Gizowski to embrace leadership role as a 19 year old on the Canes

By Lethbridge Herald on September 12, 2024.

Herald photo by JUSTIN SEWARD Herald file photo Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Kooper Gizowski battles in front of the Regina Pats net during a game last season. Gizowski wants to help the younger players along as a 19year old this season.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Kooper Gizowski is getting ready for his second year with the club after coming in a trade before last season from the Spokane Chiefs.

The Edmonton native had 28 points in 64 games with the Canes last year and goes into this year as a 19-year-old who wants to be a leader on the team.

“I think it’s more of honestly I’ve been in the league for three, four years now and I think it’s being that older guy,” said Gizowski.

“It’s just kind of … helping  the young guys when they have questions or even just  chipping in those extra few assists or goals during the games,”

Gizowski wants to be loud on the bench as well.

Gizowski will be in search of more points and execution this season.

“I think the big part coming in as a 19-year-old is honestly the team and us winning,” said Gizowski.

“It’s not more about me, it’s more about the team, especially coming into my second last year in the league. I want to win; I want to go far in the playoffs.”

Gizowski wants to make sure he knows his role this season.

“We got our top guys, we got our guys (that are) going to score for us, so I think it’s honestly just me, like I said, chipping in there every game,” he said.

Gizowski has learned from last season that with no matter the players the team has, the Canes will have to be the more competitive team to  win games.

“If you look at Giz’s numbers, his numbers are fine,” said Bill Peters, Canes head coach.

“He’s a streaky goal scorer and we want to make sure those hot streaks stay longer and then when he goes cold, we need to get him out of that a little quicker. So he needs to find a level of consistency and with (being) a year older and a good summer under his belt, I think he’ll do that.”

Gizowski has 62 points ( 31 goals, 31 assists) in 176 games over three seasons in the WHL split between Lethbridge and Spokane.

The Hurricanes continue with their exhibition season tonight when they host the Calgary Hitmen at 7 p.m. at VisitLethbridge.com Arena.

The Hurricanes home opener is Sept. 20 versus the Edmonton Oil Kings.