurricanes got back defenceman Albin Blomqvist Wednesday night. He missed Tuesday's game against Red Deer with the flu. Juraj Bezuch also returned to the line-up in Medicine Hat as he missed the previous game with the flu as well. Graham Hood didn 't play against the Tigers either. He had to sit out because of supplementary discipline to be determined by the WHL on a hit he laid on Josh Cowen of the Red Deer Rebels Tuesday night. Phil Tot suffered an injury against Red Deer too and didn't play in Medicine Hat. The Hurricanes once again called up forward Reid Duke. On another note, the Hurricanes finally solved their goaltending issue. On Wednesday, the sent Tanner Kovacs to St. Albert of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. That leaves the team with Damien Ketlo and Liam Liston as the go-to guys between the pipes.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes have a couple of days off until they play host to Saskatoon Saturday night. It will be the Canes second meeting of the season against the Blades and their first game in December. On Sunday, the Spokane Chief come to town. Next week, the Hurricanes are off to B.C. to play in Kelowna, Victoria, and Vancouver.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Beat Red Deer Rebels 3-1

2011-11-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Brody Sutter scored twice as the Lethbridge Hurricanes beat the Red Deer Rebels 3-1 at the ENMAX Centre Tuesday night.

It was a scoreless hockey game until the late stages of the period, when the Rebels would open the score on a nice wrist shot by Colten Mayor. That made it 1-0 Red Deer. A few minutes later the Hurricanes would get a 5 minute power play. Red Deer's Alex Petrovic was assessed a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for a hit to the head on Hurricanes forward Jamal Watson. On the ensuing power play, the Hurricanes would tie the game. Cam Braes fired home his 11th of the season by Red Deer goalie Bolton Pouliot to even the score at 1-1. That's the way the period would end. The shots were even 9-9 through 20 minutes.

In the second, it was very similar to the opening period. The game stayed tied at 1-1 until late, when Brody Sutter found the back of the net for his team-leading 12th goal of the season. That would be all the offence in the second. It was a strong period for Lethbridge. The Canes held the edge in shots 24-15 through 40 minutes of play.

In the third, both clubs went hard at each other, especially the Rebels who were looking to even the game, but it came down to the final minute when the Canes put this one away. Brody Sutter scored into an empty net, short-handed as well to ice this game for Lethbridge and give the Hurricanes 3-1 victory. It was Sutter's second of the night and team-leading 13th of the year. The Hurricanes have now won 4 of their last 6 games. They out shot Red Deer 31-26 in this game. Lethbridge went 1/4 on the power play and Red Deer went 0/6. The win improves the Canes record to 7-20-0-1 on the season. That short-handed goal was the first of the season for Lethbridge and prior to this game, they were the only team in the WHL to not have scored a short-handed goal.

The Hurricanes played short-handed on the backend again last night. Both Daniel Johnston and Macoy Erkamps were out again with injury and Albin Blomqvist went down with the flu again. That's the third time the big Swede has been hit with the flu bug in the last month. Rich Preston said he tried calling up defencemen Joel Topping and Ryan Pilon, but Topping was sick and Pilon is taking exams. Cam Braes dropped back to play defence Tuesday night and Jay Merkley moved up to play in Braes' spot up front. Juraj Bezuch was also a scratch. He went down with the flu this week too and Preston said on the pre-game show that both Euros are "sick as dogs". With that, Preston expects both Johnston and Erkamps to be back and ready to go Saturday, which should give the Canes seven healthy defenceman again.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will play the Tigers in Medicine Hat Wednesday (Nov. 30). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. The puck drop at 7:00 pm (MST). It'll be just the second meeting of the season between these two Highway 3 rivals. The Hurricanes play at home Saturday (Dec. 2) when they host Saskatoon and then Sunday (Dec. 3) they Canes welcome the last of the U.S. Division teams to Lethbridge as the Spokane Chiefs are in town. The Hurricanes will be in B.C. all over next week.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes This Week

2011-11-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes went 1-1 on the road this past weekend.

The Canes managed a 5-1 victory in Red Deer Friday, but fell 5-2 in Edmonton Saturday night. The win in Red Deer was just the Hurricanes second victory on the road this season. They played a solid game in Red Deer, one of their best games of the season so far. The next night, the Canes went into the 3rd period in Edmonton tied at 1-1, but three goals by the Oil Kings turned that game upside down. Lethbridge played that game without the services of defencemen Dan Johnston and Macoy Erkamps, who are both nursing injuries. Both are expected back soon.

The Hurricanes play three games this week as well. They're back in action Tuesday night at home when they play host to the Red Deer Rebels again. The Canes have two wins against the Rebels in the past week and a half. On Wednesday, it's off to Medicine Hat to take on one of the highest scoring teams in the WHL and then Saturday, the Canes are back home to host the Saskatoon Blades for their first game on the December schedule.

Lethbridge still remains far out of the playoff picture with a record of 6-20-0-1 on the season. This team is slowly getting better the past few weeks, now that they have a mostly healthy line-up. The most important thing now is consistency. Playing a solid 60 minutes from start to finish and not a good shift or good period here and there. The young players on this team continue to get a lot of ice time and that should benefit them in the long run.

Forwards Nick Buonassisi, Brody Sutter, and Cam Braes have had the hot hands lately on offence. Sutter leads the Hurricanes with 11 goals and Braes leads the Hurricanes in overall points with 22. Buonassisi has 12 points in 15 games since joining the Hurricanes just over a month ago.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Hurricanes This Week hits the airwaves again tonight on CJOC. Our guests include Hurricanes Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston, ENMAX Centre General Manager Kim Gallucci, and Bob Ridley, the radio voice of the Medicine Hat Tigers. It all starts at 6:00 pm (MST) on CJOC, LIVE from Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Drop 5-2 Decision in Edmonton

2011-11-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

EDMONTON - Three goals in a span of 3:45 in the third period lifted the Edmonton Oil Kings to 5-2 win over the Hurricanes Saturday night at Rexall Place.

The Hurricanes got off to another rather decent start, but Edmonton would open the scoring. Late in the period, Tyler Maxwell was left alone untouched in front of the Hurricanes goal. He beat Damien Ketlo low along the ice to give the Oil Kings a 1-0 lead. That would hold up as the only offence in the period. Edmonton would hold the edge in shots, 14-11 through 20 minutes of play.

In the second, the Hurricanes would press for the equalizer and they got it. Nick Buonassisi took a pass from the corner beating Tristan Jarry in the Edmonton goal for his 6th of the season. Buonassisi has 12 points in 15 games since joining the Hurricanes in a trade from Prince George. That goal tied the game up at 1-1 and that would be it for scoring through 40 minutes. Edmonton held a slilght edge in shots 25-21.

In the third, the Edmonton Oil Kings would break that 1-1 tie with three quick goals in a span of 3:45. Dylan Wruck, Michael St. Croix, and Tyler Maxwell all scored in very short order to blow the game open in favour of Edmonton. Lethbridge though got one of those back. Cam Braes blasted home his 10th of the season to cut the lead to 4-2. The Hurricanes would pull the goalie to try and get back in the game, but Michael St. Croix would get his second of the night into an empty goal to seal the game for Edmonton. Final score Edmonton 5 and Lethbridge 2. The Oil Kings out shot Lethbridge 38-27 on the night. The Hurricanes finished the game 0/2 and the Oil Kings 0/4. The loss drops their record to 6-20-0-1 on the season. The Canes didn't play poorly. It was just the early part of the third period that was the difference in this game.

Macoy Erkamps sat Saturday's game out as a precaution. He was pasted from behind Friday night in Red Deer by Turner Elson. His head hit the glass pretty hard. Elson was assessed only a two minute minor on the play, but the WHL sees it differently. Elson is suspended. The length is yet to be determined. The Hurricanes coaching staff was not impressed with the call on the play. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston said on the CJOC pre-game show Satursday night the hit on Erkamps was a real dangerous play and Erkamps never saw the hit coming. Preston says the League agreed with him that it should've been a 5 minute major. Daniel Johnston was also a scratch again for Lethbridge. He's been out the last three games with injury, but could be back in the next week.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes are back at home Tuesday (Nov. 29) when they host the Red Deer Rebels. Game time from the ENMAX Centre is 7:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. The Canes will head to Medicine Hat Wednesday (Nov. 30).

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Beat Rebels 5-1 in Red Deer

2011-11-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

RED DEER - Two goals in the first period and three more in the third powered the Lethbridge Hurricanes to a 5-1 victory in Red Deer Friday night.

A very good start for the Hurricanes in this game. The Canes came out with a lot of energy grabbed an early lead. Seven minutes into the period, Brody Sutter fired home his team-leading 11th goal fo the season on a power play to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead. The Hurricanes would keep it coming. Soon after the Canes would go ahead by a pair. Cam Braes took a pass from Nick Buonassisi from behind the Red Deer goal and put the puck behind Patrik Bartosak to give Lethbridge a 2-0 goal lead. That's the way the period would end. It was an excellent opening period for the Hurricanes and I said on the broadcast, probably their best period of hockey in Red Deer in the last three seasons. It was also a physical period. There were three fights. The Hurricanes out shot Red Deer 23-13 and had several scoring chaces. They were no doubt the better team in that opening 20 minutes.

In the second, the teams would continue to get under each other's skin. Two more fights to open the period would pretty much set the pace. The Rebels would end up getting one of those Lethbridge goals back. Colten Mayor tapped the loose puck behind Damien Ketlo. That cut the Hurricanes lead to 2-1. The period would end that way too. Red Deer came on strong in the second and held the edge in shots 33-32 through 40 minutes of play.

In the third, the Hurricanes would regain their two-goal lead. Cam Braes let a wrist shot go from just in front of the Red Deer goal, beating Bartosak on the blocker-side. That gave the Hurricanes a 3-1 lead. Just over a minute later Lethbridge would get another one. This time a lucky bounce for the Hurricanes as Jay Merkley threw puck out front from behind the Red Deer net and banked it off Bartosak and in for his 5th of the year. That made it 4-1 Hurricanes and that would also be it for Bartosak in the Red Deer goal. Bolton Pouliot would finish the game between the pipes for the Rebels. Lethbridge wasn't finished there. They would get another one on the power play before the game would end. Nick Buonassisi scored his 7th of the year. That made it 5-1 Hurricanes and that's the way the game would end. The Hurricanes improve to 6-19-0-1 on the season. They've also won three out of their last four games. Red Deer out shot the Hurricanes 43-42. Lethbridge finished the game 2/3 on the power play, while the Rebels went 1/5.

The Hurricanes were full value for the win, which was their first victory in Red Deer in a few seasons. Their best players were their best players, lead by Cam Braes who had two goals and an assist and goaltender Damien Ketlo who stopped 42 of the 43 shots he faced. It was also the Canes second road vicgtory of the year.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes next action is Saturday (Nov. 26) when they play their first game at Rexall Place in Edmonton. The Canes will be looking for some redemption in that game after the Oil Kings handed them a 10-3 loss on Wednesday. Game time is 7:00 pm (MST). Lethbridge is back at home next Tuesday night (Nov. 29) when they host Red Deer.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by www.clearlylethbridge.com.

Hurricanes Players Visit Local Schools

2011-11-25T11:38:00.001-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are proud to get out into the community, reaching out and connecting with their fans.

Throughout the 2011-2012 season as part of their “Positive Role Model Program” with the teams Education Advisor, Jim Stewart, the Hurricanes will be visiting area schools talking about the importance of education, exercise and making positive life choices.

On Thursday, Brody Sutter, Graham Hood, Brady Ramsay and Jay Merkley visited the Children of St. Martha Elementary School in West Lethbridge and spoke about their own experiences both on and off the ice and in the classroom. More than 100 kids took part in the session and some even got to chance to team up with the players in a game of floor hockey.

The players also sat down and signed autographs for every single child and nothing was off limits – jerseys, t-shirts, wallets, lunchboxes, arms and binders; the players signed it all. The Hurricanes players realize the importance of connecting with the kids and know that at such a young age, the words they speak and the way they conduct themselves will have a lasting impact on the youth of Southern Alberta. The next Hurricanes visit is scheduled for December 15th at Father Leonard Van Tighem School.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Oil Kings Hammer Hurricanes 10-3

2011-11-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Five goals in the first period powered the Edmonton Oil Kings to a lop-sided 10-3 win over the Hurricanes Wednesday night at the ENMAX Centre.

A solid start for the Lethbridge Hurricanes in what turned out to be a very offensive and wide open first period. Just over two minutes in, Brody Sutter ripped home his 9th of the season on the power play to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead early. A few minutes later the Oil Kings would tie things up. Michael St. Croix moved in and fired a nice shot by Damien Ketlo to tie the game at 1-1. Not too longer after that, Edmonton would take the lead for the first time. Kristian Pelss blasted a wrist shot to put Edmonton ahead 2-1. Lethbridge got that one back when Brody Sutter found the back of the net for the second time. He scored his 10th of the season to tie the game at 2-2. Just 11 second later, Edmonton would regain the lead when Josh Lazowski took a drop pass and put puck over Ketlo to give the Oil Kings a 3-2 lead. Edmonton would then jump ahead by a pair. Klarc Wilson tapped the puck into an open net and that made it 4-2 for the visitors. Lethbridge would keep chipping away at the lead. Jay Merkley tagged his 4th of the year to cut the lead to 4-3, but before the end of the period the Oil Kings would jump in front 5-3. Griffen Reinhart blasted a rolling puck by Ketlo on the power play to give the Oil Kings a two-goal lead after 20 minutes. The teams combined for 8 goals in that opening period. Edmonton out shot Lethbridge 13-12.

In the second, the Oil Kings would open up a three goal lead. Michael St. Croix scored his second of the game to make it 6-3 Edmonton. That goal was a big one and took some of the wind out of the Hurricanes sails. The visitors would get one more before the period would come to a close. Jordan Peddle moved in a put a beautiful move on Ketlo, putting a back-hander upstairs on Ketlo to give the Oil Kings and commanding 7-3 lead after two periods. Edmonton held the edge in shots 27-18 after two periods.

In the third, the Canes would make a goaltending change. Liam Liston would start the final period for the Hurricanes. Edmonton though would keep the offence coming with two quick goals to kick off the period in a span of 44 seconds. Curtis Lazar scored to make it 8-3 and then right after that Michael St. Croix banked one in off Liston from behind the goal for his 3rd of the game and that gave Edmonton a 9-3 lead. The Oil Kings would hit double-digits on the scoreboard with a power play goal by Mitch Moroz. That made it 10-3 Oil Kings and that's the way the game would end. It wasn't a pretty outing at home for the Hurricanes on this night. Edmonton out shot Lethbridge 41-26. The power plays finished like this: Lethbridge went 1/4 and the Oil Kings were 2/5. The loss puts an end to the Hurricanes modest two-game win streak. The loss drops the Canes record to 5-19-0-1 on the season.

