Seattle 3 Lethbridge 2 in S.O. Next Up: Everett Tonight

KENT, WA. - Some late third period heroics wasn't enough as the Hurricanes fell 3-2 in a shootout to Seattle Friday night.

Another slow start for the Hurricanes. The Canes' managed to weather the storm in the first period as the Thunderbirds tried to take advantage of some early period penalties by Lethbridge. The Hurricanes were able to kill those off and finish the period strong. The shots favoured Seattle 13-9 after 20 minutes, but at one point Seattle had the edge 12-2. It was certainly a physical, rough, and penalty-filled opening period. For two teams that play each other just once a season, there sure was a lot of chippy play and rough stuff including three fights.

In the second, the Hurricanes found their legs, just like the last two games. Lethbridge started to get some good scoring chances of their own, putting T-Birds goaltender Calvin Pickard on the defensive for really the first time in the game. It was a much better period for the Canes' after another lack-luster start. Lethbridge out shot Seattle 11-7 in the second. The shots were even 20-20 after 40 minutes.

In the third, Seattle would break the scoreless tie when Travis Toomey took advantage of an early period defensive turnover and beat Brandon Anderson up high to give the T-Birds a 1-0 lead. It stayed that way until about the 13 minute mark when Seattle would grab 2-0 lead when Marcel Noebels put one off the post and in. That gave the Thunderbirds some breathing room for the rest of the game. So we thought. Que the late comeback by Lethbridge. The Hurricanes pulled the goalie in the final few minutes and scored twice to tie the game in a span of just over a minute. Jacob Berglund and Phil Tot scored to even things up at two.

That would send the game into overtime. The extra period solved nothing, so this game would be decided in a shootout. Seattle scored on it's first two chances and that would be it. Game over. The Hurricanes lose their first game of this still young season. The final shots were 37-31 in favour of the T-Birds. Despite the loss, the Canes' weren't too down after the game. Let's put it this way. The Hurricanes have five out of a possible six points this season and they've yet to play a full 60 minutes. That, for me is a positive. Goaltending again was big for the Hurricanes last night, as Brandon Anderson was able to keep the Canes' in the game early. We also had a few technical issues during last night's game. Our phone line conked out on us during our post-game interview with Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore and we unable to reconnect.

Next Up

The Hurricanes play game two of this three game U.S. trip tonight in Everett. The Comcast Arena will be the venue for this contest. The Hurricanes won their last meeting in Everett a season and a half ago. That happened to be the return of Kyle Beach to Everett after he was dealt to Lethbridge in a trade that saw Dan Iwanski and Alex Theriau go to the other way. Theriau is still with Everett, while Iwanski decided to come back to southern Alberta and is now playing with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns. Game time tonight from Comcast Arena is 8:00 (MDT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 7:30. This facility in Everett is as good as it gets when it comes to Major Junior hockey rinks in my opinion. Fantastic place to watch a game.

I also spoke with Hurricanes forward Austin Fyten before Friday's game. He sat the game out because of injury. He says it was a freak incident that happened earlier this week in practice back in Lethbridge. Fyten wanted to play in Seattle, but it was decided it would be best for him to sit the game out. He could play tonight in Everett or tomorrow in Portland. That all depends on how he feels and whether he gets the green light from the Trainer and Coaches. Fyten said if he doesn't play this weekend, he will be ready for the Hurricaners home opener next week.

The Hurricanes had some WHL company staying at our hotel this week in Everett. The Kamloops Blazers stopped in for the night as they played in Everett Friday. I had a chance to catch up with a couple of my broadcast colleagues from Kamloops and Everett. Jon Rosen (Silvertips), Jon Keen (Blazers), and myself went for lunch to a fantastic little Mexican restaurant in Everett. I believe it was called El Paraiso. Fantastic burritos! That's all I have to say. The company was pretty good too!

Thanks,
Pat

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