Coming into the 2019-20 season, the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ roster has undergone significant turnover. Whether it’s been players graduating, trades, or players turning pro, these moves have left some holes to be filled. Cue training camp and the excitement of a new season for many roster hopefuls.
So with the open roster spots, there is a lot of competition for them. Here is a look, with the help of Hurricanes assistant coach Andrew Doty, at three potential roster players that could make all the difference to the team this season.
Dino Kambetiz
Acquired during the offseason from the Victoria Royals for defencemen Nolan Jones, the Parker, Colorado, native is coming off a decent season in which he recorded 25 points in 67 games for the Royals. Kambeitz is primed to break out in a season where he should see a significant increase in his role in Lethbridge. Entering his 19-year-old season, it is not out of the normal for a player his age to take a step forward statically.
Coach Doty states the team is delighted to have Kambetiz. “We knew we were getting a 19-year-old with some experience…what a great guy he is off the ice, and he’s going to be a key leader for us. He’s a pro. Everything that he does is just from a completely professional standpoint. He’s always here early, he works extremely hard, and is hard to play against”
Chase Wheatcroft
Wheatcroft appeared in 33 games last season for the Calgary Royals of the AMHL, where he was a point-per-game player to the tee. His 33 points included 20 goals. The 2002-born forward has shown well through training camp and the first two preseason games. He is a plus-four with three points (one goal and two assists) in the preseason. His high compete level has certainly caught the eye of the team. Wheatcroft possesses size and skill, and at the WHL level, that is a dangerous combination. The 17-year-old is poised to take the roster by storm.
Here is what coach Doty had to say about bringing in Wheatcroft: “He is an amazing guy. He came here to camp in his Bantam draft year as an undrafted guy and invite. And we didn’t list them after that. He goes back to midget. He played on the 15th team; you lead that league in scoring. I think he grew about five inches during that time as well, came back to camp the next year, and he was night and day improved from there. Then we thought ‘well, we might have to list this guy,’ so we put him on our list. And then he plays a year in midget and was very dominant. He comes back again this year. And he’s just that much better again. And that’s a credit to him. He has worked very, very hard. He’s got a lot of skill. And he’s obviously a really smart guy as well. So we’re excited to keep seeing how that progression continues as he just keeps getting better and better.”
Jett Jones
The undrafted forward was signed last season by the Hurricanes. The Olds, Alberta, native spent the majority of last season in Airdrie playing for the Bison of the AMHL, where he scored 30 points in 33 games. Jones also appeared in the AJHL, suiting up for three games for the Calgary Mustangs, although he did not earn a point. In the WHL, Jones went pointless in two games for the Hurricanes early last season. Like Wheatcroft, Jones is poised for more. His size and ability on paper seem to fit what the Hurricanes are looking for this season.
Jones is another guy Coach Doty is very excited about. “So (Jones is) another guy that came to our training camp as an invited player. We listed him from there. He played midget AAA last year. He’s just a big, strong, powerful guy. And he’s got a ton of upside as well. He’s got lots of skill. He can score goals. So we’re really excited to see where he’s at. He’s done a good job so far. We want to just keep seeing him improve as well.”
What role any of these three play on the Hurricanes roster this season is yet to be decided, but it is clear that the team believes in these guys. All three are primed to elevate and become key members of the Lethbridge Hurricanes for the 2019-20 season.
