Canes' Lose 3-2 in O.T. to Visiting Ice

A late goal in overtime gave the Kootenay Ice a 3-2 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes last night at the Enmax Centre.

It turned out to be a pretty entertaining finish to a game that kind of started out as a yawner to be honest. There wasn't too much emotion going on in the first 20 minutes or so, but things started to pick up half way through the second en route to what was a pretty exciting finish.

The Hurricanes opened the scoring with the only goal in the first period, when Austin Fyten put the puck passed Ice goaltender Todd Mathews. The Canes' played fairly well in the opening frame. Both teams got into some penalty trouble, but neither team was able to score with the man advantage in the first. The game though started to chance in the second.

Goaltender Brandon Anderson kept the Hurricanes in the game in the second. He was bombarded with shots in that period. In fact, the Ice out shot the Canes' 21-6 in the second alone. Kootenay did manage to score twice and take a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes, including the go-ahead marker short-handed.

In the third, the Canes' would get that one back with a short-handed goal of their own. Mitch Maxwell notched his team leading 13th goal early in the final frame to even the score at two. A great burst of speed at centre, Maxwell cut in and beat Mathews to tie the game. That goal sent the game into overtime. The Canes' had some good chances in the extra period, but Ice forward Steele Boomer stick-checked Hurricanes defenceman Brennan Yadlowski with 26 seconds left in O.T., fed the puck across to Matt Fraser and just like that the game is over and the Ice leave Lethbridge with a 3-2 win and a big extra point in the standings. The loss drops the Hurricanes record to 8-13-3-0 on the season. The Ice improve to 10-12-1-0.

The Canes' were outplayed last night for the better part of the game, but really started to come on strong in the last 10 minutes of the 3rd. I thought the game was won and lost in the second. Kootenay made some good adjustments after the first and came out strong in that second period and it paid off with two goals, but really the difference was clearly Brandon Anderson in the Hurricanes goal. If it wasn't for him, this game never gets to overtime. He was awarded the game's first star and no question very deserving. In our post-game show last night, Associate Coach Matt Kabayama said the Canes' took way too many penalties and need to cut down on the trips to the penalty box. He says the players on the P.K. lately are getting burned out. Both teams struggled though with the power play. Lethbridge was 0 for 6 and Kootenay went 0 for 8.

I think both teams were frustrated last night with the officiating at times. I very seldom ever take issue with the refs, but there were certainly some suspect calls against both teams that had Rich Preston and Mark Holick shaking their heads on the two benches, especially in the first period. In the end though, both teams spent too much time in the box and I think both coaches would agree would agree with that.

Next Up

A rather light stretch for the Hurricanes over the next two weeks after coming off a very busy week. Only one game between now and next Friday. The Prince Albert Raiders will pay a visit to the Enmax Centre on Wednesday (7pm). Then it'll be 9 days off between games for the Hurricanes as they won't play again until they travel to Saskatoon to take on the first place Blades on November 27th. As I've said earlier the time off between games may be coming at a good time for the Hurricanes. Cam Braes has missed the last two games with a back problem and goaltender Linden Rowat has been out two weeks nursing a sore ankle. Austin Fyten tok a hard hit last night and left the game briefly, but came back shortly after. Hopefully the next two weeks will give those three players and any others a chance to heal the wounds.

Hurricanes This Week

Our weekly Hurricanes hockey talk show is back on the air tonight at 6pm on CJOC. Canes' Head Coach/GM Rich Preston will be on the program for the first 40 minutes. He'll take your calls and e-mails. After that, we'll head to Prince Albert and speak with Drew Wilson, the radio voice of the Raiders to set up the Lethbridge-P.A. game Wednesday night. Our studio phone number is 403-388-4646 if you would like to ask Coach Preston a question or you can send an e-mail to hurricanes@pttwireless.ca.

Thanks,
Pat

Canes' Lose 4-2 in Medicine Hat

A pretty spirited and feisty hockey game last night in Medicne Hat.

The rivalry between the Hurricanes and Tigers was alive and well. Just 15 seconds in Mike Reddington dropped the gloves with Medicine Hat's Matthew Konan, that was just after the Tigers laid two solid body checks right off the drop of the puck. The game continued to be chippy with numerous penalties throughout.

The Tigers opened the scoring late in the first to take 1-0 lead into the dressing room after 20 minutes. Luca Sbisa and Wacey Hamilton fought late in the opening period. I would give the edge to Sbisa in that one. No question a very entertaining first period though with a lot of jump from both teams.

