Hurricanes weekend games postponed

By Dale Woodard - Lethbridge Herald on January 5, 2022.

After being put on pause due to Western Hockey League COVID-19 protocol on Saturday, players and staff of the Lethbridge Hurricanes are resting and recovering at home.
However, the pause had led to two more postponements this weekend, bringing the total up to four games.
The Canes home game against the Moose Jaw Warriors Friday night at the Enmax Centre has been postponed, as has the team’s road game Saturday in Red Deer against the Rebels.
The Hurricanes were paused News Year’s Day due to 14 players being on the WHL COVID-19 protocol list, exhibiting symptoms or having tested positive for COVID-19.
Their Jan. 1 game in Calgary against the Hitmen as well as the Hurricanes Jan. 2 home game against the Swift Current Broncos were also postponed.
On Tuesday afternoon, Hurricanes general manager Peter Anholt issued a statement saying the players and staff are resting and OK.
“We saw a wide range of symptoms from a combination of headaches, runny noses, sore throats, coughs and congestion to no symptoms at all,” said Anholt. “Those who showed any symptoms were mild. Players and staff have been isolating in their respective homes and are following quarantine requirements issued by Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta.”
Anholt tipped his hat to the team’s “awesome” billets for their care and quick actions to ensure a safe environment in looking after the players.
“Time and again they have gone above and beyond for our players and for our organization,” he said. “For that, we are forever grateful.”
Anholt also thanked the Hurricanes faithful who have hung in during the ups and downs since the pandemic struck in March of 2020, abruptly halting the 2019-20 WHL season, as well as for their concern shown over the past four days.
“I want to thank you for your support during these past 22-months,” he said. “What a unique experience it has been for everyone. I know the recent news of numerous players and staff testing positive for COVID has been a worry for many. I want to thank everyone who has reached out to check in on our players and staff. Your concern and care has not gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated by all of us at the Hurricanes organization.”
Fans are reminded to hold on to their tickets for the home games. They will be honoured when the games are rescheduled.
New game dates have not been determined.
“Though this has been a challenging time for many, we look forward to getting back on the ice and in front of our fans when it is safe to do so,” said Anholt. “Thank you for your ongoing support.”
Prior to the pause, the Hurricanes were 12-13-2-0 and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, two points back of the Regina Pats and Prince Albert Raiders and four points back of the eighth place Swift Current Broncos.
The Canes have five games in hand on the Broncos and Raiders and four on the Pats.
On Tuesday the WHL also announced the pausing of team activities for the Edmonton Oil Kings, Warriors and Rebels as a result of multiple players and staff being added to the WHL COVID-19 Protocol List.

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