Big tests for Canes this weekend

Having taken five of six points in the first three games of their six-game homestand, the Lethbridge Hurricanes will face a pair of tough tests this weekend.

The Hurricanes host the Moose Jaw Warriors in Western Hockey League play tonight at 7 p.m. at the Enmax Centre.

On Saturday, the team is back in action at the same time and place when the WHL-leading and Canadian Hockey League second-ranked Prince Albert Raiders roll into town.

The Hurricanes are coming off a 2-1 shootout loss to the Regina Pats Tuesday evening that puts them at 27-15-4-5.

But it keeps the Canes in sole possession of second place in the cramped WHL Central Division, three points back of the Edmonton Oil Kings (29-16-4-4), but a mere point up on the 29-18-2-2 Medicine Hat Tigers.

The Warriors (28-13-6-2) come into tonight’s game cozily in third in the Eastern Conference and are 7-2-1-0 in their last 10 games, but are coming off a 6-1 loss to the Saskatoon Blades Wednesday night in Saskatoon.

The Warriors are led by Tristin Langan’s 38 goals and 82 points in 48 games that has him tied for second in league scoring with Edmonton’s Trey Fix-Wolansky.

Brayden Tracey (23 goals) and Justin Almeida (21) have also topped the 20-goal mark for the Warriors.

The defence duo of Josh Brook and Jett Woo have 50 and 47 points in 40 and 45 games, respectively, this season.

The Raiders come into Saturday’s game having been bumped out of top spot in the CHL rankings by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Still, Prince Albert boasts a WHL-best 43-7-0-2 record and, like the Warriors, are 7-2-0-2 in their last 10.

The Raiders have six players over the 20-goal mark, led by Brett Leason’s 33 goals and 78 points in 44 games and Noah Gregor’s 30 goals and 67 points in 47 games.

Prince Albert goaltender Ian Scott is

third in goals-against average with at 1.91 and second in wins and shutouts with 30 and four respectively.

Hurricanes Nick Henry remains in the top-10 in league scoring with 20 goals and 69 points in 52 games.

The Canes also have six players who have topped the 20-goal mark that includes Jake Leschyshyn (29 goals), Dylan Cozens (27), Taylor Ross (24), Jordy Bellerive (24) and Jake Elmer (20).

Lethbridge completes its homestand Wednesday against the Calgary Hitmen.