Lethbridge, AB – The puck officially dropped on a new season as the Lethbridge Hurricanes hosted their rivals from Medicine Hat in their first opener since the 2008 – 2009 season. Each of the players were introduced one by one and then Olympians Jim Steacy and his sister Heather dropped the puck for the ceremonial face off. Getting the start in this one was Ty Rimmer in Goal, Albin Blomqvist and Macoy Erkamps on Defence while Russell Maxwell, Sam McKechnie and Jaimen Yakubowski started up front.

The Tigers came out with all sorts of jump in the 1^st and took the lead just 1:18 into the game when Kale Kessy beat  Ty Rimmer. The Tigers outshot the Hurricanes 10-4 in the opening period, and despite getting just a handful of chances the Canes couldn’t pull even .

It was all Lethbridge in the second period and they made the most of their scoring chances. On a powerplay just 3:29 into the middle frame, Macoy Erkamps spotted Brady Ramsay at the side of the net and the 19-year old put the nice tip behind Langhamer tying the game. Chances would continue to come for both sides and the Canes would again capitalize as Jamal Watson threw the puck on net and it trickled past Langhamer. The Canes would add some insurance with the Tigers on the powerplay, Sam McKechnie would take the puck from behind the Tigers goal and bury his second chance behind Langhamer. The shorthanded tally giving the Hurricanes a 3-1 lead. Last year’s top draft pick Ryan Pilon fired home a point shot that would have given him his first career WHL goal, but it was called off after the net was knocked off its moorings. There would continue to be plenty of rough stuff between these two heated rivals but the three goals gave the Canes a solid lead heading into the third. Shots on goal were 22-16 for the Tigers.

In the third, the Tigers made it a one goal game very early when Jayden Hart scored for Medicine Hat. The Tigers showed more jump again and continued to press hard for the equalizer but Rimmer stood tall the rest of the way. With their goalie pulled for the extra attacker Jaimen Yakubowski sealed it for good in the dying seconds with an empty netter than gave Lethbridge the 4-2 win over their rivals. Final shots on goal favored the Tigers 38-22 with Rimmer making 36 saves in the win. Medicine Hat finished the night 1/4 on the powerplay while the Hurricanes were 1/6. Tonight’s 3 Stars: 3 – Curtis Valk, 2 – Brady Ramsay, 1 – Ty Rimmer and the Dickie’s Hardest Working Hurricane was Sam McKechnie.

The Hurricanes and Tigers will renew acquaintances Saturday night in Medicine Hat’s home opener. Game time is 7:30 and be sure to tune into the pregame show at 7:00pm with Pat Siedlecki on the home of the Hurricanes – 94.1 CJOC. Whether they’re home or on the road, don’t forget to follow your Lethbridge Hurricanes by following game analysis and team headlines on Twitter @WHLHurricanes and @CanesCast or by checking out our website at www.lethbridgehurricanes.com.  Fans can also follow us on our Official Facebook Fan Page at facebook.com/WHLHurricanes or check out the game live on WHL Web TV - log on to whl.ca for details and pricing. Fan can also drop by Pop's Pub South to watch the WHL Webcast live as they present all 36 Hurricanes road games this season. (Photo Credit: CanesCast)