Hurricanes Beat Hitmen 4-1 Sunday at Scotiabank Saddledome
Calgary, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes scored four unanswered goals Sunday afternoon at Scotiabank Saddledome en route to a 4-1 win against the Calgary Hitmen.
Calgary pushed to start the game as they played their first home game at Scotiabank Saddledome in 575 days. The Hitmen outshot the ‘Canes in the early going and struck first with a power play goal by Luke Prokop just 2:56 into the contest with Alex Thacker in the penalty box as Calgary held a 1-0 lead. The Hurricanes pushed back as the period went on closing the gap in shots before tying the game, as on the power play, when Yegor Klavdiev potted a rebound for his first WHL goal to make it 1-1; Chase Wheatcroft and Logan McCutcheon earned the assists on the goal. Lethbridge was outshot 15-12 in the opening frame.
The Hurricanes pulled ahead early in the second period as Klavdiev buried his second of the afternoon on the power play as Thacker found him back-door just 2:03 into the frame; McCutcheon earned the second assist as the ‘Canes took their first lead of the game. Calgary and Lethbridge traded chances throughout the second period by both Bryan Thomson and Brayden Peters stood tall to keep it a one-goal game after forty minutes of play. The Hitmen led the shots 15-13 in the second period.
In the third period, the Hurricanes added to their lead as Logan Barlage ripped home his second of the season with a bullet from the right-wing to make it 3-1 Lethbridge just 2:30 into the period. Calgary had a power play in the middle of the third period, but Thomson made a trio of great saves to keep the ‘Canes in front by two. The Hitmen pulled the goaltender for the extra attacker only to see Wheatcroft score into the empty net to round out the scoring; Ty Nash and Arntsen earned the helpers.
The ‘Canes and Hitmen tied in shots 11-11 in the third; Calgary held the edge in the game 41-36. Lethbridge went 2/5 while the Hitmen were 1/4 with the extra man.
Three stars of the game (as chosen on the Hurricanes broadcast):
1) ‘Canes – #30 Bryan Thomson (40 saves)
2) ‘Canes – #11 Yegor Klavdiev (2 goals, game-winner)
3) ‘Canes – #26 Chase Wheatcroft (1 goal, 1 assist)
The win for the Hurricanes improved their record to 2-0-0-0 to start the new season sweeping the opening weekend against the Hitmen. It’s the first time since 2010-2011 season that the ‘Canes have started a season 2-0-0-0 and just the eighth time in franchise history the Hurricanes have accomplished that feat.
The Hurricanes will return to the ENMAX Centre on Wednesday when they welcome the Edmonton Oil Kings at 7:00pm. Tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting the ENMAX Centre Ticket Centre, the Yates Memorial Theatre Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.lethbridgehurricanes.com.
