Canes edge the Hitmen

An early and late-game scoring spurt was enough for a third win in the Lethbridge Hurricanes seven-game homestand. The Hurricanes downed the Calgary Hitmen 5-4 in Western Hockey League action Friday at the Enmax Centre.

Decked out in Don Cherry-themed jerseys for the WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation, the Canes and Hitmen skated through a six-goal first period and a 3-3 tie after the first period.

Both teams stayed silent until the third when the goal swapping continued before Hurricanes assistant captain Ryan Vandervlis snapped the tie for good with the game-winner with 6:44 left in regulation as Lethbridge improves to 7-5 this season.

Egor Zudilov — with his first of two on the night — Jordy Bellerive and Calen Addison scored in the first period for the Hurricanes.

The Hitmen responded with power play goals 1:50 apart from Vladislav Yeryomenko and Matteo Gennaro before Gennaro added another late in the first.

Zudilov broke the 3-3 tie with a breakaway goal 8:02 into the third for a 4-3 lead before Calgary replied one more time on a goal from Andrei Grishakov.

But Vandervlis struck for the winner and his third of the season off a scramble in front of the Calgary goal late in the game.

The Hitmen pressed late with a twoman advantage for a little over 30 seconds, but were unable to bag the equalizer.

Canes goaltender Stuart Skinner stopped 30 of 34 shots in the win.

The Hurricanes homestand continues Sunday when the Seattle Thunderbirds visit the Enmax Centre at 6 p.m.

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