Plenty of evaluation left as Canes wind down the preseason
By Lethbridge Herald on September 13, 2024.
Herald photo by JUSTIN SEWARD
Lethbridge Hurricanes Trae Johnson attempts to knock the Calgary HitmenÕs Connor Bear off the puck during WHL preseason action at VisitLethbridge.com Arena on Friday night.Justin Seward
Lethbridge Herald
The Lethbridge Hurricanes wrap up their exhibition season this weekend and have plenty of evaluation left to go through ahead of next Friday’s season opener.
Head coach Bill Peters spoke about what he noticed after Friday night’s exhibition loss to Calgary.
“I liked some guys in spurts, no doubt, said Peters.
“Some guys are playing their first game in five months. So good for them to get out and knock some rust off.”
Peters emphasized that the last exhibition game in Medicine Hat on Sunday is a big one.
“There’s guys that have been a little bit inconsistent (and) hopefully they can finish on a high note,” said Peters.
Peters hopes some of the guys who battled in their first preseason games find a rhythm on Sunday.
“And get some game shape and get some conditioning in that regard,” said Peters.
Hayden Pakkala saw players getting more comfortable with one another on the ice in Friday’s game.
“I think everybody’s just starting to get a sense of the physical play, and how fast the puck moves and how smart players are,” said Pakkala.
Peters was looking for the team to take a step in last night’s game and in the exhibition season finale in Medicine Hat on Sunday.
“I’d like to see us take a step this weekend from where we were,” said Peters, earlier in the week.
“And make sure we take advantage of the fact that we should be better as we move along, should be more comfortable playing with each other and also we got some guys coming into the line-up that haven’t played yet.”
Peters said it’s good for what it’s intended to do, when asked about how the exhibition season is going earlier this week.
“You’re intended to evaluate your young guys, you’re pretty sure of what you have with your older guys,” said Peters.
“But you want to get a good feel for your young guys and put them in good spots and positions to succeed. So we’ll continue to do that.”
The Hurricanes conclude the preseason on Sunday afternoon at Medicine Hat before preparing for their home opener on Sept. 20 versus Edmonton.
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It’s interesting to see how much evaluation still happens during the preseason. Coach Peters is right – these exhibition games are all about finding that rhythm, especially for players who haven’t been on the ice in months. I’m curious to see how the younger players will adapt to the faster pace and physicality, especially with such an important season opener coming up. Hopefully, Sunday’s game will allow the team to iron out some of those inconsistencies and enter the regular season in good shape. Looking forward to seeing how the final roster takes shape!