The Lethbridge Hurricanes dropped their second straight game to start the 2014-15 WHL season Saturday in Medicine Hat.
The Tigers scored 5 times en route to a 5-1 victory. Just like Friday night, the Hurricanes would score first. Captain Jamal Watson gave the visitors a 1-0 lead with his first of the season just 39 seconds into the hockey. Unfortunately for Lethbridge, that very early goal would be the only time all night long that they'd light the red lamp.
Chad Butcher and Steven Owre scored for Medicine Hat in the opening period to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes. The shots favoured the Tigers 16-7.
Medicine Hat extended its lead in the second period with a goal by newcomer Mark Rassell. That made it 3-1 Tigers through two periods of play. In the third, the home team would seal the deal with a pair of goals. Steven Owre would get his second of the night to make a 4-1 game and Matt Bradley added a bit more insurance to increase the lead to 5-1 and that's the way this game ended.
The shots heavily favoured Medicine Hat for a second night, 39-21. In the two games on opening weekend, the Tigers out shot Lethbridge by a combined total of 77-39. Stuart Skinner played the entire game in goal for the Hurricanes in this one.
Penalties were a problem for the Canes. Medicine Hat went 1/7 while the Hurricanes finished the game 0/3.
The Hurricanes are now 0-2 to start the season with their next two games against the Calgary Hitmen. The Canes are off Friday and Saturday, but travel to Calgary Sunday (Sept. 28) when they take on the Hitmen at the Saddledome for a late afternoon start. Calgary makes the return trip to Lethbridge the following Wednesday (Sept. 30).
For Medicine Hat, Saturday's game was the last-ever WHL home opener the Tigers will play in the old Medicine Hat Arena. The Tigers will play starting next season in the brand new Medicine Hat Events Centre which is being built just off Highway 1 on the outskirts of Medicine Hat.
Thanks,
Pat
The views expressed on this blog are those of the moderator and contributors and are not endorsed by 94.1 CJOC or the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Tiger fan here. Watching the first two games of the season there are a couple of things I would be alarmed with if I was a Canes fan. 1, they still can't get out of their zone and 2, couldn't generate any offence against a Tiger team that had 4 rookies playing on defence and a 5th that rarely played last year. Hope for Lethbridge fans I'm wrong but I didn't see anything different from last year. Have to think if they start off 0-fer the first stretch that Maxie will be taking over as head coach.
ReplyDeleteMaxie would end up with the same players that just can't compete. GM should start to take a long hard look at his team because it doesn't matter who they bring to coach they don't have the talent that other teams have. Maybe time for new scouts !!!!! . This has been going on for over five years so lets see what hasent changed our GM and the President. Not to hard to figure out!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the "rose colored glasses" are becoming a little clearer. What has changed since last year? Well the losing streak has now reached 16. With the next two games vs Calgary looking like 18 in a row. For the second game in a row, shots favored Med Hat at a 2-1 ratio and the young Hurricane goaltenders facing almost 40 shots per game. PK has improved. PP is stagnant. Same story, no offensive pressure, and can't get out of your own end for long periods of time.
ReplyDeleteAs Longtimefan stated, Medicine Hat does not have all its stars on the blue line back and a couple of key forwards. Ouch!
Here is one for those who hate reminders about bad deals. The Hurricanes have score but 3 goals in two games. Jay Merkly has 5 in two games.
The only thing that will change this franchise is proper ownership with deep pockets. The "President" has outlived his welcome.
RJS
Get the Erkamps deal done, move Duke now if he isn't committed, get some bodies in for these coaches to work with. GM on the hotseat?? Time to show some desperation and try to improve this team.
ReplyDeleteYes, Erkamps is not coming back, Duke has no heart for this team and none of the 20's hold the key to the future of this franchise, it is now incumbent that this GM make some trades that will improve this team moving into the future! He must turn some of these older assets into some younger ones and also some higher end draft picks in the upcoming drafts, if he is unable to have clear vision of the future, then step aside and let Anholt direct the traffic, there are some good deals to be made right now, overage deadline is in two weeks! As Robison said, this team will not realize success until the management/leadership of this franchise improves! This coach has picked up where he left off with marginal defensive improvement with the addition of Maxwell, clearly the head coach is again only really going to allow what he ultimately wants, presently this franchise is not going anywhere under the current structure, make the hard decisions now before it becomes to late, AGAIN???