The Tigers took a 2-0 lead early in the second on a power play goal by Taylor Gal, but the Hurricanes got one back mid-way through the period when Carter Bancks scored on a penalty shot to close the gap to 2-1. Medicine Hat would regain that 2 goal lead shortly after and took 3-1 lead after 40 minutes of play.

Special teams was clearly a factor last night. Lethbridge spent way too much time in the penalty box, no penalty more costly though than a too many men on the ice call in the 3rd. The Tigers scored on that power play to regain a two goal lead. That was a key time in the game, because Lethbridge had got back to within one less than a minute into the 3rd on a goal by Carter Ashton. The Tigers had 8 power plays and scored twice, including that big goal in the 3rd. The Hurricanes had their chances on the man advantage as well and finished the game 1 for 8. That last power goal though was timely for the Tigers as it gave the home side a two goal cushion again and a bit more breathing room as the Hurricanes were pressing hard to even the score.

Ville Kolppanen was great in goal for Lethbridge. He was the game's 3rd star and made numerous big saves to keep the Canes' in the hunt. It didn't look like he missed a beat after being sidelined for more than two weeks with a concussion. Cam Braes did not play last night and sat out with a back problem. Head Coach/GM Rich Preston said in the pre-game show that he could've played, but they decided it would be best that he rest up as the Hurricanes play only two games over the course of the next 12 days.

The Hurricanes will close out a busy 3 games in 3 days tonight when they host the Kootenay Ice. These two teams haven't played since opening night in Cranbrook when the Canes' wound up on the losing end of a very lopsided 8-1 score. Game time is 6pm (MT). The pre-game show on CJOC at 5:30. The Ice hammered the Tri-City Americans 7-1 in Cranbrook last night. This will be a big game for both teams as they try and stay out of the basement in the Eastern Conference.

Hey, a big thanks to Dave Wiggers at PTT Wireless. Dave was kind enough to set me up with one of those fancy internet turbo sticks from BELL. The thing works great. I guess no excuse for not getting work done on road trips on the bus anymore!

Thanks,

Pat

Tri-City 4 Lethbridge 2...@ Medicine Hat Tonight

Three goals by Kruise Reddick helped the Tri-City Americans to a 4-2 win in Lethbridge last night against the Hurricanes.

It was a close game until the Ams got two quick second period goals to open up a 3-0 lead. Tri-City came out gunning last night shooting from every angle in the first. Brandon Anderson was busy in the opening 20 minutes between the pipes for Lethbridge. A shot by Ams leading scorer Brendan Shinnimin beat Anderson high over the blocker on a power play to give Tri-City a 1-0 lead after one period. The Americans outshot the Canes' 14-8 after one.

In the second, Kruise Reddick scored two quick goals for Tri-City beating Anderson upstairs both times. The Americans quickly jumped out to a 3-0 lead and that put an end to Brandon Anderson's night as he was pulled in favour of Ville Kolppanen who saw his first game action in more than two weeks. He's been out with a concussion. Shortly after, Mitch Maxwell broke in on a partial breakaway and scored his team leading 12th goal to cut the lead to 3-1 after 40 minutes.

In the 3rd, a strange bounce in the Hurricanes zone turned into a 4-1 lead for the Ams. Really a weird goal that beat Kolppanen who never had a chance on that one. Austin Fyten told our CJOC post-game show last night that goal really took the wind out of the Hurricanes sails as they tried to mount a 3rd period comeback. The Canes' did get the one back with a late power play goal by Carter Ashton, but would be as close as Lethbridge would get. That power play goal was only the Hurricanes second in their last 26 chances with the man advantage.

Canes' forward Cam Braes left the game with what appears to be a back problem. Associate Coach Matt Kabayama said last night his back has been bothering him for a while. As for how long he might be out of the line-up, he couldn't say. Hopefully for the Canes' sake it won't be too long. Braes is currently 3rd in team scoring with 8 goals and 12 assists in 22 games. He's a big piece of the Hurricanes puzzle this season.

Goalie Update
Brandon Anderson started his 4th straight game the Hurricanes last night against the Americans. Ville Kolppanen was the back-up again, but came in to relieve Anderson after he was pulled in the 2nd . Rich Preston told me in the pre-game show that Kolppanen would start at some point this weekend, but didn't lead on as to whether he'd play tonight in the Hat or tomorrow back at home against Kootenay. As for the veteran Linden Rowat, he's still sidelined and day-to-day with an ankle injury. Preston said he likely won't be ready till next week at the earliest. His ankle is still very tender and he's been having trouble putting on the goalie skates. Given the Hurricanes have only one game next week and only play once after this weekend until November 27th, I would suggest Rowat might not see any action until the game in Saskatoon at the end of the month. That 9 day rest for the Canes' between games might be just what the doctor ordered for Lethbridge.

