Canes clash with Oil Kings in pivotal weekend games

By Lethbridge Herald on January 2, 2025.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are set to open up the new year with three games in three nights against the Edmonton Oil Kings beginning tonight at home.

There will be big points up for grabs as the Oil Kings trail the Canes by two points in the standings.

“It’s a challenge for sure,” said Matt Anholt, Canes associate head coach.

“It’s hard to beat a team twice in a row, let alone three times in a row. So I think that Friday game’s going to be a really important game for both teams, (in) that they want to get off to a good start. Saturday’s going to be challenging for both teams after having to travel back there and then  … anything can happen with a Sunday game because everybody’s exhausted.”

Anholt said they’re a challenging team.

“They play really fast, they (have) got a big defensemen group and they’re goaltending has been nothing short (of) great this year,” said Anholt.

“We need to understand that start with Friday, and play fast, play to our identity and just do what we do.”

Anholt hopes to see the special teams click more.

“It would be nice to get our special teams going a little bit because those are going to be key down the stretch and realistically these are huge points. So it’s kind of playoff mentality right now,” said Anholt.

The last meeting was opening night this season when the Canes won 3-1.

Brayden Edwards leads the Canes with 40 points while Gracyn Sawchyn leads Edmonton with 46 points.

Game time tonight is 7 p.m. at VisitLethbridge.com Arena between the two teams before the scene shifts to Edmonton for Saturday and Sunday .