Hustle, hustle, hustle

After a split decision over the weekend and a lackluster performance on Saturday night, the Canes came into this game looking to make up for missed opportunities and take it to a Brandon Wheat Kings team that is flying at the moment with a 6-3-1-0 record after having just won the previous night edging a nervy one 7-6 the previous night against the tigers.

The Hurricanes on the other hand could only be described as under dogs in this one after a game of missed opportunities against the Saskatoon Blades saw them lose 5-2, coming into this one 3 games under 500 with a record of 3-6-0-0

A Split Decision - Weekend Wrap Up

Down Kitty

The Canes were able to put down the Cougars on Friday night. A mix of solid, consistent defence and the fiery work of the Canes top line put them over the top. Outstanding plays by Axel Blomqvist, Sam McKechnie and Russ Maxwell's 2 power play goals helped the Canes bring home the 3 - 2 win.

Regrouping

After a difficult road trip south of the border, the Hurricanes returned to the Enmax hoping to regroup, turn their fortunes around and bring everything back on track with what is seen by many Caniacs as the Hurricanes strongest roster of talent in the last couple of years.

With only 6 games gone in this season, this talented but young Hurricane team is still working hard to develop that sixth sense that more experienced teams, like the Raiders, have in abundance. However, there is lots of hockey still to be played and a long way to go before the teams who are destined to make the post season are decided.

(Photo from Abbotsford Heat archives)

There are two paths to becoming a revered alumnus of a junior hockey club. The first is that of the super star, vaulting quickly to the pro ranks, putting your junior team in the spotlight during draft previews and prospect forecasts. The second requires four years of dedication, winning the hearts of the hometown fans with your on-ice sacrifice and community involvement.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes have seen both types of player come through the system in recent years. Zach Boychuk and Luca Sbisa were drafted early and then ascended to pursue fame and fortune as professionals, while players like Cam Braes and Carter Bancks found themselves just off of the NHL radar, but winning Hurricane fans’ hearts as committed two-way players. Twice undrafted, Bancks now has something to prove.

Josh and Mark are back with episode 1 of CanesCast Radio, recorded on location at the Enmax Centre after last night's game. We've got plenty of discussion today, ranging from headshots, to quality of officiating, the Hurricanes' injury troubles on the blue line, and how Rich Preston keeps making us look bad.

Headhunting

Another season and the head hunters are already out in full force. With 23 games worth of suspension handed out in the opening weekend (admittedly not all head shots, but enough) and the Hurricanes Ryan Pilon sitting out the game today after a vicious hit to the head in Medicine Hat, we can only hope the focus gets back on the game and not the latest moves from the WWE. I am a fan of hockey, and for me that does not include intent to injure. Sportsmanship and respect are as important as putting a tick in the 'W' column, something all hockey players should have instilled in them early.

Goaltending

Ty Rimmer knows WHL rivalries. He was, after all, part of the fierce Tri-City/Spokane feud last season. The start of the new season sees him now in Hurricane colours, jumping into a new rivalry, and the well-travelled veteran goalkeeper is game for it.

A new season is upon us, and we at CanesCast have some great stuff in store for the year. The first thing to unveil is our new podcast CanesCast Radio. We have dubbed our first recording "episode 0", sort of a pre-season for us. So without further ado, here is episode 0, recorded on location at the Enmax Centre prior to the Hurricanes' win over the Tigers last night.

We'll soon have the episodes available for subscription in iTunes, or other podcast software. We hope you'll enjoy it.

It may be the off-season, but that doesn't mean Lethbridge Hurricanes head coach and GM Rich Preston is taking a holiday. After a flurry of activity this week, the Hurricanes' roster is taking on a different look.