By Lara Fominoff @fomsy1 on Twitter

Hurricanes lose to Moose Jaw, but clinch playoff spot

Feb 22, 2017 | 10:31 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The game didn’t start out well for the Lethbridge Hurricanes Wednesday night, and it didn’t end well for the team either, as they lost the home game, 3-1 to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Once again, there were a lot of penalties handed out.

The first went to Moose Jaw at just 14 seconds into the first period, followed shortly after by a Hurricanes penalty to #16 Matt Alfaro at 3:25 for interference. Shortly after, #25 Zane Franklin took another 2:00 for high sticking at 7:57.

Although the ‘Canes were able to kill off both penalties, the Warriors went on the attack and put the first goal by goalie Stuart Skinner at 9:54. It was followed by their second goal of the game at 10:49.

The Hurricanes made a push in the last 2 minutes of the first, out shooting the Warriors 12-9, but weren’t able to get past #31, Zach Sawchenko.

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No sooner did the 2nd period begin, when the Warriors sunk another in Skinner’s net at the :20 mark. That’s when the ‘Canes began to rack up even more penalty time. #22 Egor Babenko took a third penalty for the team for goalie interference at 13:38, followed by Matt Alfaro at 19:55 for roughing, while the Warriors added a couple of 2 minute penalties for hooking and roughing.

The period closed out with the ‘Canes once again leading with shots on net, but no goals to show for it.

The 3rd period began with the Hurricanes on a power play, but again, unable to put the puck past the Warriors goal line and after the penalty kill, the ‘Canes once again racked up another penalty at 1:37 for hooking, while Moose Jaw took a penalty at 4:55 for tripping.

Only one major fight between the teams this time, unlike the February 4th game, at 9:56 of the 3rd. #25 Zane Franklin racked up at total of 7 minutes for tripping and fighting, and a 5:00 major was awarded to the Warriors.

The only goal of the game for the Hurricanes came at 12:52 of the third, by #15 Jordy Bellerive, with an assist from #5 Tyler Wong.

The ‘Canes final penalty of the game was doled out at 15 minutes and went to Bellerive for hooking.

Goalie Stuart Skinner was pulled from the net with about 2 minutes left in the game…but even with the 6 attackers on the ice and 33-shots to the Warriors 22, the team was able to fend off the onslaught.  Final score, 3-1 for the Warriors.

The Hurricanes overall record now stands at 36-17-4-3, and they remain 6 points back of the Medicine Hat Tigers for the lead in the Central Division. Even with the loss, the ‘Canes were able to clinch a spot in the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Next game for the Hurricanes takes place Friday, when they welcome the Brandon Wheat Kings to the Enmax Centre at 7:00 pm.