DeleteJakeS
Agreed,that is exactly right! Anyone and everyone on this roster should be available right now, there is opportunity to improve this franchise in many respects and these opportunities need to be taken advantage of right now, whether this group is even able to match the dismal 12 wins posted last season or even double that to 24, mean absolutely nothing! Time to make some moves now!
DeleteLBJ
GM must change the team and getting ride of any of the coaches is just a easy way out for him and the president buys them more time. These changes should of happened in the summer. I can't understand what he was thinking wasn't he watching the games last year? I know in his interviews he talks about returning players that are stronger and more experienced now and that separates this teams from others how? Don't all the other teams in WHL have retuning players .
ReplyDeleteI think these kids need a stable environment after last year with the dismissal one coach I don't see firing another one is any good. I think the board needs to take a long look at the last 5 to 6 years and figure out what went wrong. This is a young team like Pat said and its going to take time and with a the new assistant and coaches all on the same page they could have success. How ever they do need some goal scorers!!!!!!!!! Just saying
ReplyDeleteThis board is not capable of figuring out what went wrong. What has gone wrong over the last 5-6 seasons is the hiring of Preston as GM and coach, the hiring of Robson as GM. Both of whom have made poor decisions on coaches or assistant coaches, very bad trades and a complete lack of development of players. There is no such thing in the WHL as a 5 year cycle. It is usually 3, yet there are teams in the WHL who make the right draft choices, make a few crucial deals and develop players that allow them to stay competitive. All you have to do is look west on Highway 3 and the Kootenay Ice who are striving to make the playoffs for the 17th consecutive season.
ReplyDeleteWhat lies ahead? The Canes have dropped their first 2 to a team that has a handful of their key players away at pro camps, their next two games are against Calgary who have several key players away at pro camps. If they can't beat those teams now with all the Canes key players back (exception of Estephan), then the losses will continue to pile up. I left Duke out of the equation because he will likely further the problems with the club.
LBJ is right in that it is time to make some moves now, but those moves should include a complete housecleaning. In other words, before it gets much worse, time for the WHL to step in and close the doors on community ownership.
Consider this......1st 10 games for the Canes, realistically their record could be 2-8 with wins over Kamloops (1) and PG (1). Their other opponents, Kelowna, Victoria, Regina are all stronger teams.
RJS
..........Thanks again Pat for keeping this open and having one local place to express opinions either + or - about the Canes.
It all starts at the top! The mentality, the culture, the program of development and ability to teach in terms that young players can learn within! Sorry folks, when players demand trades because they feel that there is no opportunity to learn, the team continues to sink into the abyss, and the head coach continues to state that the program is good and correct and the players are just not getting it??? Well, you be the judge, clearly there is a need for change in management/leadership, it appears to be clearly identified by just abut everyone that knows anything about Jr. Hockey? Yet, here we go again, same people, same game plan, same thought process and the same results. It is no secret that it will cost $$$ to make the required changes, it is also clear that the President and the BOD are not capable of recognizing this needed change nor are they remotely qualified to precipitate the same! (pay now or pay later, either way the cost will be the same)The sad and unfortunate reality is that it is the players that are being cheated on the WHL promise of strong development, guess we are going to soon find out how committed the league is to it's very foundation and belief in the promises it has made? This is beyond INSANITY now, for the sake of these poor children, somebody please do something...
DeleteRudy
Well stated Rudy!
DeleteRJS
There is definitely been no changes to the systems as there was still a lot of problems creating offense and getting the puck out of the defensive zone.
DeleteDoes it seem like a reasonable idea that if the team lacks superstars that maybe all four lines should play and play quality minutes? The young players will not develop without any icetime.
