Withering 'Canes?

May 5th, 2008

For What it’s Worth: $67.14-It’s too early to bury the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the WHL Finals.

Mamma said there would be days like these…

Let’s get the bad news out of the way. The Lethbridge Hurricanes find themselves down 2-0 in the WHL finals to the Spokane Chiefs. Give the Western Conference Champions full marks for their series lead, the Chiefs have dictated the tempo, played the more physical style and have cashed their scoring chances. That said, the ‘Canes have a lot left to give, starting in Game 3 Tuesday.

Michael Dyck’s crew has looked tentative so far in the finals, especially in Game 1. It wasn’t a huge surprise. The Hurricanes were coming off an 8-day lay-off after sweeping Calgary in the Eastern Conference Finals. So rink rust was a definite factor.

Nearly a third of the roster had never played in the Spokane Arena. It’s an intimidating building. The crowd, while short of a sell-out each night, was loud, cheering everything—and I mean everything—every shot on goal, every save, every hit.

Then there’s the bizarre switching of ends. Unlike every other hockey team on the face of the earth, the Chiefs opt to have the long change in the first and third periods. I’ve never heard of this, never seen it. That’s got to take some time to get used to.

So there were lots of challenges for the Hurricanes to overcome. Throw in Spokane scoring early in the first period of both games; the locals were fighting an uphill battle this past weekend.

Yet the ‘Canes showed signs of life in Game 2. After Spokane’s fast start, the ‘Bridge turned things around in the second half of the first period. Zach Boychuk scored twice, one goal was allowed, the other wasn’t (and it did look like Boychuk kicked the puck into the net). The Chiefs were on their heels a bit. However, the home side had an answer every time the Hurricanes got close, and that’s why Spokane took a 2-0 lead.

The ‘Canes have to stay optimistic. The team has yet to show their best in the series. But it’s going to take a total team effort to come up with the necessary wins at home. I’m sure the Chiefs aren’t going to lay back.

So what do the Hurricanes need to do? I believe they need to remember their effort against Brandon in the first round. The Wheat Kings played a similar style to the Chiefs. Brandon attacked with an aggressive forecheck and tried to pound the Hurricanes into submission. The ‘Canes found a way to break out of their own end against the Wheaties, often with a long outlet pass and then a chip from the neutral zone into the offensive end. Lethbridge also surpassed Brandon physically, out-hitting the Wheat Kings.

So, the Boys from the ‘Bridge must dig deep. Play together like we’ve seen for most of the playoffs thus far, with contributions from everyone in the line-up. Play the game at its highest level because that’s what’s required in May hockey.

Anything less and a fine season will end short of the ultimate goal.

Spare Change

Covering Games 1 and 2 gave me the opportunity to visit Spokane for the first time. The area downtown around the river is very pleasant. The Spokane Arena is first rate with a nice wide concourse, a big screen with video replay and lovely blooming trees around the exterior.

The press box had plenty of room as well, but there was a lack of water, which left the visiting press corps somewhat dehydrated.

If (when?) the Hurricanes head back to the Arena I highly recommend ‘Canes fans getting together for a fun road trip to cheer the team on!

As far as dining choices, I highly recommend the Italian Kitchen on Bernard Street. I had the homemade ravioli and it was magnifico!

I also walked around Gonzaga University. It’s a fine looking campus, lots of green space with a blend of new and classic architecture. Found the Bulldogs store and I attacked the sales rack for some sweet G-U gear.

Here’s hoping I get a return trip…

WHL Playoff Manifesto

March 28^th, 2008

For What it's Worth: $88.90-This year's WHL playoffs will be one for the ages, so get involved already.

First off, I apologize for the delay between posts. But it's been mad crazy at Global Lethbridge Sports. March always brings the close of the WHL season, high school basketball zone and provincial tournaments, minor hockey playoffs, and various other events. It's the perfect storm of activity here in Southern Alberta. I'm always surprised our huge (2-man) department covers as much as it does. However, here at Global Sports, our theme song is BTO's Takin' Care of Business.

Heading into the WHL playoffs, it seemed like there were 8 or 9 teams with a legit shot at winning the title. And now a week into post season, I have no reason to think it's not the case. In the Western Conference, Tri-City, Vancouver and Spokane all look like their dominant selves in the first round. It'll be interesting to see who survives the second round, with the Giants most likely matching up against the Chiefs. While the Americans get to face the winner of the 4-5 match-up, Kelowna or Seattle. A big edge to the Amerks. Tri-City will probably have a much easier road to the conference final while Vancouver and Spokane will battle, in what should be a 6 or 7 game series.

In the Eastern Conference, it was conceivable that every quarterfinal series could see an upset. Remember, after the regular season, only 11 points separated the top seed from the 8^th. However, Calgary, Lethbridge and Kootenay have all ran out to big leads in their respective best-of-7's. Only Regina and Swift Current were tied at two wins apiece after four games.

Still, I wouldn't count out Moose Jaw, Brandon or Medicine Hat on making a big come back and taking a series in 7 games, doubtful, but the Boston Red Sox, circa 2004, gives everybody hope.

As for the Hurricanes, they're trying to win their first playoff round in 11 years. In a decade's worth of post-season failure, the club has mostly limped into a first round match up against one of the Dub's top teams, and then lost in four or five games. However, it's different this time around. The organization is on the rise, looking like a contender not just for this year, but the years to come.

Matching up against Brandon, the ‘Canes shook off some nerves in the first period of Game 1, and rallied for the victory. In their 3 wins over the Wheat Kings, Michael Dyck's crew won the special teams battle. The club's power play looks vastly improved from the regular campaign, and the penalty kill came up clutch against the Wheaties.

While the sweep was on the table, it was never really in the cards. Brandon is a good side, a nice blend of experience and youth, and an impressive 15 games over .500 at home. Plus, in their 3 defeats, the Wheaties had a lead in each one, before losing by one goal.

From the start, I thought this series would go 6 or 7 games, and if the Hurricanes can close things out in 5, more power to them. But Brandon now has some life, with the next game at the Keystone Centre. It certainly won't be a shock to see both teams return to the ‘Bridge for game 6. If that happens, the ‘Canes must keep their composure, remembering it's a tough match-up all along.

And then it's up to the city to get on board. I understand that many Lethbridge hockey fans are wary to get excited about the WHL playoffs, 11 years of ineptness will do that. But to have a thousand less people at the Enmax Centre for Game 1 against Brandon, than the biggest crowd of the regular season, is disappointing.

Everyone loves a winner. So, the way I see it, there's no excuse not to pack the "Old Sportsplex." Why? That's easy. You can root for this year's edition of the Hurricanes, whether they advance to the second round or not because these kids are winners. A fine group of young men, solid citizens in the community, that just so happen to be ranked 10^th in the Canadian Hockey League. If you can't cheer on this team, then it's simple, junior hockey isn't for you.