On the CJOC post-game show, forward Nick Buonassisi said they were not good defensively and the Hurricanes got away from playing physical after the first five minutes of the game, something that's made this team successful over the previous two games last weekend.

The only injured Hurricane is defenceman Daniel Johnston. He was injured last Saturday when he was cross-checked from behind. He'll likely sit out the rest of the week. He's listed as being sidelined for the next 7 to 14 days. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston says Johnston hurt his shoulder, but it's nothing serious. Preston was also upset only a two minute minor penalty was given out on that play and no supplementary discipline from the WHL.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will hit the road for their next two games. On Friday, they head to Red Deer to face the Rebels and then Saturday it's off to Edmonton to play their first game of the season at Rexall Place. Friday's Game in Red Deer is a 7:30 pm (MST) start. The Edmonton game begins at 7:00 pm (MST). All the action can be heard on 94.1 CJOC.

Thanks,
Pat

Canes Prospect Bilous Plays in CJHL Prospects Game

2011-11-22T11:16:00.001-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes have more good news to report after the recent 2011 World Junior A Challenge in Langley, BC.

As part of that tournament, there was also the CJHL Prospects game, and suiting up for Team West was Lethbridge Hurricanes list player Braxton Bilous. The 1994-born 6’1, 192 pound Defenceman from Langley plays for the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL and has 7 points (3G, 4A) in 22 games so far this season.

In the first game against Team East, Team West erased one-goal deficits three times including in the third period when Bilous scored at 13:51 to tie the game sending it to overtime. Team West went on to win the game 4-3 giving them a one-goal lead heading into Sunday’s final of the total-goal series. In the finale, Team West won the game 5-3 winning the two-game, total-goal series 9-3 giving them the President’s Cup as CJHL Prospects Games Champions. It also marked the fourth time in seven year’s Team West earns national bragging rights.

While Bilous did not attend training camp this past September with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, he remains a highly touted player within the organization. Bilous playing in the Prospects game also brings the total to 13 the number of players and prospects that have participated in tournaments this year. Jay Merkley, Macoy Erkamps, Craig Leverton and Remi Laurencelle were all recently named to the 2012 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge next month, while eight Canes draft picks participated in the U-16 Challenge Cup last month in Moose Jaw.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes This Week

2011-11-21T07:02:00.001-07:00

Well, it turned out to be a perfect weekend on the ice for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

For the first time this season, the Canes rattled off back-to-back wins and were full value for both victories in my opinion. I think they key to the Hurricanes turning things around the past two games was clearly the physical play. On Friday, they came out of the gate banging every white jersey on the ice and I don't think the Red Deer Rebels expected that at all. The Rebels, to their credit found a way to battle back in the final few minutes, but the Hurricanes managed to get the win in a shoot out. On Saturday, the Hurricanes did the same against Edmonton in terms of using their bodies. This time they were able to get the lead and keep it. Brady Ramsey scored three goals in that game to lead the way offensively and goaltender Damien Ketlo was key in both wins.

Finally we have something extra positive to talk about with this team. Lethbridge battled hard in both games and with a healthy line-up it showed. They worked their butts off and it paid off. I thought Graham Hood was a monster on the weekend. He really lead the way with his physical play and everyone else seemed to follow. Sure, it's only two wins and there is plenty of hockey to be played, but this group deserves a lot credit for the way it played. I think the Hurricanes fans can give themselves a pat on the back too. They stuck with this team through the rough stretch in October and were more than gracious, showing their appreciation for the team's effort on the weekend with a near standing ovation. And with that, from the players came a solute to the crowd. The ENMAX Centre has been a fun place to be the last two games, not just because of the wins. The overall play of the team coupled with the crowd support made it a loud building and no doubt the players channeled that energy.

The status of Daniel Johnston still isn't clear after he was hit from behind on Saturday and never returned. He's a very important part of the Canes defence and had just returned to the line-up after missing a few weeks with an upper body injury. I hope to get an update later in the day. Besides Johnston, the Hurricanes have a healthy line-up. Something this team hasn't had in several weeks.

Coming up this week, the Hurricanes will play three games in four nights. They'll get reacquainted with Edmonton on Wednesday as the Oil Kings will be back in town for their final visit to Lethbridge this season. On Friday, the Canes hit the road for a date with the Rebels in Red Deer and then on Saturday it's off to Edmonton for the Canes first game of the year at Rexall Place. If the Canes play this week like they did last weekend, they should give both Red Deer and Edmonton a run for their money once again.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Hurricanes This Week is back on the radio tonight on CJOC. We are LIVE from Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South. Joining Fred Jack and I will be goaltender Damien Ketlo, Hurricanes Alumni Chair Dick Gibson to discuss the upcoming inductions into the Hurricanes/Broncos Hall of Fame in early January, and then in the final segment of the program, we'll speak with Corey Graham, the radio voice of the Edmonton Oil Kimgs. It starts at 6:00 pm (MST).

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Down Edmonton 5-2

2011-11-19T22:00:00.001-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - Brady Ramsey scored three goals as the Hurricanes won back-to-back games for the first time this season, 5-2 over the Edmonton Oil Kings.

The Hurricanes came out hitting again for the second game in a row, trying to build on the physical play that helped them to a victory the night before versus Red Deer. The Hurricanes ended up opening the scoring in this game on a power play. Brady Ramsey poked home his 8th of the season, beat Tristian Jarry to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. 40 seconds later Edmonton would tie things up at 1-1. Curtis Lazar put the puck by a down-and-out Damien Ketlo. That evened the score after 20 minutes. Edmonton held the edge in shot 15-7. Defenceman Daniel Johnston left the game late in the period after he was hit from behind by Edmonton's Rhett Ranchinski. He did not return.

In the second, both teams continued to pound pucks at each other and the Hurricanes would eventually get the go-ahead marker. Cam Braes hammered a bullet off the crossbar and in to give Lethbridge a 2-1 lead. It was the Captain's 7th goal of the season. The Hurricanes had a real strong period, with 19 shots on the Edmonton goal. The shots were even at 26-26 through 40 minutes.

In third, the Hurricanes would take a two-goal lead when Graham Hood tipped the puck by Jarry for his 5th of the season. That gave Lethbridge a big 3-1 lead early in the period. The Oil Kings would begin a bit of a comeback near the mid-way point of the period. Josh Lazowski scored on the power play to cut the Hurricanes lead to 3-2 with about 9 minutes remaining in the period. Shortly after that, the Oil Kings would get a long 5-on-3 man advantage. The Canes managed to killed that off and right after, Brady Ramsey scored his second of the game and 9th of the season to give Lethbridge a 4-2 lead late in the period. The Hurricanes would ice the game with an empty-netter from Brady Ramsey, who scored his 3rd of the game and 10th of the season. He's first Hurricane to hit double-digits in goals this season. The Oil Kings out shot Lethbridge 37-33. Lethbridge finished the night 1/4 on the power and Edmonton 1/6. The Hurricanes improve to 5-18-0-1 on the season. A great game from start to finish for Lethbridge in this one and for the second night in a row, played a solid 60 minutes.

A big congratulations to Hurricanes Captain Cam Braes who played his 300th game in a Lethbridge Hurricanes uniform Saturday versus the Oil Kings. He was certainly a factor in the win against Edmonton.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will continue to get their fair-share of the Oil Kings in the coming week. The Canes will host Edmonton again on Wednesday night (Nov. 23) at the ENMAX Centre and then head to Edmonton for the first time this season on Saturday (Nov. 26). The Canes will play the Rebels in Red Deer on Friday.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Beat Rebels 4-3 in Shoot Out

2011-11-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - The Hurricanes let a 3-0 lead slip away, but still held on for a 4-3 shoot out win Friday night against the Red Deer Rebels at the ENMAX Centre.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes would jump out of the gate strong in this hockey game. 13 minutes into the game, the Canes would open the scoring. Phil Tot threw the puck out from the corner and it beat Rebels goalies Patrik Bartosak to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. That was Tot's 2nd goal of the season. That would be all the offence. The Hurricanes had a very good period overall and were quite physical in that opening 20 minutes as well. Lethbridge held a slight edge in shots 11-10.

In the second, the Canes continued to roll. About six minutes in the period, Jay Merkley fired the puck at the Red Deer goal and it was tipped in by Jamal Watson for his first-ever goal in the WHL. That made it 2-0 Lethbridge. The Hurricanes nearly made it 3-0 on the power play, but Bartosak robbed Cam Braes with a great glovehand save to keep it a two-goal lead for Lethbridge. Late in the period the Canes would get one more on a delayed penalty call. Russ Maxwell tipped home a shot to make it 3-0 Lethbridge after 40 minutes. It was Maxwell's 5th of the season. Another very good period of hockey for the Canes. They held the edge in shots 27-18 through two periods and were full value for the lead.

In the third, the Rebels broke the shut out bid for Ketlo when Adam Kambeitz scored to make it a 3-1 lead for Lethbridge. Late in the period, the Rebels pulled the goalie and it paid off with two goals to tie the score. Adam Kambeitz scored his second of the night with just over a minute to go to cut the Hurricanes lead to 3-2 and then with less than a second left in the period, Kambeitz completes the hatrick, knocking the puck by Ketlo to even the score at 3-3. That goal went to video review, but it would stand, sending the game into overtime. The 5 minute O-T solved nothing, so this game would go to a shootout to decide a winner. The Hurricanes would get goals from Phil Tot and Juraj Bezuch and Damien Ketlo stood tall between the pipes as Lethbridge pulled out a 4-3 victory. The Canes out shot Red Deer 37-33 in this games. Both teams went 0/2 on the power play.

You have to give the Rebels some credit. Lethbridge had complete control of this one, until Red Deer made some nice adjustments in the last 7:01 to score three times to tie the game. On the flip side of that, the Hurricanes played maybe their best game of the season for about 55 minutes, until the Rebels turned up the heat. It just shows you can't take your foot off the gas at any point in a game in the WHL. Very aggressive and physical play was key for Lethbridge on this night. It was also Damien Ketlo's first win in goal for the Hurricanes this season.

For the first time is a while, the Hurricanes actually had to sit a couple of healthy players. Adam Henry, Craig Leverton, and Liam Liston all sat out Friday night's game. The only injury the Hurricanes have is Max Moline, who's been sidelined for several weeks with a lower body injury.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will host the Edmonton Oil Kings Saturday night (Nov. 19). Like the Red Deer Rebels, the Canes and Oil Kings will meet three times over the next week or so. To this point, Edmonton is having it's best season since coming back into the WHL in 2007-2008. Saturday will be the second meeting of the season between the two clubs. Edmonton won the previous game in Lethbridge 5-1 back on October 11th. The Oil Kings will be back at the ENMAX Centre next Wednesday night (Nov. 23) for the final visit to Lethbridge this season. The Eastern Conference is extemely tight at the moment, especially between the top 8 teams. Edmonton currently holds down that final playoff position, but they're just a couple of points away from first place. That's how close things are.

Thanks,
Pat

Merkley, Erkamps, Leverton, Laurencelle Heading to World Under 17's

2011-11-15T12:55:00.002-07:00

The future continues to look bright for the Lethbridge Hurricanes organization with four members having been chosen to represent Team West and Team Pacific at the upcoming 2012 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Windsor, Ontario December 29th – January 4th. The regional under-17 program is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence and many of these same players go on to represent Canada with the National Men’s Under-18 Team, National Junior Team and National Men’s Team.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are thrilled to announce Jay Merkley and Macoy Erkamps will be members of Team Pacific, while Craig Leverton and Remi Laurencelle will be part of Team West. This season with the Canes, Merkely leads all rookies with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) while, Erkamps has 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) and Leverton has 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists.) Last year in 42 games with the Winnipeg Wild of MMHL, Laurencelle registered 15 goals and 19 assists in 42 games.

The naming of these four Lethbridge Hurricanes players continues to highlight the success of the team and the talent on the roster that will be with this team for a long time into the future. Already, the Hurricanes had eight of their draft picks named to the recent U-16 Challenge Cup in Moose Jaw, SK which Team Alberta won. The addition of these four players again highlights the talent on the team now and in the future and it brings the total to 12, the number of players chosen to be part of Hockey Canada’s Programs of Excellence. As well, Merkley, Erkamps, Leverton and Laurencelle were all part of last year’s Canada Winter Games team. It should be noted that two more Hurricanes – Reid Duke and Ryan Pilon have also been named to the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games starting January 13, 2012 in Innsbruck, Austria.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Canes Lose 5th Straight: 6-2 in Calgary

2011-11-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

CALGARY - Three goals in the first period powered the Calgary Hitmen to a 6-3 victory over the Hurricanes Sunday afternoon at the Saddledome.

Not the start the Hurricanes were hoping for in this afternoon contest with the Hitmen. Calgary got off to a quick start with three goals in just over 10 minutes of play. Trevor Cheek opened the scoring at the 3:53 mark. The Hitmen would then get a 5-on-3 power play for two straight minutes and they would make the Hurricanes pay dearly. Victor Rask scored on the power play to make it 2-0 and then just over a minute later, Jimmy Bubnick put the puck by Liam Liston to give the Hitmen a 3-0 lead. Things were looking a bit bleak for the Hurricanes until late in the period when Lethbridge scored twice in 30 seconds. First Graham Hood scored his 4th of the year to cut the lead to 3-1 and right after, Nick Buonassisi wrapped in the puck from behind the goal to make it a 3-2 hockey game in favour of Calgary after one period. The Hitmen held the edge in shots 13-7.

In the second, the Hitmen regained their two-goal lead. Danny Gayle made a nice move on Liam Liston, putting the puck low along the ice on the gloveside to give Calgary a 4-2 lead. Before the end of the period, the Hitmen would get one more. Alex Gogolev threw the puck at the net and it went off a Lethbridge defenceman and in by Liston making the score 5-2 Calgary after 40 minutes. The Hitmen held the edge in shots in goal 22-16.

