https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/tag/joe-arnsten/ Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:00:37 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/hurricanes-announce-2026-training-camp-rosters Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:00:37 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/hurricanes-announce-2026-training-camp-rosters Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced their 2026 Training Camp rosters which will comprise a total of 68 players including 38 forwards, 22 defencemen and eight goaltenders. The ‘Canes will carry a total of 35 players on their Prospect Camp Roster, comprising two teams: Team Red: Goaltender: #30 Liam Bergen (’11) #31 Cohen Kuntz (’10) Defence: #2 Andren Paulsen (’11) #4 Blake Soldan (’11) #10 Grayson Veitch (’11) #14 Kai Genereaux (’11) #25 Evan Cuthbertson (’11) #27 Drew Kortan (’10) Forwards: #11 Hayden Carpenter (’11) #12 Beau Anholt (’10) #15 Wyatt Olson (’11) #16 Nixxon Arcand-Vandale (’10) #18 Luka Samu (’10) #19 Cash Whitmore (’10) #21 Kruz Nyholt (’11) #22 Artello Forestal (’11) #23 Knox Kehler (’11) Team Grey Goaltender: #30 Chay Ekblad (’11) #31 Cole Anderson (’11) #35 Trip Kuntz (’11) Defence: #2 Bauer Becker (’11) #3 Jake Beaty (’10) #6 Lucas Lavers (’11) #7 Liam McFadden (’10) #10 Rowen Norrie (’11) Forward: #8 Kyan Vansandt (’11) #9 CJ Dornfeld (’11) #11 Kendon Peacock (’11) #12 Grayson Bauer (’10) #14 Brett Stuparyk (’10) #15 Jad Haymour (’11) #17 George Matheos (’11) #19 Jase Brodrick (’10) #25 Graham Gard (’10) #28 Ronan Gow (’11) Additionally, the Hurricanes will also carry a total of 33 players on their Main Camp Roster including 19 forwards, 11 defenceman and three goaltenders: Goaltender: Koen Cleaver (’07) Brody Rotar (’08) Leif Oaten (’09) Defence: Nathan Maloney (’06) Carsen Adair (’07) Kyle Heger (’07) Brayden Smith (’07) Grady Pichette (’08) Will Scott (’08) Reid Soper (’09) Tate Serfas (’09) Dominick Byrtus (’09) Lucas Jacobson (’09) Lucas Fenrich (’09) Forward: Owen Berge (’06) Kade Duell (’06) Jake Stuart (’07) Logan Stuart (’08) Easton Daneault (’08) Oliver Sichtar (’08) Dayne Beuker (’08) Gavin Lesiuk (’08) Kai Anderson (’08) Louis Prystupa (’08) Tyden Lafournaise (’09) Enzo DiDomenicantonio (’09) Oliver Vanha (’09) Jake Evans (’09) Cohen Pentney (’09) Matteo Di Stefano (’09) Hunter Kapen (’09) Grady McNish (’09) Dawson Spence (’09) Lethbridge will open their 2026 Training Camp schedule on Thursday, August 27^th at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena with the following schedule: Thursday, August 27^th Goalie Session                                8:15am to 8:45am Skill Session (Team Red)               9:00am to 9:45am Skill Session (Team Grey)             10:00am to 10:45am Main Camp Practice                       11:00am to 12:00pm Game (Red vs. Grey)                     5:00pm to 7:30pm Saturday, August 29^th Game (Red vs. Grey)                     9:30am to 12:00pm Main Camp Practice                       1:00pm to 2:00pm Friday, August 28^th Goalie Session                               8:15am to 8:45am Skill Session (Team Red)               9:00am to 9:45am Skill Session (Team Grey)             10:00am to 10:45am Main Camp Practice                       11:00am to 12:00pm Game (Red vs. Grey)                      5:00pm to 7:30pm Sunday, August 30^th Red vs. Black Intersquad                 11:00am to 1:30pm Entrance to the VisitLethbridge.com Arena during the entirety of Training Camp will be free of charge, with entrance available through the NW doors of the facility. Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item in support of the Lethbridge Food Bank and the Interfaith Food Bank with collection bins located at the entrance of the facility. Parking for the duration of the Hurricanes Training Camp, along with the two home pre-season games, will also be complimentary courtesy of the Lethbridge Hurricanes and VisitLethbridge.com Arena. Following their four-day Training Camp, the Hurricanes will open their four-game 2026 Pre-Season Schedule on Tuesday, September 1^st at 7:00pm when they welcome the Medicine Hat Tigers to the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. Full pre-season schedule is as follows: Tuesday, September 1^st – vs. Medicine Hat Tigers – 7:00pm (VisitLethbridge.com Arena) Saturday, September 5^th – at Medicine Hat Tigers – 7:00pm (Co-op Place) Thursday, September 10^th – vs. Red Deer Rebels – 7:00pm (VisitLethbridge.com Arena) Sunday, September 13^th – at Calgary Hitmen – 4:00pm (Seven Chief Sportsplex) Tickets for the Hurricanes home pre-season games can be purchased for $10.00, plus fees. Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.  ]]> https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/2026-2027-season-ticket-pick-up-events Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:59:33 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/2026-2027-season-ticket-pick-up-events Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced their annual Season Ticket Pick Up Events for the 2026-2027 season. The Hurricanes will hold their Premium Member Pick Up on Thursday, September 3^rd from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Details for the Premium Member Pick Up will be distributed directly to Premium Ticket holders via email. The All Member Pick Up will be held on Wednesday, September 9^th from 4:00pm until 7:00pm in the National Bank Lounge at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. The night will include the opportunity to meet the 2026-2027 Hurricanes players and dinner will be served featuring pulled pork on a bun, chips and beverages. Ticket holders can enter through the NW doors (entrance by the flag poles near the Hurricanes Office) beginning at 4:00pm. 2026-2027 Premium Ticket Members are welcome to attend both the Premium Member Pick Up as well as the All Member Pick Up. Packages that are not picked up during the two events will be available at the Northeast Ticket Centre at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena beginning Thursday, September 10^th at 10:00am. Please have photo ID ready at the time of pick up. The Hurricanes will open their 2026 Training Camp on Thursday, August 27^th at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena before hosting their Red vs. White Intersquad game on Sunday, August 30^th at 11:00am. Entrance to Training Camp and the Intersquad game will be free with a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Lethbridge Food Bank and Interfaith Food Bank. Lethbridge will open the 2026 Pre-Season Schedule on Tuesday, September 1^st at 7:00pm when they welcome the Medicine Hat Tigers to the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. Tickets for the Pre-Season games can be purchased for $10.00+fees by visiting the VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association. Parking during both Training Camp and the Pre-Season home games will be complimentary courtesy of the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the City of Lethbridge. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are still available for purchase. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/hurricanes-announce-2026-training-camp-schedule Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:29:52 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/hurricanes-announce-2026-training-camp-schedule Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced the full schedule for the 2026 Training Camp which will begin on Thursday, August 27^th running through Sunday, August 30^th at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. The Hurricanes will hold a four-day training camp which will include a Prospects Camp, Main Camp and the return of the Red vs. White Intersquad game on Sunday, August 30^th. Full Training Camp schedule is as follows: Thursday, August 27^th Goalie Session                                8:15am to 8:45am Skill Session (Team Red)               9:00am to 9:45am Skill Session (Team Grey)             10:00am to 10:45am Main Camp Practice                       11:00am to 12:00pm Game (Red vs. Grey)                     5:00pm to 7:30pm Friday, August 28^th Goalie Session                                8:15am to 8:45am Skill Session (Team Red)                9:00am to 9:45am Skill Session (Team Grey)             10:00am to 10:45am Main Camp Practice                       11:00am to 12:00pm Game (Red vs. Grey)                     5:00pm to 7:30pm Saturday, August 29^th Game (Red vs. Grey)                     9:30am to 12:00pm Main Camp Practice                       1:00pm to 2:00pm Sunday, August 30^th Red vs. White Intersquad                 11:00am to 1:30pm Entrance to the VisitLethbridge.com Arena during the entirety of Training Camp will be free of charge, with entrance available through the NW doors of the facility. Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item in support of the Lethbridge Food Bank and the Interfaith Food Bank with collection bins located at the entrance of the facility. Parking for the duration of the Hurricanes Training Camp, along with the two home pre-season games, will also be complimentary courtesy of the Lethbridge Hurricanes and VisitLethbridge.com Arena. Following their four-day Training Camp, the Hurricanes will open their four-game 2026 Pre-Season Schedule on Tuesday, September 1^st at 7:00pm when they welcome the Medicine Hat Tigers to the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. Full pre-season schedule is as follows: Tuesday, September 1^st – vs. Medicine Hat Tigers – 7:00pm (VisitLethbridge.com Arena) Saturday, September 5^th – at Medicine Hat Tigers – 7:00pm (Co-op Place) Thursday, September 10^th – vs. Red Deer Rebels – 7:00pm (VisitLethbridge.com Arena) Sunday, September 13^th – at Calgary Hitmen – 4:00pm (Seven Chief Sportsplex) Tickets for the Hurricanes home pre-season games can be purchased for $10.00, plus fees. Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/dylan-thornborough-named-new-general-manager-of-business-operations Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:30:39 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/dylan-thornborough-named-new-general-manager-of-business-operations Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced that long-time Sales Director, Dylan Thornborough, has been named the club’s new General Manager of Business Operations. “We are excited and we were extremely fortunate to have someone with Dylan’s experience and ability in place to promote from within our organization. Dylan’s knowledge and involvement over the past 10+ years will ensure a seamless transition of leadership within the Business Operations side of our organization at both the community and league levels,” said Hurricanes Board President, Doug Paisley. Thornborough, 34, has been with the Hurricanes organization in multiple capacities since originally being hired in July of 2014. The Glenboro, Manitoba, product began with the ‘Canes in ticket sales before being promoted to handle all sponsorships and sales. He was named the Sales Director in 2022, a role he has held since. A graduate of the University of Lethbridge, Thornborough completed his post-secondary education with a Bachelor of Management in Marketing. He also graduated with a Business Administration Diploma at the Lethbridge Polytechnic, formerly Lethbridge College. Throughout his tenure with the Hurricanes, Thornborough has played a direct and significant role in growing and strengthening the organization’s business operations. "I am very honoured to step into the role of General Manager of Business Operations, and grateful for the trust the Board of Directors has placed in me,” said Thornborough. “The opportunity to continue to grow with this organization and build upon the strong foundation that was built under Terry's leadership is something that I do not take for granted. I want to thank my wife and family for their tremendous support, and I am excited to work alongside our people and partners as we move forward as an organization." Since joining the Hurricanes, Thornborough has worked closely with the business operations and hockey operations while helping build positive relationships with sponsors, ticket holders, the VisitLethbridge.com Arena facility and the City of Lethbridge. He assumes the duties as General Manager of Business Operations following the resignation of Terry Huisman, who served in the role for nearly 15 years, overseeing tremendous growth as an organization with the club being named the Eastern Conference nominee as Business of the Year on two occasions and capturing the award during the 2019-2020 campaign. “We need to extend our sincere appreciation and acknowledge the leadership and stability that Terry provided for the Hurricanes organization since taking on the role back in 2012,” added Paisley. “His loyalty was noticeable and his focus on budget prudence was critical to the club’s success and provided reputational credibility within the league. We wish Terry continued success and nothing but the best going forward and we thank him for his contribution to the Hurricanes.” Thornborough begins his new role as General Manager of Business Operations, effective immediately. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are still available for purchase. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/2026-pre-season-tickets-on-sale-monday-august-10th Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:00:24 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/2026-pre-season-tickets-on-sale-monday-august-10th Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced that individual game tickets for the 2026 Pre-Season will go on sale on Monday, August 10^th at 10:00am and can be purchased in person at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre or Yates Memorial Theatre Ticket Centre and online at by visiting www.visitlethbridgearena.ca. Tickets for the two Hurricanes exhibition games are available for $10.00 each, plus fees, with portions of the proceeds benefitting the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre (NE side only) prior to each game during regular hours, Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm; including on both game days. The Hurricanes will play a total of four pre-season games during their exhibition schedule, including two games at home and two on the road. The full pre-season schedule is as follows: Tuesday, September 1^st – vs. Medicine Hat Tigers – 7:00pm (VisitLethbridge.com Arena) Saturday, September 5^th – at Medicine Hat Tigers – 7:00pm (Co-op Place) Thursday, September 10^th – vs. Red Deer Rebels – 7:00pm (VisitLethbridge.com Arena) Sunday, September 13^th – at Calgary Hitmen – 4:00pm (Seven Chief Sportsplex) Parking during the two home pre-season games will be complimentary courtesy of the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the City of Lethbridge and VisitLethbridge.com Arena. Premium Ticket holders for the 2026-2027 season can receive their pre-season tickets by calling the Ticket Centre at 403-329-SEAT (7328) to request a mobile ticket or a print at home ticket. Physical tickets can be received by visiting the VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre or the Yates Memorial Theatre Ticket Centre. Additionally, Premium Ticket holders can also request to pick up their ticket for the second pre-season game at the same time. The Hurricanes will open the 2026-2027 regular season with the Dairy Queen Home Opener on Friday, September 18^th at 7:00pm when they host the Medicine Hat Tigers to the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are still available for purchase. