Hurricanes geared up for new season

By Lethbridge Herald on September 21, 2023.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Hurricanes' Trae Wilke attempts to battle his way into the offensive zone through checks from the Red Deer Rebels' Dwayne Jean Jr. and Kai Uchacz during Western Hockey League preseason action at the Enmax Centre on Saturday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Hurricanes drop the puck on a new  Western Hockey League season tonight with a clean slate for the players under new head coach Bill Peters.

Defenceman Carsen Adair made the opening night roster as a 16-year-old after being selected 55th over in the 2022 WHL Draft.

“I’m excited,” said Adair.

“I think all the preparation we’ve done as a team lead up to this point. Yeah I’m just excited to get going.”

It means everything for the rookie out of Clavet, Sask., to crack the opening night roster.

“All of the training I’ve done and where I’ve come from, it’s for sure exciting to be a part of this.”

He felt with three defencemen still away at NHL camps, the opportunity was paved for him to crack the roster.

“But  I’m just looking to take a stride into the (WHL) for sure,” said Adair.

Adair thinks Peters is a great guy.

“It’s good to have a pro coach and he’s made a pro-like environment for sure in the dressing room and I’m excited to be a part of that,” said Adair.

Tyson Zimmer will be in his first full season with the Hurricanes after coming from the Brandon Wheat Kings in a trade last season.

“Yeah, no, it’s nice coming into this year, you know, you know everyone,” said Zimmer.

“Whereas last year, I knew a couple guys coming in and then I kind of got to know guys but it took me a little bit to be comfortable. Where now, this year, I know everyone and I’m kind of the guy that’s helping people out. We just made a new trade and stuff, so helping them get comfortable and get them to playing as good as they can. It’s not easy playing comfortable hockey when you’re not comfortable with the guys. So once I get there, they’re good players.”

Zimmer agreed things have been different under Peters compared to Brent Kisio

“We’re forechecking different,” he said.

“We’re doing a lot of things different. I mean systems are a lot different. But at the same time, they’re both really good coaches. I mean I loved Brent last year. He really helped me out personally for sure and this year with Bill coming in, it’s been really fun. A lot of the guys love him. So it’s been good.”

Trae Wilke, who only suited up in 35 regular season games last year.

“Last year (was) a bit of a tougher year (in) here, just getting my feet wet but this year, it’s go time. Confidence was up in training camp and in the preseason,” said Wilke.

He said the vibe’s been  good with Peters as head coach.

“Bill’s  been talking to us lots and he’s been really good around the guys,” said Wilke.

“It’s good to like have a new face and I think he’ll be good for the organization.”

Wilke thinks the roster looks good and not too many surprises.

The Hurricanes were swept by the Moose Jaw Warriors in the first round of the playoffs last year.

Lethbridge opens up the season versus the Swift Current Broncos at Enmax Centre tonight at 7 p.m.

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