In the third, the Hitmen would keep it coming. Alex Gogolev would get his second of the afternoon. That made it 6-2 Calgary and unfortunately for the Hurricanes that would be it. This would be the Canes 5th loss in a row and they have just one victory in their last 19 games. The Hurricanes out shot Calgary 31-29. Lethbridge went 0/3 on the power play and Calgary went 3/5. Hurricanes Assistant G.M. Brad Robson joined me on the second intermission Sunday. He said as difficult as this losing skid has been on all the players, coaches, fans, and team personnel, the Canes must use this as a learning experience they builds for the future.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will have a few days off before their next action. They begin a stretch of 8 straight games against four of the top teams in the Western Hockey League. The Canes will play Red Deer and Edmonton three times each and Medicine Hat once to close out November. They'll open the month of December against the Saskatoon Blades. All four of those teams are at or just a few points away from first place in not just the Eastern Conference, but the entire WHL. Lethbridge will host the Rebels Friday night (Nov. 18) at the ENMAX Centre. Edmonton comes to town Saturday (Nov. 19).

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Our weekly Hurricanes radio show is back on the air Monday night at 6:00 pm (MST) LIVE from Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South. Joining Fred and I will be Canes Associate Coach Matt Kabayama. We'll also welcome Gregg Drinnan, Sports Editor of the Kamloops Daily News and popular WHL blogger, and in the last segment of the program we hope to chat with Cam Moon, the radio voice of the Red Deer Rebels to set up Friday's game between the Hurricanes and Rebels.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Lose 7-3 to Tri-City Americans

2011-11-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - The Hurricanes played most of the night with the Tri-City Americans, but the Ams were too much in the 3rd period as they blew the game open and cruised to a 7-3 victory.

The Tri-City Americans would draw first blood in this hockey game. Just over 3 minutes in, Zach Yuen took a pass from behind the Lethbridge goal and hammered a slapper by Damien Ketlo to give the Ams a 1-0 lead. Tri-City would soon after jump ahead by a pair. Justin Feser let a laser go from the point on a power play, off the post and in making it 2-0 Americans. Lethbridge would get one of those back before the end of the period. Jay Merkley cashed home his 3rd of season off a nice pass from Juraj Bezuch. That made it 2-1 Tri-City. With just a few seconds to go in the period, Tri-City scored again, but the goal was called back after video review after the video replay clearly showed the puck was directed in off the arm of Brendan Shinnimin. That's the way the period would end. Lethbridge out shot Tri-City 8-5.

In the second, the Hurricanes tied the game on a power play of their own. Brody Sutter fired a backhander upstairs on Ams rookie goalie Eric Comrie to even the score at 2-2. That was Sutter's 7th goal of the season. The Americans would get both of those goals back in rather short order. First Jordan Messier scored to make it 3-2 Tri-City and on the power play, Zach Yuen would get his second of the night to give the Americans their two goal lead back, this time 4-2. The Hurricanes would continue to battle with one the top teams in the CHL. The Canes Nick Buonassisi was awarded a penalty shot and scored his 5th of the season on the power play to make it a 4-3 game in favour of the Americans. That's the way the period would end. Tri-City held a slight edge in shots 18-16.

In the third, Tri-City jumped ahead by a pair again. Mitch Topping fired a point shot low along the ice, beating Ketlo between the legs to make it 5-3 Americans. The Ams would increase their lead by three. Malte Stromwall tipped the puck by Ketlo late in the period to give Tri-City a 6-3 lead. The Americans would get one more. Lethbridge native Patrick Holland scored shorthanded to make it 7-3 and that's the way the game would end. Tri-City dominated the 3rd period, out shooting Lethbridge 18-0 in the final frame. The final shots favoured the Ams 36-16. The power plays were decent for both teams. Tri-City went 2/7 and Lethbridge 2/8. The Canes have lost 4 in a row and have just one victory in their last 18 games.

This was a pretty fun game to watch for the most part. The Hurricanes played shot for shot and goal for goal with one of the top teams in the CHL for the first 40 minutes, but this game drastically changed in third period.

The Hurricanes had four scratches Saturday. Tanner Kovacs, Tyler Kizuik, and Craig Leverton were all healthy scratches. Max Moline still has a lower body injury and sat out the game against the Ams. He's been sidelined for over a month. Michael Sofillas who hasn't played yet this season was sent back home to Manitoba to recoup from a concussion he sufffered last season.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will play a rare Sunday afternoon game (Nov. 13) in Calgary against the Hitmen. This will be the second match-up of the season between the two teams. The Hurricanes won a high scoring game 6-5 back on September 30th at the ENMAX Centre. Game time from the Saddledome is 2:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 1:30. The Hurricanes next six games after that are against Red Deer and Edmonton. The Rebels will be in Lethbridge on Friday (Nov. 18) and the Oil Kings are in town on Saturday (Nov. 19).

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes in New Dressing Room

2011-11-10T12:52:00.008-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes moved into their new dressing room facilities this week at the ENMAX Centre.

It's been a long time coming for the hockey team. As mentioned before, there is a separate training room, weight room ,video room, skate sharpening area, and coaches room.

Here are a few pics I snapped prior to the Hurricanes game on Wednesday. I know talking with a few of the players this week, they are very excited about their new digs. This new dressing room is as good or better than any in the Western Hockey League.

The Hurricanes video room has some old ENMAX Centre history. When the new seats were installed in the stands back in 2003, Operations Manager Len Overbeeke saved some of those vintage 1974 seats and had them installed in the Hurricanes new video room.

Pat

Seattle Beats Lethbridge 3-2 at ENMAX Centre

2011-11-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

LETHBRIDGE - A lucky bounce late in the third period helped the Seattle Thunderbirds to a 3-2 victory over the Hurricanes Wednesday night at the ENMAX Centre.

A great pace to this hockey game. Just a couple of whistles in the first 10 minutes or so. Both teams has some real solid scoring chances, but goaltenders Damien Ketlo and Calvin Pickward were very good in the opening 20 minutes of play. Lethbridge held the slight edge in shots, 11-10 in that first period.

In the second, the Hurricanes finally found a way to break the scoreless tie. Landon Oslanski wired a shot off the post and in to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. It was Oslanski's 4th of the season. 30 seconds later, Seattle would even the score at 1-1. Marcel Noebels fired the puck by Ketlo and just like that the game is tied once again. Neither team was able to find the back of the net the rest of the period. Again both goalies, Pickard and Ketlo were outstanding between the pipes. The shots favoured Lethbridge 25-21 after 40 minutes.

In the third, both teams continued to press to get the go-ahead goal. Seattle ended up getting a lucky bounce with about 7 minutes remaining. The puck was dumped deep into the Lethbridge zone, Ketlo came out of his goal to play it, when the puck took a funny bounce off the end boards and straight out in front of the goal and tapped into the empty net by Mitch Elliot. That put Seattle ahead 2-1. A few minutes later the T-birds went ahead 3-1 when Brendan Rouse scored. That turned out to be a key goal because, seconds later the Hurricanes got one of those back when Adam Henry scored his first goal of season. That made it 3-2 Seattle, but that's as close as the Hurricanes would get in this one. The Hurricanes out shot the Thunderbirds 35-28 and for the first time in a while held their opponents to under 30 shots in the game. The Hurricanes went 0/3 on the power play and Seattle finished the game 0/4. The Hurricanes have just one victory in their past 17 hockey games.

The Hurricanes actually had a full defensive corp Wednesday night. The Canes had seven healthy defenceman for the first time in over a month. Getting Daniel Johnston back from the injured listed was a huge boost for this team against Seattle. Jay Merkey and Liam Liston were healthy scratches for the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes are finally into their new dressing and training rooms. The team officially moved in this week. The facility consists of a separate dressing room, training room, video room, coaches room, trainers room, and skate sharpening room. I had a tour of the new digs Wednesday before the game and will post a few photos this week.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes are off until Saturday (Nov. 12) when they host the Tri-City Amercians. This game will mark the return of defenceman Derek Ryckman who was dealt to the Ams a few weeks ago. Tri-City is one of the top teams in the WHL's Western Conference. Fred and I will have the pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30 pm (MST). The puck drops at 7:00. The Hurricanes will then tavel to Calgary Sunday afternoon for a 2:00 pm (MST) start against the Hitmen.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Host Seattle

2011-11-09T09:02:00.004-07:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes host the Seattle Thunderbirds tonight at the ENMAX Centre.

Both teams are struggling right now and sit and the bottom of the their respective conferences. The Hurricanes are 3-15-0-1 in East and the T-birds are 5-10 in the West. Seattle has played the least amount of game in the Western Hockey League to date. The Thunderbirds are coming off a 6-3 loss in Medicine Hat last night.

The Hurricanes have one victory in their past 16 games, but will get one of the top defencemen back tonight. Daniel Johnston has missed more than two weeks with injury. He'll add a lot to what has been a thin blueline for this team in recent games. Tonight's game also marks the return of Cason Machacek to Lethbridge. The Canes dealt him to Seattle in the off-season for a draft pick. For Lethbridge, Brady Ramsey is on a three game point streak heading into this game (3G, 1A) while Nick Buonassisi and Sam McKechnie each have three assists in the Canes last 5 games.

The Hurricanes are paying respect to the Canadian Forces this evening with Military Appreciation night. The players will wear army-themed jerseys with the usual stars on the jersey being replaced by the Maple Leaf. The jerseys are up for auction at http://www.hurricanesauction.com/ until 5pm November 14th. All the proceeds go the Legion's poppy fund and the local military museum.

Game time tonight is 7:00 pm (MST). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes This Week

2011-11-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

The struggles continue for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The Canes are through the quarter-way point in the this WHL season. They sit with a record of 3-15-0-1 and just 7 points. Compare that to the same 19 game period last year and the numbers are drastically different. At this time in the 2010-2011 campaign, the Canes were 10-6-0-3 for 23 points. The team is coming off back-to-back losses in Saskatchewan this past weekend, dropping a 5-2 decision in Prince Albert and losing 7-3 in Saskatoon.

Lethbridge continues to battle injuries and the flu. Daniel Johnston is expected back this week after missing the past few weeks with injury. Damien Ketlo returned to the line-up Saturday in Saskatoon, but lasted just over a period between the pipes, before being pulled in favour Liam Liston. The Hurricanes are hoping Albin Blomqvist will be ready to go this week after being his hard with the flu last week. Adam Henry remains out as well with an upper body injury.

The Hurricanes have just victory in their last 16 hockey games. That came last week when they beat Everett 4-3 in a shoot out to end what was then a 13 game losing skid. The Hurricanes have three games this week. One Wednesday (Nov. 9) they play host to Seattle. That will be military appreciation night at the ENMAX Centre. On Saturday (Nov 12), Derek Ryckman makes his return to Lethbridge when the Hurricanes host the Tri-City Americans. Then Sunday (Nov. 13), it's off to Calgary for an afternoon tilt at the Saddledome with the Hitmen. After that, the schedule for the rest of the month for the Hurricanes gets real tough, with three games each against Edmonton and Red Deer and one game versus Medicine Hat.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Our weekly Hurricanes radio show is back on the air tonight at 6:00 pm (MST). Fred and I will be back LIVE at Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South. Brody Sutter will join us by phone in the first segment of the program and we will also chat with Brad Curle, the radio voice of the Calgary Hitmen. Lots to discuss over the course of the hour.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Lose 7-3 in Saskatoon

2011-11-05T21:48:00.002-06:00

SASKATOON, SK. - It was a rough one for the Hurricanes Saturday night. The Blades scored three goals in the first and four more in the second and cruised to a 7-3 win over the Hurricanes at the Credit Union Centre.

The Hurricanes had a couple of great chances early in this one, including a penalty shot by Brody Sutter, but the Blades would get on the board first. Michael Burns knocked a loose puck by Damien Ketlo to give Saskatoon a 1-0 lead. The Blades would notch a few more before the end of the period. Travis McEvoy got an easy one, his first of the year when the puck squeaked out from behind the net and he popped into an open goal to give Saskatoon a 2-0 lead. A couple of minutes later, Lethbridge native Lucas Sutter put the Blades ahead 3-0 when he hammered a one-timer between the legs of Ketlo. That's the way the period would end. Saskatoon out shot Lethbridge 18-11 through 20 minutes.

In the second, the Blades would go ahead 6-0 with three quick goals in a span of 2:30 to open the period. Matt Stransky beat Damien Ketlo on the short side, to make it 4-0. That would be it for Ketlo in this game. He was replaced by Liam Liston. Shortly after that Blades would score on their first shot on Liston, when Ryan Olsen banged home a rebound. That made it 5-0. Soon after, Brett Stovin ripped a blast off the post and in to give the Blades a huge 6-0 lead. Lethbridge got one of those back when Cam Braes fired home a shot by Adam Todd for his 7th of the season. That made it 6-1, but Saskatoon wasn't done there. Michael Burns got his second of the game to put the Blades up 7-1 after two periods. It was a rough 40 minutes for the Hurricanes on the road in this one. The shots after two periods favoured Saskatoon 31-29.

In the third, the Hurricanes would cut into that lead a bit more. Juraj Bezuch took a nice pass from Jay Merkley, scoring his second of the season. That made it a 7-2 game. Lethbridge got one more. Graham Hood scored his 3rd on a power play to cut the Blades lead to 7-3. That's as close as the Hurricanes would get in this game. The Hurricanes finished the night 1/3 on the power play and the Blades were 2/6. The shots on goal were close, favouring Saskatoon 38-35.
The Hurricanes have just one victory in their past 16 hockey games and continue to struggle goals and keeping the shots against down. Over the past dozen games, the Canes are giving up an average 35 plus shots a game to their opponents.

Albin Blomqvist was out again with the flu for the second game in a row. he's been hit pretty hard this week by the bug. The Hurricanes had to play with only four defenceman against the Blades. Ryan Pilon was unavailable for this game as his "AAA" team was also in action on Saturday night. Cam Braes moved back to the blueline to play defence versus Saskatoon. Damien Ketlo made his return to the Canes goal in Saskatoon. He missed three weeks with a groin injury and has been chomping at the bit to get back in the line-up.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes are back at home for their next two games. The Canes host the Seattle Thunderbirds Wednesday (Nov. 9). That will be military appreciation night at the ENMAX Centre. The Hurricanes will wear special army-style jerseys for this game. Those jerseys are being auctioned off on-line right now at http://www.hurricanesauction.com/. All the proceeds are going to the Legion's poppy fund and the local military museum. Lethbridge will NOT play on Remembrance Day next Friday, but they will be back in action Saturday (Nov. 12) as they welcome the Tri-City Americans. Next Sunday (Nov. 13), the Canes will play an afternoon game in Calgary against the Hitmen.

Thanks,
Pat

Raiders Hand Hurricanes 5-2 Loss in P.A.

