The Lethbridge Hurricanes got 34 saves from rookie netminder Carl Tetachuk in his first WHL start and held on to beat the Brandon Wheat Kings 2-1. In a slower paced hockey game Canes were lead up front with goals from Jadon Joesph and Taylor Ross as they went 2-for-4 with the man advantage.
A slow start to this game saw both teams struggling to get much of anything going. Teams would seem to trade turnovers and were unable to get through the neutral zone. The mid-period break saw the Canes lead in shots 8-6. Coming out of the break, both sides seemed to be energized and it would be the home side getting the advantage. Converting with just seconds left on the power-play, Joesph barely slid it under the pad of the Brandon goaltender Jiri Patera. It was Joesph’s fifth of the season and was assisted by Igor Merezkho and Logan Barlage. The 1-0 lead would be short lived for Lethbridge as they would be flagged for a foul and Brandon would made them pay. With a minute to play, Stellio Mattheos popped home the power play goal, his 12th marker of the season. The game was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes. The teams were also tied on the shot clock at 11-11.
The second period would be more of the same, slower paced hockey until Canes captain Jordy Bellerive lowered the boom in the corner on the Wheat Kings defender and breathed new life into the arena and his team. It paid off almost immediately. The Hurricanes went on an ensuing power play. While unable to convert with the man advantage, they gained the momentum that led to a second then a third straight power play. Finally, they made the Wheaties pay for being undisciplined as Tyler Ross tipped home his ninth goal of the season from a Calen Addison blast. Dylan Cozens received the second assist on the play. With the power play marker, the Canes led the shot in the middle frame 13-8 and game total of 24-19.
Being down 2-1 entering the 3rd period the Wheat Kings came out firing but were unable to beat the rookie Canes goalie. In a defensive shell, the Hurricanes helped the young netminder steer home the game and pick up the home victory. Brandon fired 16 shots in the final 20 while the Canes answered with just three. Final shots would be counted 35-27 for the visitors. The Wheaties were 1-for-4 on the power play. Yes – all three goals in the game were scored on special teams.
Game Notes: Tetachuk with his 34 saves and first WHL win in his first start was named the game’s first star. Taylor Ross and Stellio Mattheos were stars two and three respectively. Attendance was announced at 3071.
Next up for the boys in red is a visit to Calgary on Friday for Roughneck night vs the Hitmen. Brandon’s road trip will continue in Kootenay wed night.
