THIRD PERIOD COSTS TIGERS
The Tigers and Hurricanes faced off in the first of a home and home series to end the regular season. The Hurricanes were playing for pride as they were officially eliminated from playoff contention. These games meant something for the Tigers as they were battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. Depending on their last two games they could finish anywhere from 5th to 8th. Unfortunately for the Tigers, the Hurricanes would play the role of spoiler on Friday night. The 8-4 loss locked the Tigers into the 7th position and set them up for a first round matchup with the Saskatoon Blades.
The first period saw some back and forth action with each team holding a lead. The Hurricanes struck first with Adam Henry’s fifth goal of the season 8:33 into the game. The Tigers would respond just over a minute later with Matt Staples’ first career WHL goal from Chad Butcher. Hunter Shinkaruk gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead a few minutes later while on the the power play with his 36th of the season. Dylan Bredo and Logan McVeigh picked up the helpers on the power play marker. The Hurricanes would even up the score before the break with Brady Ramsay netting his 13th of the season.
The Tigers controlled the second period and added a pair of goals to take back the lead 4-2. The Tigers’ offense wouldn’t hit their stride though until the end of the period. With just over three minutes remaining Miles Koules broke up the tie with his 19th goal of the season from Kyle Becker. Curtis Valk would add to the Tigers lead with a shorthanded goal to increase his team leading total to 44 goals. Hunter Shinkaruk and Tyler Lewington were credited with the assists on the shorthanded goal.
The Tigers lead wouldn’t last long though as the Hurricanes’ offense exploded for six unanswered goals in the final period. Brady Ramsay and Josh Derko both scored within the first minute to erase the Tigers’ two goal lead. Derko would add another at the 3:03 mark to give the Hurricanes their first lead since halfway through the first. Tyler Wong, Russell Maxwell and Graham Hood all would add a goal before the end of the third to give the Hurricanes a 8-4 come from behind victory in their final home game of the season.
Marek Langhamer was busy all night in net facing a total of 51 shots. He was in net for all eight goals against. Ty Rimmer also faced his fair share of shots. Rimmer allowed four goals against on 48 shots.
On the power play the Tigers went 1 for 7, while killing off all five Hurricanes’ power play opportunities.
Earls Three Stars of the Night:
1) Graham Hood – Lethbridge Hurricanes
2) Ty Rimmer – Lethbridge Hurricanes
3) Josh Derko – Lethbridge Hurricanes
The Tigers’ next game is Saturday, March 16th against the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the Arena. Game time is 7:30 PM (MST) and can be heard live on CHAT 94.5 FM at tigershockey.com or watched via webcast at livestream.whl.ca.
