The Lethbridge Hurricanes beat the Edmonton Oil Kings 3-1 in their 2024-25 home opener. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Hurricanes down Oil Kings 3-1 in season opener

Sep 21, 2024 | 10:34 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes have started off their 2024-25 season with a win, taking down the Edmonton Oil Kings at home.

The Hurricanes came into the game following a 2-2 record in the preseason. However, they were missing key pieces in their core in Miguel Marques, Harrison Meneghin, Brayden Edwards and their captain Noah Chadwick, who are all at NHL training camps.

In the first period, the two teams traded offensive zone time for the first while, but the Oil Kings struck first with a goal from Landon Hanson on a breakaway. The Hurricanes got called for a high sticking penalty soon after, but managed to kill off the penalty.

In the second period, the Hurricanes got some help with a too many men penalty called against the Oil Kings, and Logan McCutcheon scored the team’s first goal of the season on the ensuing penalty. Hayden Pakkala and goaltender Brady Smith were credited with the assists.

Heading into the final frame tied at one apiece, the Hurricanes broke the stalemate with a goal 4:56 in from Kale Tipler, the second goal of his WHL career. Luke Cozens and Pakkala assisted on the goal, which held up as the game winner. In the final minute, with the Hurricanes on a powerplay, Leo Braillard buried an empty netter to send the crowd of 4,200 home happy.

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Smith stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced in the game. Pakkala and McCutcheon were named the first and second stars of the game, while Hanson was named third star.

The Hurricanes will head up to Red Deer next for a game against the Rebels on Saturday, September 21.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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