Next up for the Hurricanes, the Medicine Hat Tigers tonight in the Hat. Game time is 7:30 (MT). The Tigers beat the Hurricanes 7-3 in their first meeting of the season way back on opening weekend. Medicine Hat lost last night 3-2 in a shootout in Calgary. The Tigers will see a different looking Canes' team than the young, inexperienced group that lost back in September. It should be a good one. These two rivals always play each other tough and with the game in Medicine Hat it always makes for a great atmosphere!

Thanks,
Pat

Canes' Host Tri-City Americans

It's back to business for the Lethbridge Hurricanes tonight as they get set to host the Tri-City Americans.

The Canes' are fresh off a 3-2 win over Calgary on Tuesday, the team's first win over the Hitmen in the past 11 tries. Lethbridge will certainly need another strong performance tonight against the Americans. The Ams have 15 wins in 19 games this season and sport one of the best records in the league right now. Last year, the Hurricanes lost 5-2 in their only meeting with the Americans down in Kennewick, WA. Tri-City lost it's last game on Wednesday in Medicine Hat and will be looking to rebound against a steadily improving Lethbridge team tonight.

This game will put an end to what has been a pretty darn good 8 game home-stand for Lethbridge. The team is 4-2-1 so far on this latest stretch and would like nothing more than to add another victory against one of the best in west. Tonight's game also marks the return of Cody Castro to the Enmax Centre. He was traded to Tri-City a few weeks back for a draft pick. Former Canes' d-man Brock Sutherland makes his return to Lethbridge as well. Also, Canes' defenceman Eric Mestery will play against his former team for the first time. Mestery did not play in Tri-City on the Hurricanes trip south to Kennewick last season as he was sidelined with injury. I'm sure he would like nothing more than to have a strong game against his former club.

Tri-City is lead by Brendan Shinnimin who has 15 goals and 19 assists in 19 games. He's also an amazing +13 rating. Adam Hughesman is a +14 and second in team scoring. Those are two players the Hurricanes are going to have to be very aware of in this game.

The Numbers

Right now, Carter Bancks leads the Hurricanes in scoring with 23 points. Rookie Mitch Maxwell leads the team in goals with 11. Carter Ashton has 5 power play goals leading the Canes' in that department and Austin Fyten who's been playing very well on this home stand leads the team in overall plus/minus at a +6 rating.

Next Up

After this one tonight, the Hurricanes will hit the bus again for a short trip down highway 3 to resume their rivalry with Medicine Hat (7:30 pm) and then on Sunday, the Canes' will close out 3 games in 3 days with an evening date at the Enmax Centre versus Kootenay (6pm). Next week won't be nearly as busy for Lethbridge, in fact after this Sunday, the Hurricanes play only once in the following 11 days. The Prince Albert Raiders stop by next Wednesday (Nov 18) and the Canes' don't play again after that until Friday (Nov 27) in Saskatoon.

Thanks,

Pat

Sofillas Tearing Up Manitoba AAA

Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes are very proud to congratulate forward Michael Sofillas on being named the Mantoba AAA Midget Hockey League’s Offensive Player of the Month. Sofillas, who plays for the Pembina Valley Hawks was named the Western Hockey League Offensive Player of the Month for the month of October. He kicked off the 2009-10 AAA Midget season with a bang as the 16 year old Pembina Valley centre put up 12 goals and 9 assists. His 21 points put him number one in league scoring with just 2 penalty minutes. Sofillas’ home town is Morden and is currently listed with the Dauphin Kings in the Manitoba Junior Hockey league and the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League.

A skilled centre and list player from Morden, MB – Sofillas was signed this past fall by the Canes and is part of a strong pool of 93-born Hurricanes players. Sofillas showed during 2009 Training camp that he has a “knack for the net” during the Canes scrimmages; showing off some of the talent which garnered him 37 points (18G, 19A) in 44 games with the Manitoba AAA Midget Pembina Hawks last season.

“Michael Sofillas was a player that came into camp this season in great shape and really turned a lot of heads, all of coaches and scouts were impressed with what we saw and that was what earned him his signing and playing time with the team during the exhibition season.” said Canes Assistant General Manager Brad Robson “He has a really bright future with the club and this award is a result of his dedication to improving and preparing for the next level. We expect him to be an exciting player in the years to come.”