I like Watson's effort as much as the next person but his play in the game deteriorated to the point in the third that he was a non factor as fatigue set in, and with his lack of pure skill his icetime was far to much. Same as Folk, as he has even less skill than Watson and is no where near the skater either. Wong's selfish play in Medicine Hat needs to be addressed penalties happen when you hit to the head and jump to do it.
Work ethic needs to be the identity of this team, this needs to carry through all of the lines and when players sit for long stretches its harder to keep that energy level up let alone if players are pacing themselves when on the ice.
Here's hoping a week of practices will bring some understanding of the changes that are needed.
Agree with all of the blatantly glaring deficiencies, does that not boil down to the head coach? Drop back 10 yards and punt already!!! Why wait another half of a season and then disorient this group again? Do it now so they at least have some chance to learn something this season...sheesh.
DeleteJR
This team needed a good start to this season, in game #2 it certainly looked and felt like same old same old, if this coach is allowed to continue, it is a virtual certainty that there will be another wave of defections and trade demands! If Robson wants to keep his job, he has no other choice but to now align himself with the recommendation of Ron Robison and make a leadership change right now or it will he him and the coach that will be fired! Give Maxwell the reigns now, certainly he cannot do a worse job, he will introduce accountability to the players in the form of consequence to action, something the current coach seems to have no grasp on...at the very least a coaching change will in-still so level of hope with the players, that there is still 70 games left to at least learn something this season? Some new blood for sure will not hurt, guess it will be considered a hard decision, that is what is required right now!
DeleteLBJ
Wow, truer words never spoken (LBJ) I was at both weekend games, watching the bench it sure appears that there is a clear disconnection from Berehowski as the majority of the players were looking at Maxwell for direction when they returned to the bench after their shifts? I agree, make a coaching change now, might be better to pay Berehowski to stay home and go with two coaches this year, at least maybe the team can then move forward...
DeleteJakeS
Maxwell may be able to turn some of the performance around.
ReplyDeleteBut the root of the problem is the lack of top notch talent.
Can we imagine what the team would look like with players that can compete with the best in the league. Pilon and Merkley would certainly add to the club's success. It still boils down to 4 key facts, scouting lacks, coaching lacks, leadership lacks and thus the talent lacks.
Short leash? If one believes the statement from WHL Commissioner Ron Robison that the league is demanding improvement with the hockey club and financially, then when does the shoe drop?
RSJ
Gotta start somewhere? Cannot change the past, but you sure can change the future! There is plenty of talent on this team currently, at least to compete given better direction! Gotta live in the present and future, the past is history!!! And that is where we currently exist...if changes are not made, the top notch talent like Bellireve will never sign here, thats a fact Jack!
DeleteI have to agree that I think there are some talented players on this team. These guys just need to have their talents used properly, need to be taught and allowed to have their strengths grow. Do we have enough to win the league? Definitely not but we do have enough to make a difference. But as everyone else has said, that cannot possibly happen with the current head coach. It is still so unfortunate that the president, GM and HC have egos so big that they can see they are failing and yet refuse to do the right thing and step aside. I guess they think being at the helm of the worst team in the country or even being fired is better for their resumes than stepping aside and admitting when they are in over their heads.
Delete-cc
This is a fun site and all. It's entertaining and I'm sure it's fun to be able to discuss opinions. Let's remember that we can't really understand what's happening from outside the organization and without seeing what's being said, done and I guess more importantly what's not being said. I agree that there must be problems within the group or perhaps all groups leading the team but without truly examining from knowledge within these opinions are really just guesses. They may turn out to be relevant but we don't know that in our positions. It's good to have the passion for the team. Lethbridge needs that but remember that those we're discussing are teenagers, and dedicated people who are committed to change the culture. At some point qualified members of leadership are the ones who decide if these committed people are capable to leading this franchise.
ReplyDeleteAnon 19:01, these "qualified members of leadership" have had any and all opportunity to lead and have adequately displayed the arrogant inability to do so! Seems that your contribution to this thread is nothing more than saving you own ass, or just un educated BS?
