Alumni Golf Tournament A Success

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Alumni Golf Tournament A Success

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The Lethbridge Hurricanes held their Inaugural Alumni Golf Tournament at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort on Aug. 18.

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The event was hosted by the ‘Canes who, for the first time, held a golf tournament for the organization’s alumni. Among the 31 alumni who returned to rrLethbridge were Jamie McLennan, Bob Loucks, Corey Lyons, Randy Maxwell, Logan Koopmans and Aaron Sorochan.

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For some, the tournament was a chance to return to Lethbridge while others have since made their home inrrSouthern Alberta . When asked what it meant for him to be a Lethbridge Hurricane alumni, McLennan was quick to answer: pride.

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“You take a lot of pride in it,” he said. “You want this organization to do well because it gave a lot to me. I try to make sure I can give back anything I can.”

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McLennan, who was a member of the ‘Canes from 1988 to 1991, went to the Western Hockey League finals twice with the Hurricanes. However, in each season, they were eliminated one step shy of winning the title and representing the team in the Memorial Cup.

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Even though he wasn’t able to help lift the ‘Canes to a WHL Championship, McLennan is appreciative of the fan support he received while playing in rrLethbridge.

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“The fans are awesome,” he said. “That’s what made it exciting to play inrrLethbridge ; it’s a real hockey city.”

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Logan Koopmans spent his entire career with the Hurricanes from the 1999-2000 season to the 2003-2004 season. He was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the fifth round of the 2002 National Hockey League draft.

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Koopmans began his professional career with the Toledo Storm of the ECHL in 2004-2005 where he has spent the last two seasons. He was also called up to the American Hockey League last season and suited up in one game for the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

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Despite moving on from rrLethbridge to start his professional career, Koopmans continues to follow the Hurricanes’ progress.

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“Once you’re a Hurricane it’s always in your blood,” Koopmans said. “I’m always watching how they’re doing and I always wish them the best.”

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Being back inrrLethbridge for the alumni tournament gave Koopmans a chance to see a few of his former teammates in Nick Tarnasky, Kris Versteeg, Brett O’Malley, Tyrel Lucas, Ryley Layden, Scott Borders and Mark Forth.

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“I love coming back and seeing all my old friends, the fans and it’s awesome to be back in rrLethbridge,” he said.

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Even though the tournament was focused on the achievements of the players and staff from the past, Koopmans offered some advice for Justin Leclerc, the Hurricanes’ starting goaltender who will be entering his draft year.

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“I would tell him to work hard,” Koopmans said. “That’s something you don’t really realize when starting your WHL career; you have to understand what kind of work ethic it takes. You have to work hard and you have to earn your way to making it to the professional ranks.”

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When his playing career is over, Koopmans said he might consider starting a family in rrLethbridge . But for now, he’ll continue to make the Hurricanes proud as one of their many alumni currently playing professional hockey.

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To view all the pictures from the Alumni Golf Tournament, please view the photo gallery.

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Hurricanes Assistant Coach Matt Kabayama at the Beat the Brass hole.

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Warren Babe teeing off on the Beat the Brass hole.

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Hurricanes alumni Logan Koopmans.

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Hurricanes alumni Jamie McLennan.

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The Hurricanes would like to thank the following businesses who sponsored the tournament as hole sponsors:

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Advance Glass & Aluminum

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Alberta Sunflower Seeds Ltd.

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Atco Gas

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rrBoston Pizza

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Brad Cook – Coldwell Banker

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Braman Furniture

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rrrBridgerrCity Chrysler

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C & A Industries

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rrCoCo Pazzo – 360 Inspired Cuisine

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Cox Financial Group

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D.A. Electric

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DA Building Systems

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Davidson & Williams LLP

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Davis rrPontiac Buick GMC

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Don’s Drywall Supplies

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DunloprrSterling Western Star

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Eagle Commodities Ltd. / Crazy Cakes Ltd.

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Eecol Electric

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Enercon Water Treatment Ltd.

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Evergreen Golf Centre

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Frazer Contracting Ltd.

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Gescan

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Gusher Oil & Gas Ltd.

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Hytech Production Ltd.

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JK Trucking

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Laurie Kenna & Associates Financial Services Ltd.

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rrLethbridge Basements

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Lethbridge Caterers Ltd.

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Lethbridge Iron Works Co. Ltd.

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Meyers Norris Penny

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National Bank Financial

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Neu-Lite

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Pepsi Bottling Group

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Pizza Hut

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Roest Acoustics Ltd.

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Sportsview Displays

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Streetside Eatery

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Tollestrup Construction

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Wesbridge Construction Limited

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Wilbur-Ellis

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The Hurricanes would also like to thank the following alumni who attended the event:

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Jason Ruff

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Jamie McLennan

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Brad Rubachuk

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Perry Shockey

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Tyrel Lucas

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Kris Versteeg

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Nick Tarnasky

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Ryley Layden

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Bob Loucks

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Jim Wheatcroft

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Warren Babe

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Randy Maxwell

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Mike Boychuk

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Mark Forth

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Bruce Vance

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Mikko Makela

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Brian Ballman

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Joe Meli

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Len Overbeeke

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rrLogan Koopmans

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Rob Fritz

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Ryan Watson

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Bob Bartlett

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Don Johnson
Tyler Redenbach

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Aaron Sorochan

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Corey Lyons

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Derrick Atkinson

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Brett O’Malley

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Rick Collier

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Scott Borders