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/oliver-vanha-inks-with-hurricanes Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:29:13 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/oliver-vanha-inks-with-hurricanes Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced they have signed 2009-born Czechia forward Oliver Vanha to a Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. Vanha, 17, was selected by the Hurricanes in the third-round (125^th overall) in the 2026 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft in June. The Praha, Czechia, product spent the 2025-2026 season with the HC Dynamo Pardubice U17 team collecting 57 points (25g-32a) along with 81 penalty minutes in a plus-39 rating in 32 regular season games. He finished fourth in team scoring while also ending the season fourth in goals. Vanha also ranked 11^th in league scoring while ending the campaign 15^th in league goals. “Oliver is a big, strong, powerful player with a high-end skill set and an exceptional compete level,” said Hurricanes General Manager Barclay Parneta. “He has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, and we believe his combination of size, talent, and work ethic gives him a very bright future. We’re excited to welcome him to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.” The 6’4, 203-pound forward added 14 points (6g-8a) along with 20 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating in 11 post-season games with HC Pardubice U17 last year. Vanha finished tied for fourth in league playoff scoring. He also skated in 14 regular season games with the HC Dynamo Pardubice U20 club last year collecting two assists and two penalty minutes. Internationally, Vanha is currently representing Czechia at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament in Edmonton. So far, he has one goal in two preliminary games for his nation. He also skated in 15 international games at the Czechia U16 level during the 2024-2025 season totaling five points (3g-2a) along with six penalty minutes. Vanha joins fellow Czechia products Dominick Byrtus and Oliver Sichtar to sign with the Hurricanes for the upcoming 2026-2027 regular season. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/hurricanes-sign-oliver-sichtar Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:58:51 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/hurricanes-sign-oliver-sichtar Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced the signing of 2008-born import forward Oliver Sichtar to a Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. Sichtar, 18, was selected by the Hurricanes in the second-round (64^th overall) of the 2026 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft in June. The Brno, Czechia, product spent the 2025-2026 season with the HC Kometa Brno U20 in the Czechia U20 league amassing 23 points (8g-15a) along with 20 penalty minutes in 49 regular season games, finishing sixth in team scoring. He added four points (1g-3a) along with a plus-3 rating in five post-season games. “We are excited to welcome Oliver Sichtar to the Hurricanes organization,” said Hurricanes General Manager Barclay Parneta. “Oliver is a big, skilled forward with excellent hockey sense who competes hard at both ends of the ice. We believe he has a bright future, and we’re looking forward to helping him continue his development in Lethbridge.” The 6’3, 190-pound right-winger collected 24 points (12g-12a) along with four penalty minutes while adding one goal in six playoff games in 2024-2025 with the HC Kometa Brno U17 club. Sichtar spent the 2023-2024 season played in the U16 Division-1 league with IFK Taby HC in Sweden where he totaled nine points (4g-5a) with 27 penalty minutes in 26 regular season games. Internationally, Sichtar represented Czechia at the World Under-19 Championship in May helping his country capture a Bronze medal. He skated in seven games for Czechia during the tournament collecting one goal. Sichtar was teammates with fellow Hurricanes signed import player Dominick Byrtus during the tournament. Additionally, he played in 16 games with the Czechia U18 International team collecting five goals during the 2025-2026 campaign. Sichtar joins Byrtus as the signed Hurricanes European players for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/meghan-calder-introduced-as-billet-coordinator Sat, 01 Aug 2026 19:25:58 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/meghan-calder-introduced-as-billet-coordinator Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced that Meghan Calder has been introduced as the club’s new Billet Coordinator. Calder and her family, including husband Darren and sons Macai and Lachlan, have been associated with the Lethbridge Hurricanes organization for nearly 20 years serving as a billet family since 2007. During their time as billets, the Calder family have been the hosts to upwards of 30 Hurricanes while creating a second home for the players, with some as long as five years in their home. Additionally, Calder has worked with the Hurricanes as the Respect Champion for the past three seasons assisting with player tutorials, meetings and conferences during that time. “I am