Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter

Justin Hall’s first WHL goal brought the teddy bears and toques down as Hurricanes beat Broncos 3-1

Nov 30, 2018 | 9:55 PM

LETHBRIDGE – It took a little longer than the fans might’ve liked on Friday, Nov. 30, but the Teddy Bear and Toque toss goal gave the Lethbridge Hurricanes a lead early in the second period and they never looked back en route to a 3-1 victory over the Swift Current Broncos.

It was an interesting night, to say the least, the first time the Broncos had been back to the ENMAX Centre since the East Conference Finals last season, and it was the debut for Nick Henry and Jake Leschyshn. 

Things started off fast, but neither the Hurricanes nor Broncos could get on the scoreboard in the 1st period, but not for a lack of trying. 

The new top line of Henry, Leschyshyn and Jordy Bellerive come close to scoring midway through the period, but Broncos goaltender Joel Hofer stood tall. 

Shots were 16-9 after one period of play. 

Finally, the teddy bears rained down onto the ice in the 2nd period, following Justin Hall’s first WHL goal, when he just managed to sneak one by Hofer on a partial breakaway. Leschyshyn got his first point as a Hurricane with an assist. 

It was a good 10 to 15-minute break on the ice, as staff and volunteers had to clean up the bears and toques off the ice before play resumed.

The Hurricanes confirmed after the game that 3868 bears and 661 toques hit the ice, for a grand total of 4529. All of the toys will be donated to various charities in the area.

Back to the action, Lethbridge used the momentum to keep pushing, but Hofer again kept them at bay.

Max Patterson would get Swift Current on the board at 11:54 of the second, beating Hurricanes goaltender Carl Tetachuk to tie the game at 1-1. 

Less than three minutes later it would be the fourth line striking again, as Justin Hall set up Zach Cox for the go-ahead goal.

The Hurricanes led 2-1 after two periods of play and were outshooting the Broncos 28-17 through 40 minutes. Looking for some insurance early in the 3rd period, Lethbridge made it 3-1 when Jake Elmer dragged the puck from the side of the net and buried it past Hofer for his 12th of the season with 13:15 to play.

Calen Addison’s pass to Cozens was deflected in front of the net a few minutes later, but Hofer made a terrific save to keep it 3-1. 

Swift Current then came down the ice with just over five minutes to play on a 2-on-1, and a great play by Koletran Wilson broke it up. 

From there, the Hurricanes relied on Tetachuk who made a huge save at the lip of the crease by with four minutes to go in the 3rd, before locking things down for his fourth win of the season. The rookie netminder from Lethbridge made 25 saves in the crease, helping Lethbridge run their record to 12-8-3-2.

Final shots in the game were 42-26 in favour of the Hurricanes, and Lethbridge went 0-for-4 on the power play while Swift Current finished 0-for-2.

Justin Hall was the only Hurricane to have a multi-point night and says he never expected his first goal in the WHL to be such a big one, but he’s glad to have it out of the way.

“I noticed we were on a two on one, and Leschyshyn just gave me a pass there, I kind of thought he’d come with me, but I had a breakaway on my own and put the puck on net and a good thing happened,” Hall explained.

The forward depth for the Hurricanes was on full display tonight, and Hall believes adding two pretty good players in Leschyshyn and Henry will really make a difference.

“It might limit ice-time for everybody else, but they’re good players, they’re here to win and we’re happy to have them.”

So, how was the first night for the two new guys?

“Honestly I think one word for that was fun. I had a lot of fun out there tonight, playing in Regina and playing in this barn it was always loud and always to tough to play against. It’s fun being on the other side for sure,” Lyschyshyn answered.

Henry said it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for him the past couple of days.

“I was a little bit shocked, and a little bit sad leaving Regina, but obviously super excited to join this team to help them get into the playoffs and put a push in,” Henry added.

And both had high praise for their new teammates.

“They’re awesome, really helping my transition. Making it feel like home right away, so that makes things easier for me,” Lyschyshyn said.

“Seems like a really good group of guys, a really tight-knit group, and I’m glad to be a part of it,” Henry stated.

Lethbridge will be in Medicine Hat Saturday night, then return to the Enmax on Sunday, Dec. 2, to play the Central Division-leading Red Deer Rebels.