Hurricanes focus shifts to preseason as training camp winds down – Lethbridge
A competitive Lethbridge Hurricanes inter-squad game that involved physical play and a few scuffles ended in a 6-4 win for Team Red over Team White.
Monday’s matchup was also a reflection of the organization’s entire training camp.
Head coach Brent Kisio was impressed by the commitment of both veterans and newcomers.
“It’s really competitive,” Kisio said of the camp, which ended Monday. “We were really proud of how our older boys played, how hard they worked and competed against each other. Thanks to the young guys – they came in, did a great job and made some really tough decisions. ”
“Older guys went to older guys and that’s what you need,” said Canes forward and co-captain Jett Jones.
“A little friendly competition isn’t bad at this time of year.”
The camp’s fast pace surprised even some of the longest-serving Canes, such as Ty Nash, who entered his third season with the team.
“It was intense. Lots of big hits — more than I thought,” Nash said. “I think the guys were fighting for a post and it was quite a physical camp. I like to see that.”
The five-day camp also helped newer Canes familiarize themselves with the team.
Tristen Doyle from the 2021 first round skated in four games for Lethbridge last season after being called up in December. Doyle concludes his first training camp and hopes to build consistency as the WHL preseason approaches.
“Just be ready to go and don’t take days off because they will eventually catch up to you,” Doyle said.
As the focus shifts from training camp to the team’s first pre-season games — one at home and one at home with the Medicine Hat Tigers on Friday and Saturday — the Canes will be working on the finer details during practice.
“Build up some chemistry with some guys, get ready for those Medicine Hat games,” Jones said. “Work on a little system stuff and get those younger guys used to it so they can get out there, play their game and work hard.”
After playing for the Tigers, the Canes will close their preseason next weekend with a few games against the Red Deer Rebels.
