Hurricanes Edge Hitmen 3-1 Friday

Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes began a three-in-three weekend on Friday with a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Hitmen at the ENMAX Centre.

The Hurricanes had a great start to the game hemming the Hitmen in their own zone for the first two-and-a-half minutes but were unable to open the scoring early as they jumped out to an early 6-0 shot advantage. The ‘Canes eventually did open the scoring at the 13:10 mark as Justin Hall banged home a loose puck in front with his fifth of the season; Liam Kindree and Noah Boyko earned the assists on the goal. The Hurricanes and Hitmen both had a power play opportunity in the period but neither team struck as Lethbridge had a 1-0 lead after twenty minutes of play. The ‘Canes held the edge in shots 14-12 in the first period.

It was a sluggish second period for both teams as they combined for just 13 shots in the middle frame compared to the 26 combined shots in the opening period. The Hurricane added to their lead just 3:37 into the period as Dino Kambeitz buried his first of the season to make it 2-0 Lethbridge; Ty Nash and Alex Cotton earned the helpers on the goal. Both teams once again had one power play opportunity that they were unsuccessful on. Shots favoured Calgary 8-5 in the second.

The Hitmen started the third period on another power play opportunity but failed to capitalize as Mitch Prowse – who drew back into the lineup after missing two games – was in the box for a delay of game penalty. Calgary broke Bryan Thomson’s shutout bid with 5:24 left in the game as Luke Prokop banged home a backhanded to cut the lead to 2-1. The Hitmen pulled the goaltender but the ‘Canes sealed the game with an empty-net goal by Chase Wheatcroft to make it a 3-1 final.

Lethbridge was outshot 35-29 in the contest while both teams went 0/3 on the power play.

Three stars of the game:
1) ‘Canes – #30 Bryan Thomson (34 saves)
2) ‘Canes – #11 Dino Kambeitz (1 goal)
3) Hitmen – #35 Brayden Peters (26 saves)

The win for the Hurricanes was their third win in their last four games as they improved their record to 3-3-0-0 on the season. The ‘Canes are now 2-1-0-0 at the ENMAX Centre having won their last two home games.

The Hurricanes visit the Hitmen tomorrow at 7:00pm at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex in Calgary. The game can be streamed on WHL LIVE on the new CHL TV or heard on 106.7 ROCK.