2011-11-04T21:43:00.004-06:00

PRINCE ALBERT, SK - A four goal first period powered the Raiders to a 5-2 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday night in Prince Albert.

The Raiders would get on the board quickly in this hockey game. Just 1:10 into the first period, Justin Maylan scored on a power play to give Prince Albert a 1-0 lead. The Hurricanes got that one back a few minutes later. Jaimen Yakubowski tapped home the puck past Eric Williams after a scramble in front of the P.A. goal to even the score at 1-1. That was Yakubowski's 2nd goal of the season. Prince Albert would blow the game open with three more before the end of the period to take a commanding lead. First, Jonas Knutsen scored to put the Raiders up 2-1. Shortly after that a lucky bounce, when Harrison Ruopp floated the puck toward the Lethbridge goal. It banked off a Hurricanes player in front and by Liston to put the Raiders up 3-1. Then with just over a minute to go, Brandon Herrod took a pass on a two-on-one rush to give P.A. a big 4-1 lead after the first period. Liam Liston was a busy guy in the period as the Canes were out shot 20-13.

In the second, the Hurricanes made a goaltending change with Tanner Kovacs starting off the period. That seemed to spark Lethbridge. The Canes came out gunning, pounding over 20 shots on the Prince Albert goal, but couldn't find the back of the net until late in the period. Brady Ramsey cashed in his 7th goal of the year on the man advantage to cut the Raiders lead in half to 4-2. That's the way the period would end. Unfortunately for Lethbridge, they ran into a hot goalie. The Canes pounded 22 shots on the P.A. goal in the second, which was their biggest shot output in a period this season. Eric Williams had to be and was very good in net. The shots after two periods favoured the Hurricanes 35-32.

In the third, the Hurricanes had a great chance early on a 5-on-3 power play, but were unable to score. The Raiders ended up getting one more in the third period. Justin Maylan scored his second of the night, ripping a wrist shot by Kovacs to give Prince Albert a 5-2 lead. That's the way this game would end. This was a wide-open non-defensive game in P.A. The Raiders out shot Lethbridge 52-49. 101 shots combined between the two hockey teams. Lethbridge went 1/6 on the power play and the Raiders were 1/1. The loss drops the Hurricanes record to 3-14-0-1 on the season as we hit the quarter point. For P.A., it ends a 6 game losing skid. Kovacs was outstanding in his two periods of work for the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes called up one of their top draft picks to play against the Raiders Friday. Ryan Pilon made his regular season debut for Lethbridge. The defenceman was chosen 3rd overall by the Canes back in the 2011 Bantam draft in May. Pilon is a highly-touted young defenceman who the Hurricanes are hoping to see big things from in the years ahead. He just turned 15 year old a few weeks a weeks ago, but standing at 6 foot 2, 195 pounds he's a big force on the ice. He logged a lot of ice time in his first WHL game and looked pretty good on the backend. As for injuries, the Hurricanes played without Johnston, Henry, and Ketlo. Johnston isn't expected back until the middle of next week, but we could see Damien Ketlo this weekend. Adam Henry is out with an upper body injury and Albin Blomqvist has a bout of the flu and missed the game in P.A.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will close out this mini-northern Saskatchewan road swing Saturday when they play the Blades in Saskatoon. It'll be the first of four meetings this season between the teams. Going into this game, the Blades are ranked 5th in the Eastern Conference with 10 wins in 17 games. They are a perfect 7-0 on home ice at the Credit Union Centre. The Hurricanes are going to need all hands on deck in the this one. Saskatoon also has a pretty good young Russian goaltender. Andrey Makarov has been playing very well for the Blades this season. Game time is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by http://www.clearlylethbridge.com/.

Streak Over! Hurricanes Win 4-3 in Shoot Out

2011-11-02T22:16:00.001-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - The Hurricanes erased a 3-0 deficit to beat the Everett Silvertips 4-3 in a shoot out at the ENMAX Centre Wednesday night.

The Hurricanes came out gunning in this one, but it would be the Everett Silvertips who got on the scoreboard first. The Tips broke a scoreless tie with two goals just 14 seconds apart late in the period. First, Tyler Maxwell banked a shot in off Canes goalie Liam Liston on a power play to give Everett a 1-0 lead and right off the face off at centre ice, Jordyn Boyd moved down the left wing and lifted a shot by Liston's blocker and in to give Everett a 2-0 lead after one period of play. Lethbridge held the edge in shots 13-5 at one point, but the Tips closed that gap to 13-9.

In the second, the visitors would go up by three. Macoy Erkamps was called holding up Josh Birkholtz on a partial breakaway. Birkholtz was awarded a penalty shot and put a beautiful move on Liston, roofing the shot into the top of the net to give the Tips a 3-0 lead. The Hurricanes got that one back a minute later and followed that up with two more to even the score in short order. First, Brady Ramsey tapped home the puck by Kent Simpson to get the Hurricanes on the board for the first time in the game. It was Ramsey's 5th of the season. A few minutes later, the Canes and Ramsey would get another one. Everett's Jordyn Boyd was given a 5 minute major for clipping when he knocked down the Hurricanes Russ Maxwell with low hit around the knees. Ramsey moved in and snapped a shot by Simpson on the power play for his 6th of the year, making the score 3-2. Then 23 seconds later, the Canes got another one on the man advantage. Landon Oslanski fired home his 3rd of the season to tie the game 3-3. That's the way the period would end. The Hurricanes out shot Everett 27-24 after 40 minutes.

In the third, both teams opened things up to try and find that go-ahead goal. Neither team was able to score, so the game would head into overtime. The extra 5 minutes solved nothing so the game would go to a shoot out to determine a winner. The lone shoot out goal was scored by the Captain Cam Braes and the that gave the Hurricanes a 4-3 victory and put an end a long 123 game losing streak. The Hurricanes players jumped off the bench with excitement and relief, mauling Liam Liston to congratulate the goaltender on his first win as a Lethbridge Hurricane. Lethbridge was out shot 41-37 on the night. The Hurricanes finished the night 2/7 on the power play and Everett went 1/4 on the man advantage and also scored one short-handed.

It was a pretty feisty hockey game too. A couple of good fights in this one. Former teammates Cam Braes and Brennan Yadlowski when at it in the first period and then in the second, Nick Buonassisi went toe-to-toe with Lucas Grayson. There were also plenty of scrums after whistles throughout the course of the game. Hurricanes Captain Cam Braes said on the CJOC post-game show that he wants to thank the fans for sticking with the team through what was a really tough stretch for the Hurricanes. Braes says it's never been through such a long losing skid and now he's happy it's all over.

The Hurricanes are still battling injuries. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston says defenceman Daniel Johnston won't be ready to play until next Wednesday (Nov. 9) when the Canes host Seattle Damien Ketlo still isn't ready to go either. The Hurricanes called up defenceman Joel Topping to fill the void on the blueline Wednesday. Phil Tot made his return to the line-up against the Silvertips. He missed the last couple of weeks Wednesday's game also marked the return of former Hurricanes D-man Brennan Yadlowski to Lethbridge for the first since he was dealt to Everett. He was traded to the Tips last season in exchange for a second round draft pick from this past May's WHL Bantam draft.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes hit the road Thursday morning for a quick to Saskatchewan to take on the Prince Albert Raiders Friday (Nov. 4) and then Saskatoon Saturday (Nov. 5). The Hurricanes next home game is November 9th when the host Seattle. That will be military appreciation night in honour of Remembrance Day.

Thanks,
Pat

Rich Preston Growing Moustache for Movember

2011-11-01T09:47:00.006-06:00

Men around the world are participating in “Mo-vember” and Lethbridge Hurricanes GM and Head Coach Rich Preston is also joining the cause.

Every year on the 1st of November, men from across Canada and around the world start with a clean-shaven face and for the rest of the month, they groom, trim and wax their way into the ‘stache of their choice raising funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer.

Preston who played professionally in the WHA and NHL was known for his neatly manicured moustache, so this is nothing new. Preston is challenging all Lethbridge fans, corporations and supporters to book their annual health check and contribute any way they can to this fundraising initiative. Preston says “the Hurricanes organization contributes economically, culturally and socially: we can leverage our place in the community to raise awareness and funds. Fans, season ticket holders, shareholders and sponsors can all benefit from annual health checks.”

Last year, more than $19 million was raised across Canada for Movember. To help Head Coach Rich Preston click on the following link http://ca.movember.com/mospace/ then click donate and type in Preston’s name to get to his donation page.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes This Week

2011-10-31T06:53:00.000-06:00

Well, the October schedule for the Lethbridge Hurricanes has come and gone and it will more than certainly be a month this team would rather forget.

The Canes went 0-13 during October and are trying to find a solution to getting out of this current rut. Lethbridge has played 16 games so far and are 2-13-0-1 on the season for only 5 points. Compare that to last season through the same amount of games and the Hurricanes were 7-6-0-3 for 17 points. That's a big difference. There are certainly more questions than answers with this team right now.

The Hurricanes will close out this 7 game home stand Wednesday (Nov. 2) when they host the Everett Silvertips. After that, it's on the road this weekend for games in Prince Albert Friday and Saskatoon Saturday. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, the Canes have 13 games in November, 7 at home and 6 on the road. The team is hoping to get a few injured played back in the line-up this week.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Our weekly Hurricanes radio show is back on the air tonight at 6:00 pm (MDT) on CJOC. We've brought back the Media Rountable to discuss this current losing skid and more. Paul Kingsmith from Global TV and Dylan Purcell from the Lethbridge Herald will join Fred and I at Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South for our Halloween edition of the program. Lots to talk about. Should be an interesting show.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Handed 13th Straight Loss

2011-10-29T21:58:00.000-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - Two goals in teh first and two more in the second helped the Red Deer Rebels get by the Hurricanes 5-0 at the ENMAX Centre Saturday night.

Another decent start for the Hurricanes in the first few minutes, but this time the visitors would score first. Matt Dumba ripped home a slap shot on the power play to put Red Deer ahead 1-0. The Rebels came close to getting a few more, but they hit three goal posts in the period. They did manage to get one more before the end of the period. In the final minute, a race for the puck in the Hurricanes zone and Turner Elson got to it first and chipped it by Liam Liston to give Red Deer a 2-0 lead after one period of play. The Rebels heavily out shot the Canes 14-5.

In the second, the Rebels would a few more. Coaldale native Adam Kambeitz tapped home the puck by Liston to put Red Deer ahead 3-0 and then less than two minutes later the visitors would make it 4-0. Colton Mayor got behind the Lethbridge defence and put a nice move on Liston to give the Rebels a commanding four goal lead. Red Deer continued to pound pucks on the Lethbridge goal, but that's the way the period would end. The Rebels out shot Lethbridge 18-14 in that period and held the edge 32-19 through 40 minutes of play.

In the third, the Rebels would make it 5-0. Matt Dumba scored a nearly identical goal on the power play that he scored back in the first. He hammered a slapper by Liston for his second of night to give the Rebels a big lead and that after it was all said and done, that would be the way this game would end. Red Deer out shot Lethbridge in this one, 42-29. The Rebels went 2/5 on the power play and the Hurricanes finished the night 0/4. The Hurricanes went winless in the month of October and have now dropped 13 straight games. The sit with a record of 2-13-0-1 as the season nears the quarter-way point. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore pulled no punches on the CJOC post-game show. He said, "No sugar-coating this tonight, they gave us an old-fashioned butt-kicking. I wish I had some answers. We (as coaches) take full responsibilty for the way this team plays in the good times and the bad".

The Hurricanes got two players back Saturday from illness, but lost another to the flu. Macoy Erkamps and Tyler Kizuik were back on the blueline. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston said both players lost about six pounds with the stomach bug the had this week. Jamal Watson though went down with the flu prior to the game and sat the game out. The Hurricanes played with 11 forwards. The Canes went a little retro Saturday as well, wearing a version of their original jerseys from their first season 25 years ago.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will close out this 7 game home stand on Wednesday (Nov. 2) when they play host to the Everett Silvertips. The Tips have been struggling this season too and are near the bottom of the Western Conference with just four wins in 16 games. After Wednesday, the Hurricanes will hit the road next weekend for a pair of games in Saskatchewan. Next Friday (Nov. 4) they're in Prince Albert to take on the Raiders and Saturday (Nov 5) they stop in Saskatoon. The puck drop for all three of those games next week is 7:00 pm (MDT). In November, the Hurricanes play 13 games: 7 at home and 6 on the road.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by http://www.clearlylethbridge.com/.

Winterhawks Beat Hurricanes 4-1 at ENMAX Centre

2011-10-28T22:02:00.000-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - Three goals in just over 5 minutes in the second period lifted the visiting Portland Winterhawks to a 4-1 win over the Hurricanes Friday night at the ENMAX Centre, extending Lethbridge's winless streak to 12 games.

A real strong start for the Hurricanes in this game. The Canes had numerous chances in the first 10 minutes of this one as the home team out shot the Winterhawks 9-4 during that span. The Hurricanes were soon after rewarded for their excellent start. Sam McKechnie put home the loose puck in front of Mac Carruth in the Portland goal to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. It was McKechnie's 2nd goal of the season and it put the Canes ahead by one heading into the dressing after 20 minutes of play. Lethbridge held the edge in shots 14-12.

In the second, the Hawks' evened the score at 1-1 when Taylor Peters fired a shot shortside on Liam Liston, beating the Hurricanes goaltender up high. The Canes had two chances to clear the zone on the play, but just couldn't get the puck cleared. Portland then took the lead for the first time, this time shorthanded. Ty Rattie picked the puck up at centre ice and moved in on a breakaway and beat Liston on a nice deak. That made it 2-1 for the Winterhawks. Portland then got another right after. Brendan Leipsic wired a shot by Liston to give the visitors a 3-1 lead. That would be three goals by Portland in a span of 5:40 and the difference maker in this hockey game. Portland held the edge in shots after 40 minutes, 24-21.

In the third, the Hurricanes would do everything but score. They had numerous scoring chances, but couldn't get puck by Carruth. The Hawks ended up icing it with an empty-netter courtesy of Brad Ross. That would make the final 4-1 Portland. The Winterhawks out shot Lethbridge 40-31. For the 13th straight game, the Hurricanes have given up 30 or more shots on goal. The Hurricanes finished the night 0/4 on the power play while Portland was also 0/4. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post-game show that it's not really about what other teams are doing in games, but it's more about what the Hurricanes are doing to themselves when it comes to things that happen over the course of some of the games on this recent losing streak.

