Cozens Hattrick Paces Hurricanes to 5-2 Win Over Ice
Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes looked to make it a three-game winning streak on Saturday as they welcomed the Kootenay Ice at the ENMAX Centre and the ‘Canes were able to do just that with a 5-2 victory over the Ice.
The ‘Canes jumped out to a 1-0 lead as newcomer Keltie Jeri-Leon snapped home his first as a Hurricanes just 6:30 into the game; Owen Blocker picked up the assist on the goal for his first point as a Hurricane as well. The Ice equalized to tie the game 1-1 when Cameron Hausinger buried a centering pass from former ‘Cane Alec Baer at the 11:52 mark. Lethbridge pulled back ahead as Dylan Cozens scored for the third straight game picking off a pass at centre and moved in on a breakaway before beating Duncan McGovern over the glove to make it 2-1 Lethbridge with 6:10 to go in the period. Shots were even 7-7 in the opening frame.
Early in the second period the Ice tied the game as Sam Huston was credited with his first goal of the season as he left a point shot go that was redirected in front before beating Logan Flodell to make it 2-2 just 3:35 into the period. The ‘Canes pulled back ahead as Cozens scored his second of the night as he was able to poke one home passed McGovern as Lethbridge took a 3-2 lead while scoring on the Booster Juice Minute. Cozens completed his first Western Hockey League hat-trick as he scored his 16th goal of the season to put the ‘Canes ahead 4-2; Taylor Ross and Logan Barlage picked up the helpers on the goal. The ‘Canes outshot the Ice 12-11 in the middle frame.
The Hurricanes played a strong third period as they were defensively sound keeping the Ice at bay. Both teams directed seven shots on goal in the final twenty minutes. The Ice pulled the goaltender later in the game hopes of mounting a come-back but an empty-net goal by Ross sealed the victory making it a 5-2 game.
The ‘Canes outshot the Ice 26-25 in the hockey game. Lethbridge was 0/2 on the power play and 5/5 on the penalty kill in the game.
Three stars of the game were:
1) ‘Canes – #24 Dylan Cozens (3 goals, 1 assist)
2) ‘Canes – #27 Logan Barlage (2 assists)
3) ‘Canes – #15 Jordy Bellerive (3 shots, 57.1% faceoff percentage)
The win puts the Hurricanes above the five-hundred mark as they pick up their 20th victory of the season improving to 20-19-3-0 on the year. It also extends their lead to four points on the Ice for second in the Central Division; Hurricanes also have a game in hand on Kootenay.
The Hurricanes will now embark on a five game road trip through British Columbia beginning on Tuesday when they visit the Kamloops Blazers. The ‘Canes will also visit the Kelowna Rockets, the Prince George Cougars for two games before wrapping up the road trip in Kootenay against the Ice.
You can hear all five games on 106.7 ROCK or watch them at Browns Socialhouse in Lethbridge, they are your Home Away From Home.
(Photo Credit: Cindy Adachi)
