Bill Peters has reflected on 2023 and his first few months as the head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Christian Oldale

Year in Review – Bill Peters, Lethbridge Hurricanes head coach

Dec 27, 2023 | 4:26 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – 2023 marked a year of change for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

After a first-round playoff sweep at the hands of the Moose Jaw Warriors in April, head coach Brent Kisio left the team to accept a professional opportunity as an assistant coach for the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League (AHL).

To replace the franchise’s winningest coach, management made the highly publicized decision to turn to Bill Peters, the former coach of the Calgary Flames. Peters resigned his position in Calgary after allegations of racism came out in November 2019.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Hurricanes announce Bill Peters as new head coach

Peters is no stranger to both the WHL and Lethbridge. Peters was previously the head coach for the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s hockey team, and followed up that position with a coaching job with the Spokane Chiefs.

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

Peters said his return to junior hockey has been a success so far, “Its been good to return, its a well run league, very professionally run from the league office in Calgary, and our organization is second to none.”

The Hurricanes have shown some strides in the offensive side of their game in the first half of the season. As of December 27, 2023, three players sit over a point-per-game, including Miguel Marques, Brayden Edwards and Logan Wormald. Goaltender Harrison Meneghin has been outstanding in the net, sporting a 2.50 goals against average (GAA) and a .918 save percentage to go along with his 13-9-2 record.

Peters spoke further about what he thinks the team’s strengths are.

“When we play our game, we’re a puck possession team. That is sound defensively and good in transition. The nights where we’re on, we’re tough to play against.”

Peters added that, despite those strengths, the team needs to find better consistency to keep up in the very competitive Central Division. He said a winning streak will help to propel the Hurricanes to another level in the second half of the season.

“We gotta go on a roll, gotta go 7-2-1 or 8-2, or 9-1-0 and string some wins together to create some separation.”

The Hurricanes begin the second half of their season on Wednesday, December 27 when they host the Swift Current Broncos at the ENMAX Centre. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

—

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