Hurricanes deal overage forward

TEAM HOSTING WHL SUITS UP WITH DON CHERRY PROMOTION TONIGHT

The Lethbridge Hurricanes have addressed their overage situation.

As they get set to host the Calgary Hitmen in Western Hockey League play tonight at 7 p.m. at the Enmax Centre, the Hurricanes announced Thursday they had traded overage forward Jack Flaman to the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for the overage transfer fee.

Flaman, 20, was added by the Hurricanes after he was released by the Vancouver Giants. The product of Vibank, Sask. appeared in seven games with the Hurricanes scoring four goals and six points.

The move leaves the Hurricanes with the mandatory three overage players: Giorgio Estephan, Tate Olson and Brennan Riddle.

Olson was acquired by the Hurricanes from the Prince George Cougars and made his debut Wednesday night in the Hurricanes 2-0 win over the Regina Pats.

As they continue their seven-game homestand tonight and look to build on the win over the Pats that improves them to 6-5, the Canes will be decked out in some snazzy duds as they don special Don Cherry-themed jerseys for the WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation — Presented by RE/MAX Night.

Cindy Cherry, the daughter of the man dubbed Grapes, will be on hand tonight for the promotion to increase awareness of the importance of organ donation.

“The WHL and RE/MAX has jumped on board for what I’d like to think is going to be a very successful campaign to increase organ donations in Canada,” said Cindy. “Canada ranks 23rd in the world for organ transplants. That’s pretty dismal, so we’re looking to change that.”

Cindy said the promotion also emphasizes live donorship.

“Forty-seven per cent of the all kidney transplants are performed from live donors,” said Cindy, a living kidney donor having donated one of her kidneys to her younger brother, Tim. “This is a very important fact as well that we want to get out there. I just thought that because I come from a hockey family and I believe hockey is the backbone of Canada (that) I look to the hockey culture to jump on board and get this campaign up and rolling.”

The first 1,000 fans through the doors tonight will receive Don Cherry bobbleheads.

There will also be a Don Cherry card giveaway with fans also encouraged to dress up in their best Don Cherry outfit to pose at a selfie station with a Don Cherry cutout.

“Whatever makes the party fun. Hopefully the suits will help,” said Cindy, adding the promotion has been well received at other WHL rinks.

“I am phenom-enated — if that’s a word — of how much people will pay for these Don Cherry hockey sweaters, as dad calls them, sweaters, not jerseys. It’s just amazing and the WHL knows how to put on a party. There are 1,000 Don Cherry bobbleheads and most people get a hockey card by Upper Deck. It really is a fun night for everyone. I realy believe in the CHL. It’s very family-oriented and reasonably priced. It’s win-win for everyone.”

For more information on the promotion visit