The Hurricanes have been battling a serious case of the flu bug. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston said before the game the team has had 7 to 8 players out throughout the last week with the flu and two more went down before the Friday game against Portland, both defencemen. Macoy Erkamps and Tyler Kizuik were sidelined with illess, so the Canes moved forward and Captain Cam Braes to the blueline for this game. As for injuries, just one player made a return Friday. Defenceman Albin Blomqvist played his first game in a over a week. Daniel Johnston won't be ready until next week and Damien Ketlo will likely be ready soon too. Phil Tot was also out with a lower body injury.

Speaking of injuries, forward Austin Fyten underwent surgery Friday in Calgary to repair his knee. Fyten suffered the season-ending injury in a pre-season game in Taber in early September. We wish him a speedy recovery. We were told on the post-game show that everything went well with the surgery.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will play host the Red Deer Rebels Saturday night (Oct. 29). It'll be the second meeting of the season between the two teams. Game time is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. The Canes will host Everett next Wednesday (Nov. 2) for the final game of this 7 game home stand.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by www.clearlylethbridge.com.

Hurricanes Host Winterhawks

2011-10-28T05:37:00.003-06:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes will attempt to put the breaks to a long 11 game losing skid tonight when they host the Portland Winterhawks at the ENMAX Centre.

The Canes are winless in October so far, but should have one or two injured players back in the line-up tonight. Defenceman Albin Blonqvist is expected back and we could see Daniel Johnston as well. As for goaltender Damien Ketlo, I'm told he's very close to being able to play again and might go Saturday if he's cleared. Forward Phil Tot is still out.

This will be the only meeting of the season between Lethbridge and Portland. It's also the first of the U.S.-based teams to swing through Lethbridge this season. Over the next three weeks Everett, Seattle, and Tri-City will all make stops at the ENMAX Centre.

Portland is currently on a 9 game road swing. They sit one game above the .500 mark with a record of 7-6-1-1 in 15 games. The Hawks are lead by Ty Rattie, Lethbridge's Brad Ross, and Sven Bartschi.

The Hurricanes will host Red Deer tomorrow and Everett is in town next Wednesday before the Canes hit the road next weekend for games in Prince Albert and Saskatoon. Game time tonight is 7:00 (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes To Honour Veterans With Special Jersey

2011-10-25T17:17:00.007-06:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes will wear a special jersey for one game next month to honour Canada's fallen war veterans. (Graham Hood sports the new look on the left)

The Canes will sport the new look on November 9th when they play host to the Seattle Thunderbirds. Team Media Relations Coordinator Esther Madziya says they went through a number of ideas to best represent the Canadian military and show the team's appreciation. On the regular Hurricanes jersey are stars. Those will be replaced with maple leafs on this special jersey which will be red in colour and feature an army fatigue pattern on the front. Madziya says on one shoulder will be a "Support Your Troops" ribbon and on the other shoulder will be a Canadian flag. She says the jerseys will be auctioned off on http://www.hurricanesauction.com/. between November 3rd and November 14th. All the proceeds raised will be shared between the Legion poppy fund and the local military museum.

Glen Miller with the General Stewart Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion says the Hurricanes worked with the Canadian military on the design concept for these jerseys. He says the hockey team has really taken things a notch forward with the look of these jerseys.

Pat

Hurricanes This Week

2011-10-24T07:01:00.001-06:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are heading into the final week of October, a month this team would rather forget.

The Canes have lost a franchise record 11 games in a row, the most recent coming on Saturday at the ENMAX Centre. Lethbridge battled the Brandon Wheat Kings hard all night longf, but in the end the visitors skated off with a 4-2 victory. The Hurricanes had some very good stretches in that game, but in the end penalties would prove fatal as the Wheaties scored three power play goals en route to victory.

It's been a rough few weeks for this team as it tries to find a way to get out of this rut. Hopefully getting some bodies back from injury this week will help. The Hurricanes expect defencemen Daniel Johnston and Albin Blonqvist to be ready by Friday and we might see goalie Damien Ketlo and forward Phil Tot back as well. The Canes played their last few games short-staffed on the blueline and called up 16 year old Joel Topping from Red Deer on Saturday to help bolster the backend.

This is as tough a stretch as any hockey team will ever go through. There's no doubt it's having an impact of the players and coaching staff. Just hearing the voices of Brody Sutter and Landon Oslanski on the CJOC post-game show after the loss to Brandon was pretty clear the players are feeling frustrated and disappointed. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore echoed those feelings in his post-game remarks.

I know one team the Hurricanes have talked about during this skid are the Wheat Kings and the way that team started the season last year. They had lost 8 games in a row, won one or two and then dropped another 9 or 10 in a row before turning things around in a big way. In fact, in the last half of last season, the Wheaties were probably the best team in the WHL and nearly took out the Medicine Hat Tigers in the first round of the playoffs.

This week, things certainly don't get any easier for Lethbridge, with two more solid teams coming into the ENMAX Centre. On Friday, the Portland Winterhawks are in town and then Saturday the Red Deer Rebels will pay a visit. The Hurricanes get a few more days here to get the walking-wounded back in the line-up. Hopefully that will make a difference. Something has to give and it would be nice to see things turn around this weekend.

Hurricanes This Week

Our weekly Hurricanes radio show in back on the air tonight on CJOC. On the program tonight, Hurricanes rookie forward Jay Merkley, Hurricanes Business Manager Jim Bradley, and WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. The show starts at 6:00 pm (MDT). Once again we are LIVE from Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South.

Thanks,
Pat

Wheaties Double Up Hurricanes 4-2

2011-10-22T22:00:00.001-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - Three power plays goals were the difference as the Brandon Wheat Kings handed the Hurricanes their 11th straight loss, beating the Canes 4-2 Saturday night at the ENMAX Centre.

The Wheat Kings stuck early in this game. Just 53 seconds in, Mark Stone blew a rocket slapper by Liam Liston to make it 1-0 Brandon. It was a power play goal for the WHL's top team on the man advantage as the Wheaties came into this game clicking at 34.1% on the power play. After that though, the home side would take over. Just a couple of minutes later the Hurricanes tied the score. A bad giveaway by the Wheat Kings in their own zone resulted in a goal by Brody Sutter, his 6th of the season. That evened the score at 1-1. That goal gave the Hurricanes some life. Shortly after that, the Hurricanes put one off the crossbar, another off the goal post, and another called off by the referee. The Canes would keep pressing and eventually got the go-ahead marker courtesy of Nick Buonassisi, his 3rd of the season and first as a Lethbridge Hurricane. It was maybe the best period hockey the Hurricanes have played this season as they out shot the Wheaties 20-9.

In the second, the Wheaties found the equalizer with another power play goal. Tyrel Seaman fired a low shot past a screened Liam Liston to even the score at 2-2. Brandon made some big adjustments after being outplayed in the first and showed in their play. They out shot Lethbridge 18-6 and got the only goal in the period to tie the game heading into the dressing room after 40 minutes of play. The shots after the second favoured Brandon 27-26.

In the third, it was back and forth and was up for grabs until late in the game when the Wheat Kings would get another power play and they would make good again. Jason Swyripa burst down the left wing and lifted a shot over the shoulder of Liston for the game winner. Brandon would add a shorthanded goal into an empty goal to make the final 4-2 Wheaties. The Hurricanes played well in this game and probably deserved a better fate, but it wouldn't happen on this night. The Canes have now lost 11 in a row as their record drops at 2-11-0-1 on the season. The power plays finished like this: Brandon 3 for 7 and Lethbridge 0 for 3. That was the difference. The Wheat Kings special teams won the game with three power play goals and one shorthanded.

Some people have been asking us what the longest losing streak has been in Hurricanes history. After Freddie did a little digging, the answer is this one. Prior to losing their 10th straight on Friday, the longest streak without a win for this team was 9 consecutive in the 2008-2009 and the 2009-2010 seasons according to the Western Hockey League website which goes back about 14 years with this data.

The Hurricanes brought up 16 year old defenceman Joel Topping from Midget "AAA" in Red Deer Saturday night. It was Topping's second game with the Hurricanes in the past week. Given the fact the team only had five regular defenceman because of injuries, the call-up was needed. Daniel Johnston, Albin Blomqvist, Phil Tot, and Damien Ketlo were all scratched for Lethbridge in the Brandon game. The hope is all four will be back in the line-up next weekend. Brandon Anderson did not play for the Wheat Kings against his former team, but Brandon Head Coach Cory Clouston told us before the game that Anderson will get a chance to play against Lethbridge later on this season.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes have a few days off before they hit the ice again for their next action. Lethbridge will welcome their first of five U.S. Division teams to town when they host the Portland Winterhawks on Friday (Oct. 28). It'll be the first an only meeting of the season between these two teams. Next Saturday the Canes will play host to the Red Deer Rebels. That will close out the Hurricanes October portion of the schedule. Game time both nights from the ENMAX Centre is 7:00 pm (MDT)

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by http://www.clearlylethbridge.com/.

Blazers Hand Hurricanes 10th Straight Loss

2011-10-21T22:04:00.000-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - Three goals in the first and three more in the second helped the Kamloops Blazers to 7-4 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday night at the ENMAX Centre.

A decent start for the Hurricanees in this game, but the Kamloops Blazers would draw first blood. Cole Ully scored his first goal of the year to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Before the game was 10 minutes old, the Blazers would get another one when Colin Smith scored his 7th of the season on the power play to give Kamloops a 2-0 lead. Shortly after that, the Hurricanes would get one of those back. Cam Braes took a huge hit, but in the process he dished the puck off to Brody Sutter who fired a low shot by Kamloops rookie goalie Cole Cheveldave to cut the lead to 2-1. That was Sutter's 5th of the year. Before the end of the period Kamloops would regain it's two-goal lead. This time, J.C. Lipon lifted a shot over the glove of Liston to make it a 3-1 game in favour of the Blazers. Before the end of the period, the Hurricanes made it 3-2. Russ Maxwell burst into the Kamloops zone and fired a backhander by Cheveldave. That was his 4th goal of season and made it a one-goal hockey game heading into the dressing room. The Canes were out shot 20-12 in what was a fairly wide-open first period of play.

In the second, the Canes found the equalizer on a power play. Cam Braes wired a shot top corner for his 6th goal of the season, tying the game up at 3-3. The Hurricanes would eventually take the lead for the first time. Landon Oslanski scored a beautiful, highlight reel goal for his 3rd of the season to put the home side ahead for the first time, 4-3. That goal chased Kamloops' starting goalie Cole Cheveldave. He was replaced by the veteran Cam Lanigan. The Blazers would tie the game a few minutes later. J.T. Barnett stole the puck down the left wing and put the shot between the legs on Liston to make it a 4-4 hockey game. Kamloops took the lead back again with a couple of quick goals late in the period. Cole Ully notched his second goal of the night to make it 5-4 on a power play and then 30 seconds later Dylan Willick fired a shot by Liston to make 6-4 for the Blazers. Kamloops also had one goal waved off in that period. After 40 minutes the shots were 37 for Kamloops and 23 for Lethbridge.

In the third period, the Blazers would take a three goal lead on a giveaway by the Hurricanes in front of their own goal. Colin Smith stole puck and put it overtop of Liam Liston to make it a 7-4 game in favour of Kamloops. That would be it in this onC, as the Blazers would skate away with the victory. Lethbridge finished the night 1 for 4 on the power play and Kamloops was 2 for 4. The loss drops the Hurricanes record to 2-10-0-1 on the season for just 5 points overall. The Canes have also lost 10 games in a row. The last time the Hurricanes won was their home opener on September 30th when they beat Calgary. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post-game show that the team has been going back to the basics in practices and video sessions as they try and turn this streak around.

The Canes played against Kamloops with a few players still sidelined due to injury. Defencemen Daniel Johnston and Albin Blomqvist remained out of the line-up and Phil Tot missed the Friday game as well with a lower body injury. Forward Jay Merkley made his return for Lethbridge after missing the past two weeks with a concussion. He played well and had a few good scoring chances.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes next action is set for Saturday (Oct 22) when they play host to the Brandon Wheat Kings. This will be game four of a 7 game home stand for the Canes. Lots of interesting story lines in the game too, especially given the trade the team clubs made a week ago. Goalie Brandon Anderson will dress for the Wheat Kings in his first game against his former team as so will goalie Liam Liston and defenceman Spencer Galbraith for the Hurricanes against Brandon. Game time from the ENMAX Centre is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you http://www.clearlylethbridge.com/.

Duke & Pilon Heading to 2012 Winter Youth Olympics

2011-10-21T13:28:00.002-06:00

Today, Hockey Canada announced the 17 men’s 1996-born hockey players that have been chosen by the Canadian Olympic Committee to represent Canada at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

The list of Canadian players came from nominations from Hockey Canada’s 13 Branches. From there the roster was narrowed down and through a random draw the players were selected, with at least one player from each branch making up the 17-player roster.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are excited to announce that their two top 5 picks from the WHL Bantam Draft this year – Reid Duke and Ryan Pilon have been named to the roster. Pilon is a 6’1” 193 pound defenseman from Duck Lake, SK who plays with the Beardy’s Blackhawks of the Saskatchewan Midget Triple A Hockey League, while Duke, of Calgary, is a 5’10, 177 pound forward playing with the Calgary Royals of the AMHL.

The first ever Winter Youth Olympic Games take place in Innsbruck, Austria January 13-22, 2012. The men’s hockey event features five countries – Austria, Canada, Finland, Russia and the United States – who will play in a round robin format. Canada’s Men’s Youth Olympic team will get together in Toronto on Jan. 8th and fly as a group Jan. 9th to Austria.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Lethbridge Hosting World Junior Pre-Tournament Game

2011-10-20T16:11:00.002-06:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes, on behalf of the City of Lethbridge and ENMAX Centre, are proud to announce that a 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship pre-tournament game between the Czech Republic and Russia will be held Dec. 22. With Edmonton and Calgary serving as World Junior hosts, Lethbridge is honoured to have been chosen by Hockey Canada as a site for a pre-tournament game.

“I can't imagine a more exciting sporting event than watching a hockey game between two international powerhouses, and that's exactly what the fans will have an opportunity to experience in Lethbridge this December," said Mayor Rajko Dodic.

“As a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League and Western Hockey League, we’re pleased to be working in conjunction with the City of Lethbridge and ENMAX Centre to bring a World Junior pre-tournament game to our fans,” said the Lethbridge Hurricanes Board of Directors.

