Hurricanes Shutout 3-0 by Winterhawks
Portland, OR – The Lethbridge Hurricanes wrapped up their three-in-three US Division road trip on Sunday with a 3-0 loss in Portland against the Winterhawks.
It was an even first period the saw both teams generate scoring chances but neither team was able to break through. Carl Tetachuk was strong in the Hurricanes goal stopping all 11 shots he faced in the first period while Joel Hofer stopped all nine shots the ‘Canes had in the opening frame. Portland had a pair of power plays in the first period but could not strike as it was scoreless after one period.
In the second period, the Winterhawks opened the scoring as Jake Gricius scored his 21st goal of the season at the 4:32 mark to make it 1-0. The ‘Canes were assessed a power play but the Winterhawks struck while shorthanded as Gricius netted his second of the period on a wrap-around to make it 2-0; it was the 15th shorthanded goal allowed this season by the Hurricanes. Portland added to their lead as Seth Jarvis scored his 14th goal of the season to make it 3-0. Lethbridge had a shorthanded penalty shot as Dylan Cozens was hooked down on a penalty shot but was unable to beat Hofer as the ‘Hawks led 3-0 after two periods. The ‘Canes outshot the ‘Hawks 19-9 in the second period.
The Hurricanes attempted a come-back in the third period but Hofer remained solid in the Portland goal as he stopped all ten shots the ‘Canes had in the final twenty minutes. The ‘Hawks failed to score in the third on their 11 shots as Portland hung on for the 3-0 win.
The Hurricanes went 0/1 on the power play while going 6/6 on the penalty kill.
Three stars of the game were:
1) Winterhawks – #30 Joel Hofer (37 saves)
2) Winterhawks – #14 Jake Gricius (2 goals)
3) Winterhawks – #12 Reece Newkirk (2 assists)
The loss for the Hurricanes was their second straight, and first shutout defeat of the season, as they finish the three-game road trip with record of 1-2-0-0. The defeat falls the ‘Canes to 16-7-2-2 in their last 27 games while dropping their overall record to 25-15-4-4 on the year.
The Hurricanes will return to the ENMAX Centre on Friday, February 1st when they welcome the Red Deer Rebels. Tickets can be purchased online at www.enmaxcentre.ca, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or by visiting the ENMAX Centre Ticket Centre.
