By Geoff Smith (@smithco)

Hurricanes pick up goaltending depth ahead of opener

Sep 21, 2016 | 5:55 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The Lethbridge Hurricanes acquired one goaltender and released another Tuesday, Sept. 20, just days before the puck drops on the regular season.
 
The team picked up 18-year-old Ryan Gilchrist from the Seattle Thunderbirds, in exchange for a conditional seventh round draft pick in 2017. Gilchrist made three pre-season appearances for the Thunderbirds, with a 3.51 goals-against average and a save percentage of .875.

The McLaughlin native spent last season with the AJHL’s Canmore Eagles. He finished with a 9-8-2-0 record in 22 regular season appearances, posting a GAA of 3.77 and a .888 save percentage.
 
In a news release, general manager Peter Anholt said at 6’4″, 188 lbs., Gilchrist gives the team some goaltending depth.
 
He also noted Gilchrist is a year younger than Brandon Kegler, who was released by the team Tuesday. Kegler had a 1-1-0-0 record in two preseason appearances.
 
The regular season for the Hurricanes beings Friday, Sept. 23 at home to the Medicine Hat Tigers. Game time is 7 p.m. at the ENMAX Centre.