“The ENMAX Centre is pleased to have the opportunity to showcase the world’s top junior hockey talent in Lethbridge,” said ENMAX Centre sales executive Jordan Dekens. “We are excited to work with Hockey Canada and the Lethbridge Hurricanes to make this a successful event.”

Tickets for the game will go on sale to Lethbridge Hurricanes season ticket & Club Seat Holders on Friday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. MT, and to the general public Wednesday, Oct. 26th. Tickets can be purchased by calling (403) 329-SEAT.

Tickets will cost between $26.00 and $35.00.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

ICE Double Up Hurricanes 4-2 at ENMAX Centre

2011-10-17T22:01:00.000-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - Three first period goals lifted the Kootenay ICE over the Lethbridge Hurricanes 4-2 Monday night, handing the Canes their 9th loss in a row.

The Hurricanes got off to an early start in this game. Reid Duke, who the Canes called up for this game banged away out front of the Kootenay goal and Craig Leverton hammered it home by Nathan Lieuwen for his first in the WHL to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. A few minutes later though the ICE tied things up on a bad defensive giveaway by the Canes in their own end. Jaedon Descheneau took a pass from Joe Antilla fired the puck by Liam Liston to even the score at 1-1. The ICE then jumped into the lead. Jagger Dirk let a low shot go from the point, beating Liston to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. Before the end of the period, Kootenay would take a two-goal lead. Adam Rossignol tipped in a shot on a power play to put the ICE ahead 3-1. Kootenay held the edge in shots on goal 15-8.

In the second, the Hurricanes settled down nicely and some quality scoring chances as did the ICE. Neither team though was able to find the back of the net. The game remained 3-1 Kootenay after two periods of play. The Canes had a much better period of hockey and cut down on the shots on goal against. The ICE still held the edge 24-18.

In the third, the Canes made it a one goal game. Landon Oslanski, on the power play, ripped a slap shot by Lieuwen for his 2nd goal of the season to make it a 3-2 hockey game in favour of the ICE. The Canes continued to press to find the equalizer, but it wouldn't happen on this night. the ICE would score a shorthanded, empty-net goal with a few second remaining to give the ICE a 4-2 victory. The loss drops the Hurricanes record to 2-9-0-1 on the season. It was also the 9th consecutive loss for the hockey team. The ICE out shot Lethbridge 34-29 on the night. Both teams finished the game 1/4 on the power play. Despite the loss, Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore was a lot happier with his team's play on the CJOC post-game saying were a number of positives for the Hurricanes to take out of this game, but that said they have to find a win and quickly.

Liam Liston played his first game in goal as a Lethbridge Hurricane Monday. Damien Ketlo, still nursing a minor injury was a scratch. Spencer Galbraith also played his first game in a Canes jersey. Nick Buonassisi wasn't at the game Monday. He will be ready for the Hurricanes next action on Friday.

The Hurricanes called up 16 year old defenceman Joel Topping from Midget "AAA" Red Deer as well as recent draft pick Reid Duke from Calgary. Both played against Kootenay Monday. I thought Duke had a strong game for a 15 year old. He's got a good nose for the net played well on a line with Leverton and Watson. It was Duke's second game with the Canes in less than a week. Defencemen Daniel Johnston and Albin Blomqvist are both listed day-to-day with injury and should be back very soon.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes finally get a few days rest until their next game on Friday (Oct. 14) when they play host to the visiting Kamloops Blazers. Game time is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. Former Hurricane Brandon Anderson and the Wheat Kings will be in Lethbridge on Saturday which should make for a very interesting game given the recent trade between the two teams.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by http://www.clearlylethbridge.com/.

Anderson Traded to Wheat Kings For Liston & Galbraith

2011-10-16T18:21:00.006-06:00

With three goalies on the roster, Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager/Head Coach, Rich Preston, announced today the team has traded 19 year old Goalie Brandon Anderson as well as their 3rd and 6th round picks in the 2012 Bantam Draft to the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for Goalie Liam Liston and Defenceman Spencer Galbraith.

Anderson has a record of 2-3-0-and-1 this season where he’s allowed 23 goals in the 217 shots he’s faced. The Langley, BC native and draft pick of the Washington Capitals leaves the Canes with a 3.78 GAA and an .894 save percentage this season. Overall, Anderson has a 3.68 Goals Against and an .890 save percentage in his career.

The 18 year old Liston stands 6’2 and 195 pounds and has played 3 games for the Wheat Kings in 2011-2012 with a 2-1 record, a 4.77 GAA and an .864 save percentage. Over his career he’s 22-17-0-1 with a 3.83 save percentage. As for Galbraith, he’s a 5’10, 180 pound blueliner who’s yet to register a point this season. He’s a minus 3 plus/minus rating with 12 PIM’s.

Both players are expected to join the team sometime on Monday.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Canes Deal Jackson to P.G. For Buonassisi

2011-10-16T18:10:00.005-06:00

Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager/Head Coach, Rich Preston, announced today the team has traded 18 year old Defenceman Reid Jackson to the Prince George Cougars in exchange for 1992-born Forward Nick Buonassisi.

Jackson played 7 games with the Canes this season, registering 1 assist, while having a minus 5 plus/minus rating to go along with 10 PIM’s. In his three years in a Hurricanes uniform, Jackson tallied 28 points (7G, 21A) with a minus 39 plus/minus rating and 126 penalty minutes.

In getting Buonassisi, the Canes get a 5’10, 173 pound Centre from Coquitlam, BC who has played 211 career WHL games. In that time, he has 92 points (36G, 56A), he’s a minus 57 plus/minus rating with 162 PIM’s. This year in 10 games with the Cougars, Buonassisi has 4 points, a plus one rating with 16 PIM’s. Preston says “he’s a good skilled forward that can help us offensively.” Buonasisi is expected to join the team on Wednesday for practice.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Trade Ryckman to Tri-City

2011-10-16T16:23:00.003-06:00

Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager/Head Coach Rich Preston announced today the Canes have traded 19-year old defenseman Derek Ryckman to the Tri-City Americans in exchange for a 4th round WHL Bantam Draft pick in 2012.

Ryckman, a native of Red Deer, AB is also one of the team’s Assistant Captains this season. So far in 2011-2012, the 19-year old has registered 1G, 1A, a minus 7 plus/minus rating and has 21 PIM’s in 11 games. Ryckman has played his entire WHL career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and in that time has played 164 games with 29 points (6G, 23A), he’s a minus 8 plus/minus rating and has 211 career penalty minutes.

On the trade, Preston said “Derek Ryckman has been a real good competitor for the Lethbridge Hurricanes since his 16 year old season. We wish him the best of luck in his career with the Tri-City Americans.”

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are back in action tomorrow night, October 17th at 7pm, when they host the Kootenay ICE.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)

Thanks,
Pat

Broncos Hammer Hurricanes 9-3

2011-10-15T22:11:00.000-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - The Hurricanes let a 2-0 first period lead slip away and dropped an 9-3 decision to the Swift Current Broncos Saturday night at the ENMAX Centre.

After a number of slow starts in recent games, the Hurricanes got things going offensively in this game. Phil Tot scored a power play goal to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead. That was his first of the year. That goal also ended an 0 or 21 drought on the man advantage for Lethbridge. The Canes would get another one not too long after that. Brad Ramsey hammered home a lose puck for his 4th of the season to put the Hurricanes ahead 2-0. The Broncos soon got one of those back. Their deadly power play clicked again. This time Taylor Vause let go a one-timer to make it a 2-1 hockey game. Then before the end of period the Broncos would tie the game. Reece Scarlet was left alone in front of the Lethbridge goal and tapped the puck by Tanner Kovacs and that evened the score at 2-2 after one period of play. The shots favoured the visitors 12-10. Damien Ketlo started the game for Lethbridge in goal, but took himself off the ice a few minutes in and never returned. Kovacs apparently tightened up during the pre-game ceremony and took himself out of the game.

In the second, in Broncos power play strikes again. Coda Gordon, who's had a great start to the season for Swift Current would lift a backhander over Kovacs and in. That would give Swift Current it's first lead of the night, 3-2. The Broncos would quickly jump ahead by a pair. Taylor Vause put home his second of the night and it would give the Broncos a 4-2 lead, erasing what was once a 2-0 deficit for Swift Current back in the first. That's the way the period would end. The Broncos held the edge in shot at 25-21.

In the third, former Hurricane Ryon Moser blew by the Canes defence for his 2nd of the year. That made it 5-2 Broncos and then a few minutes later Taylor Vause would get the hatrick on a 2-on-1 rush up the ice lifting a hard shot over Kovacs and into the top of the goal and that made the score 6-2. The Broncos weren't done there. They would add three more before the game would end. Ryon Moser would get another one on his former club to make it 7-3 and then Brad Hoban and Colby Cave would get in on the action making it 9-2. Lethbridge would get one more before the game would come to a close. Sam McKechnie with a nice shot scoring his first-ever in the WHL. The final score though heavily favoured Swift Current 9-3. The Broncos out shot Lethbridge 39-35. Swift Current finished the night 2/4 on the power play and the Hurricanes went 1/6. The loss drops the Hurricanes record to 2-8-0-1. Lethbridge has now dropped 8 straight games. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the post-game show that the bottom fell out in this game after jumping ahead 2-0 early. He said the coaches have to take the responsibility to help the players turn this slump around. Also for the status of Damien Ketlo, Chisamore said his status would be looked at on Sunday.

Rich Preston on the pre-game show was candid about the losing streak, saying this team simply has to start scoring goals, getting off to better starts and it has to begin now. Prior to the game, The Hurricanes unveiled the Steve "Foggy" Falwell Media Centre, honouring former Hurricanes/Broncos radio broadcaster Steve Falwell.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes continue this 7 game home stretch Monday (Oct. 17) when they host the Kootenay ICE at the ENMAX Centre. Game time is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. The Canes will host Kamloops on Friday and Brandon stops in town on Saturday.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by http://www.clearlylethbridge.com/.

Hurricanes Lose 7th Straight: 2-1 in Kootenay

2011-10-14T21:45:00.001-06:00

CRANBROOK, BC - A late third period power play goal broke a 1-1 tied and helped the Kootenay ICE to a 2-1 win over the Hurricanes Friday night.

Not the start the Hurricanes were hoping for in this game. The ICE scored just over a minute into the first period on a power play, thanks to a goal from Drew Czerwonka. The ICE hit a goal post and a crossbar in the opening 20 minutes of this game, but that would be all the scoring. Kootenay out shot Lethbridge 9-5. The Hurricanes got off to another slow styart. It took them 11 minutes to register their first shot on net.

In the second, the Canes came out with a lot more jump and found the equalizer early. Graham Hood popped home his 2nd of the year after a scramble in front of Nathan Lieuwen. That tied the game at 1-1. That would be all the offence in the second period and the two teams would head to the dressing room in a 1-1 tie. Damien Ketlo was excellent in the period, stopping all 16 shots he aced. The shots after 40 minutes favoured Kootenay 24-11.

In the third, the Hurricanes just couldn't find a way to go ahead in this game. The ICE would seal things up with a power play goal late in the period by Elgin Pearce and that would end it. The ICE would take the game 2-1. Kootenay heavily out shot the Hurricanes 41-17 in this one. The Canes went 0/3 on the power play ICE finished the night 2/4. The Hurricanes have now lost 7 consecutive games and this loss drops their record to 2-7-0-1 in 10 games this season. Damien Ketlo was the reason the Hurricanes had a chance in this game and was outstanding between the pipes.

Goaltender Brandon Anderson was a healthy scratch for the Hurricanes in Cranbrook. He provided some commentary on the radio broadcast during the game. Albin Blomqvist missed the game due to injury, but both Brody Sutter and Reid Jackson made their returns to the line-up after missing three games with injury. As for the Hurricanes current goaltending situation, Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston said in the CJOC pre-game show that " we're trying to do something pretty quick regarding that".

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will be back at home for their next 7 straight games over the course of three weeks. They'll play host to the Swift Current Broncos Saturday (Oct. 15). Prior to that game, the Canes will honour former Hurricanes radio broadcaster Steve "Foggy" Falwell. Game time on CJOC is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by www.clearlylethbridge.com.

Canes Prospect Pilon to Play in U-16 Challenge Cup

2011-10-13T12:05:00.008-06:00

The four Western Provincial Hockey Associations – Hockey Alberta, BC Hockey, Hockey Manitoba and the Saskatchewan Hockey Association – in partnership with the Western Hockey League (WHL) and Moose Jaw Warriors are pleased to announce the players and coaching staff competing in the 2011 Western Canada Under 16 Challenge Cup.

The Western Canada Under 16 Challenge Cup will be held at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw, SK, October 27 – 30, and will feature the highest rated players in the Under 16 age category representing the four Western Provinces of Alberta, BC, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The four team round robin tournament format will assist the four Western Provincial Hockey Associations in evaluating these top prospects for future Program of Excellence competitions.

Each Provincial Team was selected by a committee within each of the four Western Provincial Hockey Associations following evaluation camps held throughout this past summer and consist of 20 players – two goalies, six defenceman and 12 forwards. Of the 80 players selected to compete in the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup, 69 are top WHL prospects selected in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft including BC’s Jake Virtanen, selected 1^st overall by the Calgary Hitmen; Alberta’s Brycen Martin, selected 2^nd overall by the Swift Current Broncos, Saskatchewan’s Ryan Pilon, selected 3^rd overall by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, and Manitoba’s Jordan Thomson, selected 4^th overall by the Kamloops Blazers. In total, 20 1^st round selections from the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, and 16 2^nd round picks were selected to compete.

The first ever Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup was held in Blackfalds, Alberta in 2009 and was highly successful due largely to the support of the local community and Hockey Alberta. Of the 80 players who competed in the event in 2009, 50 are now playing in the WHL including top rated prospects for the 2012 NHL Draft; Matt Dumba (Red Deer Rebels), Hunter Shinkaruk (Medicine Hat Tigers), Derek Pouliot (Portland Winterhawks), Griffin Reinhart (Edmonton Oil Kings) and Morgan Reilly (Moose Jaw Warriors). These same five players recently helped Canada’s National Under 18 team to a Gold Medal at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament held this past summer.

(From http://www.whl.ca/)

Hurricanes Lose 4-1 in Red Deer

2011-10-12T21:41:00.000-06:00

RED DEER - Two goals in the first period helped the Red Deer Rebels beat the Hurricanes 4-1 Wednesday night.