DeleteLBJ
LBJ, Saving your own ASS!!!!! Who sounds un educated now. You seem to have a lot of anger and time on your hands, which brings me to believe you are a discruntal ex employee or a friend of one or a parent/ agent of a player who didn't make it.LBJ if you feel so Educated in how to run a team why don't you go and share your Educated ideas. Probably not right? Much easier to hide behind a computer.
ReplyDeleteFrustration is likely the more meaningful word, (if there is such a thing?) LOL None of the above sorry, just a fan that does not understand the insanity of all this? The league president finally comes to Lethbridge, addresses the City council, tells them what will need to take place in order for this franchise to realize some success, then, the Canes president takes the microphone and immediately responds that he and the BOD believe that the right people are in place and success is imminent? So, here we are, the road signs say need for change, fans appear to recognize the need for change, the players now seem to further disconnect from the current structure and the league recommends change in management/leadership? Yet we embark on a brand new season with zero change? Maybe I need to get out the "Hockey for Dummies" manual to understand? If anyone who owns a business ran them this way, well, needless to say they would be "out" of business. Anyway, there will eventually come a moment where the league, the bank or combination will seize control and proper decisions will be made. I am not educated in how to run a hockey team, but then again, it does not appear that the people currently running this franchise are either...a change in something is desperately needed, that is the only thing that seems "for sure"!
DeleteLBJ
LBJ you are spot on. I have said this forever. There are members of the board who own private entities and I am 100% certain they don't run their own ships this way. The way the club has been run into the ground leaves one scratching the skin off their heads and scours the deep bowels of "MIffedology" Either that or they all make so much money it doesn't matter if they lose some once in a while. P.S. I think there are at least three accountants on the board.
DeleteAnon 19:01, It is my belief that most of us who post on here "feel" for the teenagers because their future in hockey is being eroded due to the inept leadership with this club. If by leadership you are referring to the BOD, this group has led this club to 5 straight years of no playoffs, huge money losses, constant changing of staff and thus discontent (most deservedly so) within the community. "These qualified members of leadership" have failed and failed miserably. Do we feel for the players? Yes. Do we feel for the continual hirelings of Business Managers who have fallen by the wayside, the General Managers who have made poor decisions with players, trades and coaching staffs? No! How about we grab some pom-poms and cheer loudly how great things are, or join the chorus of laughter coming from the other franchises around the league. It is an embarrassment! Has been for 5 seasons, and unfortunately looks like it will continue for a 6th.
ReplyDeleteRJS
(Get rid of the cheerleaders!)
Lets look at where it all went wrong. Michael Dyck, a Bryan Maxwell disciple, went 113-87 during his tenure as head coach. That included 3 playoff appearances with one of those being a conference final. "Contract not renewed, management aka the board wanted to go in a different direction". Since Dyck was not renewed the team has been dreadful every season and anytime they have come close to the playoffs its been with a team well below .500. The board tried to fix something that wasn't broken and the fans and the kids putting on the Jersey have paid dearly ever since. It was pure ego by the board that ignited this downhill slide and its there ego that isn't allowing things to improve. At the end of this season or sooner give Maxwell the GM/Coach duties, let him bring in 2 assistants that played under him, and give these young kids the structure they deserve.
ReplyDeleteDyck was offered a contract renewal and refused to take it based on his situation with the GM at the time.
DeleteYou do remember that Maxwell was fired and has been out of the game for 7 years and the game has changed a lot . I think having Maxwell back is a great thing but he has some growing to do as well . Looks like the coaches get along well and that is great for the players to see and have around. Like some one said a stable environment is probably the best for these kids right now.
ReplyDeleteYa a lot of good coaches get fired though. He has been out of the game but having a stable defense and using relentless puck pursuit is timeless. I have gotten to see Dale Purinton coach in both junior A and junior B and you can see Bryans traits in his coaching style. A good coach gets the maximum potential out of all his players. If the Hurricanes are to be successful this has to happen no matter who is coaching.
ReplyDeleteA good coach also teaches and cares about his player's development!
