Preston & Company Ready For Home Opener

It's been a busy week for the Lethbridge Hurricanes as the hockey club gets ready for the Friday home opener against Prince George.

On Wednesday, CJOC's Esther Madziya went down to the ENMAX Centre to chat with Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston about the home opener, injuries, and the trade of defenceman Brennan Yadlowski a few days ago to Everett in exchange for a 2nd round pick in 2011 and a 5th rounder in 2012.

Esther: It's always tough to lose a player like Brennan Yadlowski, but isn't it difficult when you are getting only draft picks back and nothing concrete on the ice right now? You never know how those draft picks will turn out.

Preston: "Well that's true. We're lucky that we have some young defencemen that have really come on that deserve more ice time. Three 18 year olds and a 17 year old (Jackson) and our veterans Machacek and Reddington. It's not to say that we won't use those picks to bring in somebody else. In the long run, I think this is a good situation for Brennan. He's going to one of the top teams in the West in Everett. It's good for both sides."

Esther: It's still so early in the season, but is there one area you think this team needs to improve right now?

Preston: "Well, that's a good question. It's still early. The biggest thing is our goaltending has been really solid right from the pre-season till now. They've given us a chance to win every game, even the Portland game. We will see how it goes the next little while. If we help on defence or up front or with injuries.....then we'll have to do something."

Esther: Is everyone looking forward to finally playing some home games over the next two weeks?

Preston: "We're all very excited. We went through the same thing last year. It's not only our first home game of the season, but it's our first time back in this building (ENMAX Centre) since March. It's home! The guys are back in the dressing room and in some comfortable surroundings."

Esther: How about the injury situation heading into Friday home opener?

Preston: "The only player that will be out is Mark Reners. Both Brody Sutter and Neil Tarnasky will be back. Everyone but Reners is ready to go."

The Hurricanes will take on P.G. Friday at 7:00 pm (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30 with myself and Fred Jack. The Kootenay ICE will provide the opposition Saturday.

Thanks,
Pat

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