Canes lose defensive battle to Blades

By Lethbridge Herald on February 16, 2024.

Herald photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Hurricanes Joe Arntsen attempts to cut off the Saskatoon Blades Egor SidorovÕs path to the net during WHL action at the Enmax Centre on Friday night

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

In a great  defensive battle, the Lethbridge Hurricanes came up short in a 1-0 overtime loss to the Saskatoon Blades on Friday night at the Enmax Centre

Tanner Molendyk finished off a 2-on-1 with Brandon Lisowsky 3:26 into overtime to win it for the Blades.

The Hurricanes really held their own defensively all night long.

“Smitty (goalie Brady Smith) did a great job tonight going in,” said defenceman Noah Chadwick.

“I think as a team, collectively, we played really well in the ‘D’ Zone. I think our structure was really good, you know, played connected there and yeah I think that’s just something to build on for (tonight).”

The defensive effort held the league-leading Blades at bay most of the night.

“(You) got guys blocking shots in the ankle (and) putting their body on the line, “said Chadwick.

Chadwick thought the team’s compete level took a step.

“I think guys are really  competitive winning battles and had some good ‘O’ zone chances just from guys being physical and hard to play against down low,” said Chadwick.

Final shots were 34-16 in favour of the Blades.

The Canes host the Prince Albert Raiders tonight at 6 p.m.