The Hurricanes lost 6-4 to the Oil Kings Thursday, April 28 to be eliminated from the WHL playoffs. (Photo: Lethbridge Hurricanes on Twitter @WHLHurricanes)

By Justin Goulet

Hurricanes eliminated from WHL playoffs by Oil Kings Thursday night

Apr 29, 2022 | 7:17 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – They put up a strong fight, but the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ run in the Western Hockey League playoffs has come to an end.

The ‘Canes lost 6-4 to the Edmonton Oil Kings at the ENMAX Centre Thursday night, losing their first-round post-season series 4-0.

FIRST PERIOD

The crowd of 2,386 fans were ready for an action-packed Thursday night game, with many hoping the Hurricanes could pull off the seemingly impossible and come back from their 3-0 series deficit.

1:03 into the game, Lethbridge’s Alex Thacker scored to put the host team on the board first.

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Dylan Guenther of the Oil Kings responded with a goal at 5:25 tie the game early. At the 13:11 mark, Lethbridge’s Briley Wood was issued a minor penalty for holding.

The Hurricanes would score once more in the first, with Joe Arntsen recording a successful shot attempt at the 17:47 mark. Lethbridge led 2-1 after the game’s opening frame.

SECOND PERIOD

3:29 into the period, Lethbridge’s Tristan Zandee was sent to the box after receiving an interference minor. Edmonton took advantage of the power play.

Carter Souch scored at the 5:16 mark to tie the game at two. Chase Pauls of the Hurricanes was issued a minor at 8:51 for closing his hand on the puck.

The Oil Kings gained the 3-2 lead at the 11:19 mark, thanks to a goal from Dawson Seitz.

Before the period ended, though, the Hurricanes tied the game with Tyson Laventure scoring at 13:20.

Going into the final period, the two teams were tied 3-3.

THIRD PERIOD

Tyler Horstmann scored 3:58 into the third, putting the Oil Kings up 4-3.

It took a while, but the Hurricanes responded at 15:17. Justin Hall’s goal tied the game at four.

Seconds later, at the 15:34 mark, Lethbridge’s Ty Nash was issued a minor penalty for boarding. This opened the door for a power play goal by Edmonton’s Josh Williams at 15:57.

Lethbridge could not overcome the 5-4 deficit. Jakub Demek scored on the Hurricanes’ empty net at 19:50 to seal the game and the series.

The Oil Kings came away with the 6-4 win.

Edmonton will advance to the second round to face the winner of the series between the Brandon Wheat Kings and Red Deer Rebels.

The full 2022 WHL playoff bracket is available at the league website.