Hurricanes resume provincial playoff chase

The Swift Current KMotel Hurricanes played three games in as many days over the weekend and got the most important win to start the weekend.

The Hurricanes returned to provincial playoff action on Friday against the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox and opened the two-game, total-goal series with a 4-2 road win as they scored on their only powerplay opportunity and killed off all six shorthanded situations.

The Hurricanes allowed the first goal before scoring three straight to take control of the contest.

Ryan Evans led the Hurricanes with a goal and an assist, Taylor Cowie added two assists, and Blade Roh picked up the win in goal as the Hurricanes outshot their opponents 35-26.

Rhett Carlson, Drieden Gauthier, and Tanner Fritzke also scored while Josh Nimegeers, Marcus Kouri, and Dylan Rossiter all added assists.

“It was a really good game and the guys played really good. The crowd there was nuts and we just shut out the crowd and played through it,” said Roh.

“The boys got pumped up before the game because it was a big one, round three finals. We just had to show up and play against a good crowd. We got some goals early in the game and then played some defense and shut them down and kept our heads in it,” said forward Braden Wittmier.

Saturday, the Hurricanes returned to South Saskatchewan Midget AA Hockey League

play and were outscored 3-1 in the third period of a 65 loss to the visiting Estevan Bruins.

Brody Knelsen and Kouri each scored twice and Cowie added two assists in the loss. Braden Levac also scored, while Evans, Nolan Cox, Carter Tangen, and Rossiter all added assists.

Sunday, they rebounded with a well-earned 4-0 win over the Notre Dame Bantam Hounds at home. The Hurricanes won the special teams battle in a chippy affair as they scored three powerplay goals and Blade Roh made 22 saves in the shutout.

“We played solid, shut down their key guys, played really well physically, and that is all you can ask,” said Roh.

“The boys showed up today,” added Wittmier. “It was a little slow yesterday with three guys out. Everyone was hitting today, getting pucks deep, doing the little things, and potted some goals and our goalie stood on his head.”