Canes Lose 3-1 to Blazers in Kamloops

Close, but not close enough for the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday night on the road in BC.

The Canes lost a close game, 3-1 to the Blazers in Kamloops. It was a hockey game the Hurricanes were in right to the end. The game remained 2-1 Kamloops until an empty net goal sealed the deal for the home team in the final few seconds of play.

The Hurricanes opened the scoring in this game when Riley Sheen notched his 3rd goal of the season on a power play 12:52 into the first period. That gave Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. It was short-lived however as the Blazers got that back a few minutes later.  Matt Needham scored at 15:56 to get the game back to even terms after 20 minutes of play.

In the second, the Blazers scored early in what turned out to be the eventual game winner. Jake Kryski beat Stuart Skinner at the 4:19 mark to make it 2-1 Kamloops. That lead actually held up through the rest of the hockey.

In the third, the Hurricanes pulled the goalie to try and get the equalizer, but Matt Needham scored into an empty net in the final seconds to seal a 3-1 victory for Kamloops. The Blazers out shot Lethbridge 38-27 on the night, as it was another busy game between the pipes for one of the two Lethbridge goaltenders. On a positive note it was the Hurricanes most disciplined game so far this year as Kamloops didn't have one single power play all night long. The Canes finished the game 1 for 3.

The Canes have just one win in their first 7 games this season. The loss Friday dropped their overall record to 1-5-0-1. The Hurricanes close out this BC road trip Saturday night (Oct. 11) against the WHL's top team. The Kelowna Rockets are a perfect 7-0 and averaging just over 6 goals for per game during this stretch.

The Hurricanes return home next weekend for game against visiting Victoria on Friday (Oct.17) and Regina Saturday (Oct.18).

Thanks,
Pat