(From Ryan Ohashi)

Lethbridge 3 Calgary 2

Poor starts for the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a few games on this current home stand lead to some losses for the hockey team recently, but last night it was a strong first period that helped the Canes' to a 3-2 victory over one of the top major junior teams in the country, the Calgary Hitmen.

It was a very good opening 20 minutes for Lethbridge, maybe the best first period of hockey for the Hurricanes on this current 8 game home stand. The Canes' jumped out to a 2-1 lead, including one short-handed by Carter Ashton. Lethbridge also out shot the Hitmen in the opening frame 9-6. The Hurricanes also came out playing a physical game. Luca Sbisa laid two solid checks in first and Derek Ryckman dropped the gloves with Calgary's Ben Wilson.

In the second, Landon Oslanski scored his first-ever WHL goal to give the Hurricanes a 3-1 lead on a shot that beat a screened Martin Jones in the Calgary goal. That actually turned out to be the game winner. The Hitmen though would get that one back on a power-play to cut the lead to 3-2 Lethbridge after two.

In the third the Hitmen turned on heat out shooting the Canes' 13-6, but the Hurricanes were able to hold off the attack and hold on for the win. Brandon Anderson earned the win in goal. He played strong and came up with the big saves we he had to.

I thought this was maybe the best game the Hurricanes played so far on this 8 game home stand which will wrap up this Friday night. The Canes' played a strong game against the Hitmen and made it a difficult night at times for Calgary goaltender Martin Jones. Lethbridge was getting shots through, putting up screens, and drawing the Hitmen into taking a few penalties too.

I certainly think Rich Preston would like to get more from his power play. The Hurricanes have struggled in that department lately and have scored just once in their last 23 power play chances. They didn't score with the man advantage last night (0-7), but they did look dangerous at times. Calgary was good with the power play. They scored twice and have the league's best power play through 22 games.

For Lethbridge, this is the first time they've managed to beat Calgary in two seasons. Before last night, the last time the Canes' beat the Hitmen was in game 4 of the Eastern Conference final in 2007/2008. As for Calgary, this is their first loss against a Central Division opponent in 10 games this season.

The Hitmen are a great team no question. They tough to play against and I can see why they have the record they have. Give the Hurricanes a lot of credit though. Like Associate Coach Matt Kabayama said on our post-game show last night the Canes' played a simple game and had good goaltending and a strong supporting cast on defence.

The Hurricanes now play 3 games in 3 days this weekend, starting with the Tri-City Americans, one of the top teams in the WHL.

Thanks,
Pat

Hurricanes Host Hitmen Tonight

Talk about a big test for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Tonight they will tangle with one of the best in the WHL when they play host to the Calgary Hitmen. Calgary is 16-5 on the season and to me, they haven't missed a beat from last year. New coach behind the bench and the same result, continued success. The Canes' and Hitmen have developed a pretty good rivalry over the years and I suppose when two teams meet in the playoffs on pretty much a yearly basis it sure doesn't hurt when it comes to building that love/hate relationship.

Last year Calgary owned the Hurricanes and pretty much every other team in the league during the regular season. This will be the first of 6 meetings this year. After tonight, the two teams won't play again until January when they meet 4 times during that month.

There's no question Lethbridge certainly can not afford any defensive break downs against this Calgary team. The Hurricanes are going to have to make sure they take advantage of every little chance they get. The Hitmen don't give their opponents much.

When people mention success in the WHL the Calgary Hitmen always seem to come up. They've struggled in the post-season, but they've been a real tough team and a thorn in the backside for a number of clubs during the regular season. When Rich Preston first took the job in Lethbridge this past summer, he stated his goal is to grow this Hurricanes team into a tough opponent year in and year out and said there is no reason why the Canes' can't be as competitive every season as teams like Calgary and Vancouver. Brad Curle, the radio voice of the Calgary Hitmen was a guest on Hurricanes This Week last night. He told us despite the Hitmen out to another good start this season, that team does have a few different looks with a number of players moving on after last year. Should be a fun one to watch.

The Hurricanes actually have a winning record in their past 14 games. They are 7-5-2 in that span. This is a vastly different team than that one that went 0-6 to start they year. The Canes' have also been involved in 6 straight one goal games. They have very much been in every game on this long home stand.

Tonight's game starts at 7. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30 with myself and Fred Jack.

Thanks,
Pat