excited to take on a new role with the Lethbridge Hurricanes organization. I look forward to deepening connections with players and their families as well as ties within the community,” said Calder. “Inviting players to become a part of your family is extremely rewarding and I’m hoping this role will allow me to help more players find their home away from home.” Professionally, Calder has been an educator in Lethbridge for over 20 years teaching kindergarten to Grade 12. She has also served as a school administrator for the last 10 years, with the previous six years serving as school Principal. Calder has also served on the board of the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association for more than six years. The Lethbridge Hurricanes welcome Meghan Calder as Billet Coordinator effective immediately. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/byrtus-signs-with-hurricanes Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:01:28 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/byrtus-signs-with-hurricanes Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced the signing of 2009-born defenceman Dominick Byrtus to a Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. Byrtus, 17, was selected by the Hurricanes in the first-round (3^rd overall) of the 2026 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft in June. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, product is a dual citizen of both the United States and Czechia. During the 2025-2026 season, he amassed 12 points (4g-8a) along with 16 penalty minutes in 23 regular season games with HC Ocelari Trinec U20 team before adding seven assists and 11 penalty minutes in 10 post-season games. Byrtus also appeared in 22 regular season games on loan to HC Frydek-Mistek club in the Czechia2 league where he collected two points (1g-1a) along with a minus-1 rating. “We are very excited to welcome Dominick to the Hurricanes. He is a smart, mobile defenseman who moves the puck well, competes hard and plays with confidence,” said Hurricanes General Manager Barclay Parneta. “We believe his game will translate well to the WHL, and we look forward to helping him continue his development in Lethbridge.” The 5’10, 190-pound defenceman is currently representing Czechia at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup alongside fellow ‘Canes Import Draft pick Oliver Vanha. Byrtus has represented Czechia previously at the U17 and U18 levels. He skated in seven games recording three assists at the World Under-18 Championship while also skating in four games being held pointless with the Czechia U17 team at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. During the 2025-2026 season, the left-shot rearguard appeared in 23 games with the Czechia U18 club in international play amassing nine points (4g-5a) along with six penalty minutes while also skating in four international contents with the Czechia U17 team. He helped Czechia earn a Bronze medal at the World U18 Championships. Byrtus is the first of the ‘Canes trio of Czechia-born players from the 2026 CHL Import Draft to sign with the Hurricanes. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/oaten-named-to-canadian-hlinka-gretzky-roster Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:34:46 +0000 kmcdowell https://chl.ca/whl-hurricanes/article/oaten-named-to-canadian-hlinka-gretzky-roster Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced that 2009-born goaltender Leif Oaten has been named to the Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup by Hockey Canada. Oaten, 16, is one of two goaltenders named to the 22-man roster, which includes nine Western Hockey League players. The Calgary, Alberta, product has previously represented Canada at the 2025 U17 World Challenge where he helped Canada Red capture the Gold Medal in Truro, Nova Scotia. Oaten appeared in four games for the gold medalists posting a 2.95 GAA and a .905 SV% and was named one of the tournament all-stars. He also was named to the preliminary roster for Canada prior to the 2026 IIHF World Under-18 Championships in May. The 6’3, 194-pound netminder was originally drafted by the Hurricanes in the third-round (58^th overall) in the 2024 Western Hockey League Prospects Draft. The Calgary, Alberta, product recorded a 6-19-2-0 record with a 4.23 goals-against average and a .876 save percentage with one shutout in 31 regular season games during his rookie season in 2025-2026. Prior to joining the ‘Canes, Oaten appeared in 19 regular season games during the 2024-2025 season with the Edge Hockey Academy posted a record of 11-7-1 with a 2.42 GAA and a .922 SV% with two shutouts. Oaten is the first Hurricanes player to represent Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup since Dylan Cozens at the 2018 tournament when he helped the Canadians capture the Gold Medal. The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup will take place from August 3^rd to 8^th in Edmonton, Alberta, at Rogers Place and the Downtown Community Arena. The Canadian’s will open their three-game preliminary schedule against Switzerland on August 3^rd at 5:00pm before facing Slovakia and Sweden. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.]]>