A much better start to this game for Lethbridge, but they still found themselves trailing just past the midway point of the first period. Joel Hamilton stole the puck away from the Hurricanes defence, skated in, and let a rolling shot go, beating Damien Ketlo and putting Red Deer ahead 1-0. With just over a minute to go, the Rebels would add to their lead. Chad Robinson picked up the loose puck in front of Ketlo and put it upstairs to make it 2-0 Rebels after one. Red Deer out shot the Hurricanes 12-9 in the opening 20 minutes.

In the second, the Hurricanes would cut the lead in half. Cam Braes took a nice feed from Phil Tot for his 5th goal of the season to get Lethbridge on the scoreboard. It was 2-1 at that point. It didn't last long though. Red Deer would get that one back on a power play. Matthew Dumba was allowed to walk right in and a fire and shot off the crossbar and in to give the Rebels a two-goal lead again, this time 3-1. That's the way the period would end. Red Deer out shot the Canes 25-20 through two periods of play.

In the third, the Hurricanes pressed hard to get back into the game, but the Rebels would seal things with an empty-netter from Adam Kambeitz. The final score: Red Deer 4 and Lethbridge 1. The Canes were out shot 34-31. Lethbridge went 0/6 on the power play and the Rebels 1/6. The Hurricanes continue to struggle on the man advantage and are a combined 0/17 in the last two games. Damien Ketlo played a solid game I thought for the Hurricanes in goal and came up with several key saves throughout the night. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore was frustrated on the post-game show, saying the penalties the Hurricanes took while on the power play really took the wind out of their sales in this game.

The Hurricanes brought up one of their future forwards to play in Red Deer. Reid Duke who the Canes chose 5th overall in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft suited up for the Hurricanes and wore number 28 in his first WHL regular season game. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston talked about the team's goaltending situation in the pre-game show. Preston only said he's "still talking to teams and we'll see what happens later on this week.". The Canes have three goalies still: Anderson, Ketlo, and Kovacs. Ketlo played in goal for Lethbridge in the Red Deer game and was backed up by Anderson. Kovacs was a healthy scratch.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes are back on the road again Friday when they travel to Cranbrook to take on the Kootenay ICE. It'll be the second meeting of the season between the two clubs. The ICE will play in Lethbridge next Monday. Game time from Kootenay is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. The Canes return home Saturday to host Swift Current.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by www.clearylethbridge.com.

Hurricanes Deal Overager Marantz to Regina

2011-10-12T12:36:00.002-06:00

Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager/Head Coach, Rich Preston, announced today the Canes have traded overage Right Winger Matt Marantz to the Regina Pats in exchange for a 4^th round WHL Bantam Draft pick in 2013. Marantz, a Calgary native, was acquired on September 29^th from the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for 4^th round pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft. The 91-born 6’0 190 pound forward played one game with the Chiefs this season before being acquired by Lethbridge where in 6 games he registered 5 assists, had 2 PIM’s and was a -5 plus/minus rating. In 115 career WHL games, Marantz has 52 points (22G, 30A), 106 PIM’s and a +11 plus/minus rating.

Of Marantz, Head Coach and GM Rich Preston said “he’s been a good player and a real good competitor for us in his short time here. We wish him all the best of luck in Regina.” Today’s trade of Marantz cuts down the Lethbridge Hurricanes overage situation ahead of Thursday’s 20 year old cutdown deadline, but still leaves the team with four on the roster – Cam Braes, Austin Fyten, 2011 NHL Draft pick Brody Sutter and Damien Ketlo.

Pat

This blog post is brought to ou by http://www.clearlylethbridge.com/.

Oil Kings Beat Hurricanes 5-1

2011-10-11T22:03:00.002-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - The Lethbridge Hurricanes dropped their 5th straight hockey game as the Edmonton Oil Kings came into the ENMAX Centre and skated out with a 5-1 victory.

The Oil Kings came out guns a blazing in this game. Edmonton scored twice before the game was barely four minutes old. A power play goal by Matt Moroz opened the scoring for Edmonton and that was followed right after by a goal courtesy of T.J. Foster. The Oil Kings had a 2-0 lead very early and had out shot Lethbridge 5-0 at that point. The Canes settled down nicely after Coach Rich Preston called an early timeout. The Hurricanes had a few good scoring chances as the period went on, but that's the way the first frame would end. Edmonton out shot Lethbridge 18-11.

In the second, the Oil Kings would go ahead 3-0 on another power play goal. Michael St. Croix hammered a shot over the blocker shoulder of Anderson and into the top of the net to make it 3-0 for the visitors. Before the end of the period, the Oil Kings would add to their lead. Rhett Rachiski took a feed from Klarc Wilson right out of the penalt box, deeking out Anderson making 4-0 Edmonton. That's the way the period would end. Edmonton held the edge in shots 30-16 after 40 minutes.

In the third, the Canes would finally get on the scoreboard. Cam Braes stepped out from behind the Edmonton goal and roofed a shot into the top of the net to make it 4-1 Edmonton. That was Braes' 4th goal of the season and broke the shutout bid for Brossoit. Edmonton would get that one back when Klarc Wilson fired a wrist shot by Anderson to put ahead 5-1. That would be it. The Canes would drop their 5th straight game with this loss and see their record fall to 2-5-0-1 on the season. Edmonton slightly out shot the Hurricanes 39-38, but it was the power play stats that really stand out in this game. The Canes finished the night 0/11 with the man advantage and Edmonton went 2/6. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post-game show that this team is in a "funk" and they need to find a spark to change things around. He also stated the Canes need more out of the veterans, especially when it comes to discipline.

The Hurricanes played again without a number of players out due to injury. The most prominent include Brody Sutter, Jay Merkley, and Reid Jackson. All three players missed their second straight game. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston said on the pre-game show he expects all three to be back with in the next week.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will hit the road again, this time it's on the bus and up to Red Deer for a game against the Rebels Wednesday night. This will be the first of six meetings between the two teams this season. Game time Wednesday from Red Deer is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you http://www.clearlylethbridge.com/.

Hurricanes This Week

2011-10-10T06:58:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are coming off a three game Saskatchewan road trip with only one point to show.

The Canes dropped a 3-2 decision in Moose Jaw, lost 5-4 in a shoot out in Regina, and then a 6-3 defeat in Swift Current. After three weeks of this new WHL season, the Hurricanes sit with a record of 2-4-0-1. Lethbridge is hurting with the injury bug at the moment. In Swift Current on Saturday, the Hurricanes scratched Brody Sutter, Reid Jackson, Michael Sofillas, Austin Fyten, Brandyn Hulit, and Jay Merkley. All six missed the game with various injuries. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore wasn't too happy on the CJOC post-game show after the Saturday loss, saying the veterans on this team are going have to play better, plain and simple if the Hurricanes are going to be successful. That said, I thought some of the youngsters like Erkamps, McKechnie, and Watson played well on this latest trip.

This week is one of the busiest stretches for this Hurricanes club with 5 games in 8 days, including games against Edmonton, Red Deer, Swift Current and two games versus Kootenay. Besides the Broncos, every one of those teams the Hurricanes face in the next week are well above the .500 mark. It's very important that the Hurricanes pick up a few points during this next week. The Canes also have to cut down their roster to 25 players this week and also get down to three overages. It'll be a busy week for Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston on and off this ice.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

On our Thanksgiving edition of Hurricanes This Week, Fred and I will be joined by forward Austin Fyten, who is out six months with a knee injury. We will then be joined by Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore. . The show starts at 6:00 pm (MDT) on CJOC. The program will be available for download on the CJOC website within an hour after the show ends.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by http://www.clearlylethbridge.com/

Broncos Double Up Hurricanes 6-3

2011-10-08T21:50:00.000-06:00

SWIFT CURRENT, SK. - Three quick goals in a span of 2:44 in the third period broke a 3-3 tie and lead the Broncos to a 6-3 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes Saturday night.

The Hurricanes got off to a quick start in Swifty. Just over two minutes in, Landon Oslanski wired a point shot past a screened Jon Groenheyde. That gave Lethbridge an early 1-0 lead. After that though, the Broncos hot power play took over in the last half of the period. Former Hurricane Ryon Moser took a pass on a 2-on-1 rush, beating Tanner Kovacs to tie the game at 1-1. Not too long after that, the Broncos would take the lead, this time a wrist shot from Graham Black beat Kovacs on the glove side to put Swift Current ahead 2-1. Before the end of the period, the Broncos would make good on yet another power play. Adam Lowry tapped home the puck at the side of the Lethbridge goal to give the home team a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes. The Broncos out shot Lethbridge 12-11 in the first period.

In the second, the Hurricanes would cut the lead to 3-2 when Brady Ramsey got in on the action. Ramsey tapped home the puck in a scramble out front of the Broncos goal for his 3rd of the season and that cut the lead to 3-2. That's the way the period would end. Swift Current out shot the Canes 23-18 through two periods of play.

In the third, the Canes would find the equalizer on the man advantage. Graham Hood banked a shot off the goalie from behind the Swift Current net for his first of season. That tied the game at 3-3. With just 7 minutes left in the period, the Broncos would regain their one lead. Coda Gordon pass went off Russ Maxwell's leg and behind Kovacs to give Swift Current a 4-3 lead. Less than a minute later, the Broncos would get another. Again it was Coda Gorden tipping a shot in front of the Canes goal to give the Swift Current a 5-3 lead. Not too long after that, the Broncos would get their 6th of the night. Dalton Reum hammered a shot low along the ice by Kovacs and that would pretty much do it, as the Hurricanes found themselves trailing 6-3 with just a few minutes left to go. The Broncos ended up scoring three goals in a2:44 to blow the game wide open. That is the way the game would end. The loss drops the Hurricanes record to 2-4-0-1 in 7 games this season. The Broncos out shot Lethbridge 32-24 on the night. The Canes went 1 for 3 on the power play and Swift Current finished the game 2 for 5.

Rookie goaltender Tanner Kovacs started his first-ever WHL game against the Broncos. Reid Jackson and Brod were late scratches for the Hurricanes in Swift Current. They were replaced b Adam Henry and Tyler Kizuik. The Canes played with 7 defencemen.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes have a bus week ahead. They'll play 5 games in 8 nights and against some pretty stiff competition. On Tuesday, the Canes host Edmonton, Wednesday it's off to Red Deer. On Friday, the Canes travel to Cranbrook to take on the Kootenay ICE. The following night, the Hurricanes return home to host Swift Current and then on Monday the 17th Lethbridge will entertain the ICE at the ENMAX Centre.

Thanks,
Pat

This blog post is brought to you by www.clearlylethbridge.com.

Pats Get by Hurricanes 5-4 in Shoot Out

2011-10-07T23:28:00.001-06:00

REGINA, SK. - The Regina Pats would out score the Hurricanes in a shoot out as Pats earned a 5-4 victory Friday night at the Brandt Centre.

A well played opening period by both teams in Regina Friday night, but neither team was able to find the back of the net. For Lethbridge, it was their best first period since early in the season. They managed to out shoot the Pats 11-9 in the opening 20 minutes of this game. Both hockey clubs had chances on the power play, but the goalies Brandon Anderson and Matt Hewitt stood tall keeping things scoreless after one.

In the second, the Pats would break the scoreless tie. Lyndon Martell tipped a shot by Anderson to make it 1-0 Regina. A few minutes later though the Hurricanes would get a power play and make good on it. Macoy Erkamps scored his first-ever WHL goal to even the score at 1-1. It was also the first goal scored by a Lethbridge defenceman this season. Regina would end up regaining their one goal lead with a power play goal of their own. Domink Volek scored on a 5-on-3 man advantage to put the home side ahead 2-1. But the Hurricanes would not be out done. Russ Maxwell scored a highlight reel goal, picking up the puck at his own blue line, flew down the right wing and popped a backhander under the crossbar and in for his 3rd goal of the season. That evened the score at 2-2. That's the way the period would end. Regina held a slight 23-21 edge in shots after 40 minutes.

In the third, the Pats jumped back into the lead with a goal just 27 seconds into the period. Andrew Reider tipped a shot by Anderson, giving the Pats a 3-2 lead, but the Hurricanes wouldn't go away. Derek Ryckman would take a drop pass from Phil Tot, scoring his first goal of the year to tie things up at 3-3. Regina ended up getting that one back with under 8 minutes to go. Kyle Burroughs was allowed to skate right in and fire a shot by Anderson, making the score 4-3 Pats. But once again, the Hurricanes would battle back. This time, Brody Sutter would be awarded a penalty shot with 1:36 left in the period and he scored his 4th of season with a beautiful move to tie the game at 4-4, making for an interesting finish and sending this game into overtime. The O.T. solved nothing so this game would go to a shootout to decide a winner. The shootout went through five rounds and in the end, the Pats would come out with a 5-4 victory. The Canes earned one point for the loss and see their record fall to 2-3-0-1. Lethbridge out shot Regina 37-32. There were lots of power plays in this game. The Hurricanes went 1/6 and Regina 1/7.

The Hurricanes played well enough to win and probably should've. Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore was a bit frustrated on the post-game show saying regardless of how well the team played at times, in the end it boils down to wins. The Hurricanes trailed by one goal four times in this game and battled back every time. They never did get the lead. Jay Merkley was scratched for the second game in a row. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston said on the pre-game show that Merkley got his bell rung last week and also had a bit of the flu. He says Merkley was diagnosed with a concussion and will be sidelined for a few more games until he's clear of any symptoms.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes close out this Saskatchewan trip Saturday night in Swift Current. It'll be the first of four meetings between the two teams this seasons. Game time is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. The Bronocs will be in Lethbridge next Saturday for the rematch. The Hurricanes return home Tuesday to host Edmonton.

Thanks,
Pat

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Hurricanes Lose 3-2 in Moose Jaw

2011-10-05T21:51:00.000-06:00

MOOSE JAW, SK. - A shorthanded goal midway through the third period lifted the Moose Jaw Warriors to a 3-2 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The Moose Jaw Warriors would draw first blood in this game. After a strong start in the first 8 minutes, Warriors defenceman Kendall McFaull sent a point shot through a crowd of players, beating Brandon Anderson high on the glove side to give Moose Jaw a 1-0 lead. Just over two minutes later the Warriors would get another one. This time it would be Morgan Rielly tapping home the puck to put the home team ahead 2-0. That's the way the period would end. Moose Jaw ended up outshooting Lethbridge 13-7.

In the second, the Hurricanes would get on the scoreboard. Brady Ramsey took a pass from Sam McKechnie for his first goal of the season to cut the Moose Jaw lead to 2-1. Before the end of the period the Canes were get back to even terms. Brady Ramsey stole the puck off a defensive give-away and put it by Luke Siemens to tie the game at 2-2. The Warriors held the edge in shot on goal 25-16 after 40 minutes of play.

