The Lethbridge Hurricanes took on long-time rivals the Medicine Hat Tigers on Sunday night. The game was rescheduled from Friday night to Sunday because of the recent water shortage and boil-water advisory.
It was the final game of the season for the ‘Canes. The home advantage didn’t seem to help the team. They fell behind quickly in the first period, and never quite regained their confidence to find the lead.
Medicine Hat were fierce competition in the eastern conference this season and they showed why, putting up three goals in the first period of play. They would have had four if it wasn’t for the quick play of Hurricanes goalie, Stuart Skinner. The puck was a hairs breath away from fully crossing the line when the quick glove of Skinner snatched it away off the line.
The almost goal was reviewed by the officials up stairs. After the review, the goal was denied.
Darren Kruger, associate coach for the Medicine Hat Tigers said it nice to be on a wining team.
“We have been playing some good hockey here, it feels good heading off to the play-offs. We have lots of work ahead of us. We know our opponents in Swift Current are a very good hockey team, and we have a whole week to prepare.”
The Tigers added another goal halfway through the second period. They kept the Hurricanes away from the front of the net and limited the chances of forwards to put pucks on goal
The Hurricanes never made the board until there was five minutes left in the second period. Brady Ramsay scored the goal for the Hurricanes bringing a little life to a recently lifeless team.
Now that the season is over, the Lethbridge Hurricanes can forget about this past. They had the worst record in the WHL, winning only 12 games and losing 55.
They were winless in their last 14 games. Tonight was a recap of just how bad the season was, losing to the Tigers 6-2, in a decidedly one-sided loss.
Head Coach Drake Berehowsky says he wants to come back as head coach next year.
“It was a tough year. We saw a lot of ups and downs. We had a lot of players leave, we have seen a culture change here. I think we are moving in the right direction. We focused all year on the process of moving in the right direction.”