Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
The Lethbridge Hurricanes fell 3-1 to the Saskatoon Blades on Friday, December 1, but donated over 3,700 teddy bears as part of the Toque and Teddy Toss. (Photo: LNN)
By Christian Oldale

Hurricanes fall to Blades in Toque and Teddy Toss game

Dec 2, 2023 | 1:18 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Desepite the raining of teddy bears and toques from the sold out ENMAX Centre crowd, the Lethbridge Hurricanes fell 3-1 to the Saskatoon Blades on Friday, December 1, 2023.

The first period of the game went by without any goals from either team. The Hurricanes had two power play opportunities but could not capitalize.

In the second period, the Blades struck early with Easton Armstrong’s 15th of the season just 46 seconds into the frame. The Canes then killed of a tripping penalty from Blake Swetlikoff to keep the score at 1-0.

Then, at the 12:58 mark of the second period, Miguel Marques scored his 12th goal of the season, and triggered a shower of bears and toques to hit the ice.

Marques said the goal was a very special one for him, “Growing up watching these types of hockey games and getting the goal tonight, its obviously for a good cause so it feels pretty cool.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17
Apr 17, 2025
SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents
Apr 04, 2025
$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1
Mar 18, 2025

Marques’ goal was assisted by Will Sharpe and Tyson Zimmer.

5,254 people were in the crowd at the ENMAX Centre, and the Hurricanes reported that 3,784 bears, along with 926 toques were thrown onto the ice. The bears and toques will be distributed to 20 charities in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta.

Following the cleanup the game resumed, and while there was no scoring for the rest of the period, tempers rose later in the frame. Saskatoon forward Trevor Wong was called for goaltender interference, sending the Hurricanes to the powerplay.

Just under a minute later Fraser Minten, who was only recently acquired by the Blades from Kamloops, was given a five minute major for kneeing, and a 10 minute misconduct. He was also assessed a five minute fighting major, as was Zimmer. The Hurricanes forward was also given a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Egor Sidorov scored the eventual game winner 2:05 into the third period, his 25th of the season. The Blades would add one more on the empty net to take down the Hurricanes 3-1.

Marques was named the first star of the game for his goal, Blades goaltender Austin Elliot was named second star, and Trevor Wong was the third star.

The Hurricanes will get a week-long break before their next game, when they take on the Swift Current Broncos at the ENMAX Centre on Friday, December 8.

Read more local sports at Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.

by Christian Oldale

What's Happening

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17
Apr 17, 2025
SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents
Apr 04, 2025
$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1
Mar 18, 2025
What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: February 10-16, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: January 29-February 2, 2025
Jan 29, 2025