DeleteJakeS
I do agree a lot of good coaches get fired, having said that I think Brian should get a year or two under his belt before he can step into a head coaching position again. These kids have changed a lot since he coached in the Western Hockey legue, I think he will do a great job with the D and I also think the three of them working together could bring success. This is a young team that needs work. Best of luck to all of them.
ReplyDeleteYou could have God coach this team and the result won't be much better. Predict maybe 17-20 wins, a lot closer games due to Maxi's influence on defense. Problem is, who from last year, the 6 or 8 returnies, who has improved and matured enough over the last five months to be game changers. Nada. The newbies take time which the club doesn't have. Prediction: Shocked goaltenders, few scoring chances, boring defensive trap and shoot ins, cycling and a no better result. Limited talent, limited result. You can't take the Head Scout for the last five years, change titles, give him a corner office and expect a different result. All these players are his. The success or failure of this team is on him.
DeleteI agree that stability is vital.
DeleteThe three coaches need to work together. I thought that the first game they weren't a cohesive trio, but it appeared to look better the next night.
Defensive hockey with an aggressive forecheck is where this team will be successful. Does this means lots of W's maybe not but at least play close games and grow from the start of the year until the end. Play some entertaining hockey through work ethic, lunch pail gang, and win games on tenacity. To do this though the players need to be fresh as there are no superstars, sorry Mr. Duke your not a superstar, so short shifts and 4 lines playing game in game out.
Brian Maxwell for Head coach and Gm!! problem solved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI"m as upset as all of you but let's remember... it's TWO games into the season... both were against a team that made the Conference Final last year... Cox and Sanford could be the best duo in the WHL... sure they had a lot of rookies but those guys already knew the Tigers systems...
ReplyDeleteIn the home game, the players played with more heart and grit than last year but still need work on moving the puck... simple passing drills
For those blaming the scouts, most of the scouts were "replaced" when Preston was let go, the new scouting team has only had one full year and ONE draft so far...
But the GM has been brutal in dealing with players requests... many players asked for trades when Preston was here and it was kept quiet until AFTER the deal was made... no need to treat players that way, it just lowers the respect that future prospects have of the Canes. NHL scouts know of these requests anyways, no need to make them public.
Now, if the team continues to fail into November... yes, Maxie should take over, and he will have no problem finding qualified assistants now or next summer... many of his former players are now coaches at various levels and I'm sure any of them would love to work with him..
The GM was the Head Scout, now his son is the Head Scout. Enough said. Talking to one of the "scouts" of the past, they were not listened to often. The head made the calls.
ReplyDelete"Now, if the team continues to fail into November", the only "take over" will be by the WHL. Commissioner Robison stated to city council that the franchise is under scrutiny by the league for both their on-ice performance and financial. "IF" the team does not get at least a split with the Hitmen they could be 1-9 or 2-8 for their first 10 (with wins over PG and a win at home vs Kamloops). If you carry it on through to the end of October. The team (which lacks scoring) could realistically be 4-12 with their other two wins coming against Sask and PA.
ReplyDeleteA lot of fans think that Maxwell is slated to take over if the team fails. I agree that Maxy is the backup plan in case Drake falters. But if the team is losing to the point of Drake being removed, that means attendance will drop off quickly as well. Hence more financial woes for the franchise. Season tickets are down a fair amount from last year.
All in all, it does not look all that promising.
RJS
(Get rid of those cheerleaders)
RJS. When are you going to get it, that if they Fire Drake and Maxie takes over with an assistant it doesn't change a thing . If they don't start drafting and getting better players nothing will ever change. You cant keep firing coaches that's not the problem. I can't believe people haven't figured this out. Go and look at all the draft picks that are not here, this started long before DB got here.
ReplyDeleteAnon...21:08.....I do get it. If you read it carefully, all I said was, that Maxy was the backup plan in the event Drake gets removed. At no point did I say this would or would not lead to success. I have stated more than once that the scouting under Robson has not supplied this franchise with size, speed, skill. I am well aware of the draft picks that have either been traded or walked out.
ReplyDeleteRJS
(get rid of the cheerleaders)