In the third, the Warriors woulf regain their one goal lead with a short-handed goal. The Hurricanes got caught on the power play when Sean Aschim took a feed from Brett Lyon on a two-on-one rush and beat Anderson to give Moose Jaw a big 3-2 lead. The Hurricanes would try to even the score again, but that would be as close as they would get in this one. The Warriors would hold on for a 3-2 victory. The Hurricanes were out shot 35-21. The loss drops the Hurricanes to one game below the .500 mark at 2-3. Lethbridge went 0/3 on the power pla and Moose Jaw 0/5.

It wasn't a poorly played game by Lethbridge. They found a way to erase a 2-0 deficit after the first period. They played with the Warriors all night. It was just the shorthanded goal that turned out to be the difference. Brady Ramsey continues to play well for the Hurricanes in the first 5 games of the season. The Hurricanes played without rookie forward Jay Merkely Wednesday. He wasn't feeling too well and sat the game out.

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes will play game two of this Saskatchewan road trip Friday when they take on the Pats in Regina. Game time is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC. Lethbridge will stop in Swift Current Saturday before returning home next Tuesday to host Edmonton at the ENMAX Centre.

Thanks,
Pat

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Hurricanes @ Moose Jaw Warriors

2011-10-05T07:33:00.001-06:00

MOOSE JAW, SK. - The Lethbridge Hurricanes get set to take on the Moose Jaw Warriors tonight in the first of four meetings this season between the two teams.

This is also the Canes first game at the new Mosaic Place arena, which officially opened up a few weeks ago. The Hurricanes are hoping this new rink in Moose Jaw will be kinder to them that the old one was. Last season, the Canes made two trips into the "Crushed Can" and came out both times without scoring a single goal. The Warriors won the season series 3-1 in 2010-2011.

The Hurricanes arrived in Moose Jaw last night just before supper time and will have a light skate this morning to get familiarized with the new rink. Lethbridge comes into this game with a 2-2 record on the season while the Warriors are 3-1. Moose Jaw acquired goalie Luke Siemens from Everett this week. He may see his first action tonight against Lethbridge.

The Hurricanes will play three games in four nights on this road trip. They take on the Pats in Regina Friday and stop in Swift Current Saturday. The Canes next home game is next Tuesday when they host Edmonton. The pre-game show tonight on CJOC at 6:30. The face-off at 7:00 pm (MDT).

Austin Fyten Update

The latest news about Austin Fyten's injury isn't good for the 20 year old or the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Head Coach and General Manager Rich Preston informed me last night that Fyten will be out at least six months. Fyten suffered a knee injury on his final shift during a pre-season game in Taber a few weeks ago. He's expected to have surgery later this month. This is a huge blow to both the team and Fyten. The Hurricanes were hoping the overager would put up some big numbers this season along with linemates Cam Braes and Brody Sutter. The Canes acquisition of 20 year old forward Matt Marantz from Spokane last week was good timing given the new update on Fyten.

Thanks,
Pat

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Hurricanes This Week

2011-10-03T07:30:00.004-06:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are 2-2 after four games of the 2011-2012 WHL season.

The Canes played their first two home games of the year over weekend, beating Calgary 6-5 and then dropping a 4-1 decision to the Regina Pats the next night. This week, the Hurricanes will play three games in five nights in Saskatchewan. They'll play the Warriors in Moose Jaw Wednesday, then it's off to Regina Friday and Swift Current Saturday.

The Canes will more than likely start trimming the roster soon as teams have to be down to 25 players by October 12th. Lethbridge is still carrying five overage players, but we should know more this week as to the severity of Austin Fyten's injury. Four players I thought really stood out for the Canes on the weekend include Jay Merkely, Macoy Erkamps, Brody Sutter, and Brady Ramsey. Friday was maybe Ramsey's best game in a Hurricanes uniform and he played a solid game Saturday too. This Saskatchewan road swing this week might be perfect timing for the Hurricanes, given some of the new faces in the line-up. I think a few days of team bonding should be a good thing this early in the season. I would expect to see veteran defencemen Landon Oslanski and Reid Jackson back in the line-up this week. They were both healthy scratches on Saturday against Regina.

HURRICANES THIS WEEK

Tonight, Fred and I are back LIVE at Average Joe's Sports Bar on 6th Street South for another edition of Hurricanes This Week. On the program this evening: Cam Braes, the Hurricanes 20th Captain in franchise history. We'll also be joined on the phone by new Hurricanes President Don Clark and then in the final segment of the show we will speak with James Gallo, the radio voice of the Moose Jaw Warriors to set up Wednesday night's match up between Lethbridge and Moose Jaw at the newly-opened Mosaic Place arena. The show starts at 6:00 pm (MDT). If you miss the LIVE show, you are able to now download the program about an hour after it airs by visiting http://www.cjocfm.com/.

Pat

Regina Pats 4 and Lethbridge Hurricanes 1

2011-10-01T21:57:00.000-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - The Hurricanes came out flat in the first period and proved costly as the Regina Pats went on to win 4-1 Saturday night at the ENMAX Centre.

The Regina Pats would open the scoring in this game on a power play thanks to Taber native Brandon Davidson. He let a high shot go from the poit, beating a partially screened Brandon Anderson give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Before the end of the period, the Pats would get another one on the man advantage. This time it was Colten Jobke getting the goal, as he hammered a low shot by Anderson. That put Regina ahead 2-0 after one period. The Pats out shot Lethbridge 12-3 in the opening frame.

In the second, the Pats would increase their lead just past the midway point of the period. Campbell Elynuik dropped a pass back to Tanner Olstad and he roofed a shot into the top of the next to give Regina a big 3-0 lead. The Canes continued to have trouble generating chances as the period moved on. That's the way the period would end and Regina would take a three goal lead into the dressing room. The Pats were out shooting the Canes 25-13 through 40 minutes of play.

In the third, the Hurricanes would finally get on the scoreboard when Brody Sutter fired home his 3rd goal of the season off a nice passing play with Tot and Braes. That cut the Regina lead to 3-1. The Pats would end up putting this game away late in the period with another power play goal, this one by Dyson Stevenson. That gave Regina a 4-1 lead. When it was all said and done, that's the way the game would end. The Pats would win 4-1 and improve their record to 4-1 on the season. The loss drops the Hurricanes to 2-2 on the season. Regina's power play was dynamite. The finished the game 3/6 and the Hurricanes were 0/5. Regina ended up out shooting Lethbridge 36-25 on the night. Assistant Coach Chris Chiasmore wasn't happy with the outcome. He said on the CJOC post-game show that the game was "ugly" and the Hurricanes came out extremely "flat".

The Hurricanes will hit the road for their next three games. They play the Warriors at the new Mosaic Place arena Wednesday night. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. The puck drop at 7:00 pm (MDT). The Saskatchewan road swing will then take the Canes into Regina on Friday and then to Swift Current Saturday. Lethbridge will play it's next home game October 11th when they host the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Thanks,
Pat

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Hurricanes Beat Calgary Hitmen 6-5

2011-09-30T22:12:00.000-06:00

LETHBRIDGE - Two goals each by Jay Merkley and Brody Sutter lifted the Lethbridge Hurricanes to a big 6-5 victory over the Calgary Hitmen Friday night at the ENMAX Centre.

The Hurricanes would open the scoring on their first home game of the season in what turned out to a wildly offensive period of hockey. Just a few miniutes in, Jay Merkley would get his first-ever WHL goal by knocking home a Macoy Erkamps point shot. That gave Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. Near the midway point of the period, Calgary would tie the game when Justin Kirsch fired home a shot into the top corner beating Brandon Anderson to the score at 1-1, but not too long after that, Lethbridge regained the one goal lead and then added a little insurance. Juraj Bezuch got his first in the Western Hockey League and then shortly following that, Brody Sutter was sprung loose on the power play and he would score his first of the season giving the Canes a 3-1 lead. Calgary would end up getting a power play goal. Alex Gogolev put a shot over Anderson, cutting the Lethbridge lead to 3-2. Then before the the end of the period, the Hitmen would find the equalizer. Justin Kirsch took a pass from Gogolev on a 2-on-1 and and fired a shot by a sprawling Anderson to tie the game at 3-3. That's how the period would end.
Lethbridge held the edge in shots 18-10 after one period.

In the second, the Canes would get another one and again it would be Jay Merkey finding the twine. Merkley took a nice feed from Graham Hood and put the shot by Michael Snider to give the Hurricanes a 4-3 lead. That would be the rookie's second goal of the night. Right at the 10:00 mark, Calgary would tie the game at 4-4 on a defensive give-away in front of the Lethbridge goal. Jimmy Bubnick stole the puck and put it by Anderson to once again even the score as the Calgary Hitmen continued to stay in the game. The Hurricanes then would get another power play goal to put the home side back in the lead. Brody Sutter put home his second of the night to give Lethbridge a 5-4 lead. Just before the end of the period, in fact with less than a second to go, Daniel Johnston hammered a point shot that was tipped by Cam Braes beating Snider who was partially screened. That put Lethbridge ahead 6-4. The goal went to video review, but it stood and the Canes took a two goal lead into dressing room after two periods. Calgary held a slight edge in shots 32-30.

In the third, the Calgary Hitmen would cut the Lethbridge lead to one when Victor Rask scored to make it 6-5 Hurricanes. That would make for an interesting final 9 minutes at the ENMAX Centre. The Hitmen would come close a couple of times to tying the game once again, but that would be as close as they would get as the Canes would hold on for a 6-5 victory. It was certainly not a defensive game as Calgary out shot the Hurricanes 47-37 on the night. Lethbridge finished the night 2/5 on the power play and Calgary went 1/4. Lethbridge improves to 2-1 on the season win the win. It was a good crowd on opening at the ENMAX Centre as the attendance was 4,706.

The Hurricanes next action is Saturday night when the play host to the Regina Pats. Game time is 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30. Prior to the October 2nd game, the Canes will be holding a tailgate party out in front of the ENMAX Centre from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Hurricanes fans will be able to come by and take part in a BBQ and there'll be face painting for the kids, music, and much more.

Thanks,
Pat

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Hurricanes Host Calgary in Home Opener

2011-09-30T07:01:00.000-06:00

It's the date many Hurricanes fans have been for since mid-March.

A good crowd is expected at the ENMAX Centre as the Hurricanes play host to the Calgary Hitmen. The Hurricanes enter this game 1-1 on the season, while the Hitmen are 0-1. Newly acquired overage forward Matt Marantz is expected to be in the Lethbridge line-up. Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston told me yesterday that Marantz will add some insurance for the Canes, given the fact they don't know how long Austin Fyten will be out of the line-up. With that, it appears goaltender Damien Ketlo, who the Hurricanes picked up in a recent trade from Regina is going to be dealt. Preston said he's spoke with Ketlo about the situation and also stated there are a few teams in the WHL in need of a good goalie.

A number of Hurricanes players are going to get their first chance to play at home in front of the local fans in a regular season game. The game will begin shortly after 7:00 pm (MDT), following the pre-game ceremonies and introduction of the 2011-2012 Hurricanes.

Fred and I will be on the air with the CJOC pre-game show beginning at 6:30, LIVE from the new Steve "Foggy" Falwell Media Centre, located on the east side of the ENMAX Centre. Should be fun and can't wait!

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Acquire Another Overager

2011-09-29T15:55:00.003-06:00

Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager and Head Coach Rich Preston announced today that the Canes have acquired forward Matt Marantz from the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for a 4^th round pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

Marantz, a 91-born, 6’0” 190 pound forward and is a Calgary native who joins the Hurricanes from the Chiefs with 109 WHL games under his belt. Last season he had a breakout season, posting 42 points (20G, 22A) in 68 games with 62 PIMs and a +21 plus/minus rating.

Marantz is expected to be in the lineup as early as tomorrow night for the Hurricanes Home Opener. The Hurricanes Dairy Queen Home Opener is set for Friday, September 30th when the Canes open the doors of the newly renovated ENMAX Centre for the first time with a matchup against the Calgary Hitmen.

(From Lethbridge Hurricanes)

Thanks,
Pat

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CJOC's Esther Madziya Taking Over Hurricanes P.R. Job

2011-09-29T14:58:00.002-06:00

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are proud to announce that Esther Madziya is joining the organization as Communications and Public Relations Manager. Effective Oct. 1st Esther will begin with the Hurricanes as she transitions from her role with CJOC in the popular morning radio show at CJOC 94.1 “Mark and Esther in the Mornings”.

“We are very excited to have Esther joining our organization” said Jim Bradley, Hurricanes Business Manager, “Her back ground, experience and passion for junior hockey instantly made Esther a strong candidate. It was demonstrated in the interview process that Esther genuinely believes in the direction of the Hurricanes franchise, both on the ice and on the business side. The organization is working hard every day to maintain and grow fan engagement and consumer demand, the contemporary Communications and Public Relations role is critical in today’s marketplace and Esther will be an important contributor to our future success.”

Esther has always been a first class media representative, I have been impressed by her professionalism and insight.” said Rich Preston, Hurricanes General Manager and Coach. “As a journalist, Esther was always well prepared; she asked fair and balanced questions, she will be a strong asset to our organization.”

Esther is thrilled to be joining the Hurricanes organization. “I have always enjoyed working in junior hockey, whether it was my time covering the Saskatoon Blades, the 2010 World Juniors or more recently the Hurricanes Report” said Madziya “After a few meetings with Hurricanes management, it was clear to me that this was an opportunity I wanted to pursue. The organization is clearly getting stronger, on the ice with the influx of impact players, and the business team has shown innovation and a fresh approach to marketing. With this new role, I look forward to working with both sides of the business”

Esther graduated from SAIT in 1998 with a Diploma in Journalism - majoring in Broadcast News. After an early stint covering the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Esther became News Director with Global TV Saskatoon. As a reporter and sports anchor, Esther covered the local sports scene, which eventually included the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships. Winner of the Fred "Gus" Collins Award for coverage of University Sports in Saskatoon, Esther took a position with CJOC 94.1. She jumped at the opportunity to return home to once again cover local news and junior hockey as the Hurricanes weekly reporter.

The role became available when longstanding Hurricanes’ Communications Manager Ryan Ohashi took a position with the Edmonton Oil Kings franchise. “Ryan is an unbelievably talented individual, he brought tremendous insight everyday” said Bradley, “It was a fantastic opportunity for Ryan and we wish him tremendous success in his new role”

(From Lethbridge Hurricanes)

Thanks,
Pat

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