The Lethbridge Hurricanes (32-30-6-0) made there way up north to face off against Central Division rivals the Edmonton Oil Kings (20-41-6-2). Lethbridge currently sits comfortably in a playoff spot, while the Oil Kings are seeded at the bottom of the division.
Lethbridge started 20-year-old goaltender Logan Flodell whom they picked up in a trade with Swift Current earlier in the year, while the Oil Kings started 1998-born Josh Dechaine once again.
Lethbridge would open the scoring just 5:48 into the first period, Edmonton born Jaden Joseph would find the rebound in front on the power play to give the Hurricanes an early lead in the game. The rest of the first period would continue with a flurry of shots by both teams, but neither side could find the net. Lethbridge led in shots 12-11.
The Oil Kings came out hot in the second period, burying five goals of there own and taking a 5-1 lead. Captain Colton Kehler would start off the storm with a one time shot on the power play to tie the game up at the 17:51 mark of the frame. Nick Bowman followed it up shortly after with a short side shot that fooled goaltender Logan Flodell. Edmonton would later get another power play opportunity and defenseman Conner McDonald would make the most of it, with a deadly accurate shot on the power play that got over the shoulder of Flodell. Tomas Soustal and Trey-Fix Wolansky would score late in the frame to add to the lead. A major momentum shift in the game and the Oil Kings outshot the Hurricanes 16-5 in the frame.
A quiet third period commenced, Edmonton gave Lethbridge a few power play opportunities but the Hurricanes couldn’t bury one. Both Soustal and Koletrane Wilson were ejected late for misconducts. Finals shots were 35-27 for the Oil Kings.
This would be Josh Dechaine’s 11th win since rejoining the Edmonton Oil Kings on December 16th from the Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL), he has participated in 29 games since being brought back to the team.
Jake Neighbours’ confidence continues to grow as he seemed to be involved in more offensive chances today. He played on a line with Liam Keeler and Brett Kemp.
Lethbridge’s Nolan Jones suited up in his sixth game of the season. He was recently called up from his Moose Jaw Generals SMHL team.
NHL Draft Eligible Calen Addison had an unimpressive game, showed at times that he could be a contributor offensively with his quick footwork and mobility. Definitely has some offensive tools and his ability to create lanes for himself is through the roof. Quite inconsistent and struggles at time in his own zone.
Trey Fix-Wolansky continued to add to his highly productive season, adding four points in this one and putting himself up to 87 points on the season.
A quiet game for Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Jordy Bellerive. He didn’t take over the game a whole lot. Bellerive struggles at times without the puck but can take over the pace when he is in possession. He’s got a dangerous shot.
