Lethbridge Hurricanes close out regular season, look to lock up playoff opponent
The Lethbridge Hurricanes are wrapping up their regular season with a home-and-home series against the Red Deer Rebels.
It's the final test for the Canes before they head into the post-season.
Friday night's game is the fifth meeting between the two clubs this year.
The Canes have posted a 2-1-1-0 record against the Rebels.
"We've played Red Deer hard this year" said Brent Kisio, head coach.
"The last time didn't go our way but I think it's good preparation for us heading into the playoffs to play a team like Red Deer."
For the seventh straight season, the Hurricanes have secured a spot in the WHL Playoffs.
In 2020 and 2021, the post-season was cancelled because of the COVID pandemic.
The Canes were swept by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the first round last season.
"We're super pumped," said Cole Shepard, Canes forward.
"I think it's what you look forward to all year and I think we're really ready."
The Hurricanes still don’t know who they’ll face in the playoffs.
They need a single point either Friday or Saturday night against the Rebels or for the Regina Pats to lose one of their weekend games to lock up fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
A fifth-place finish will see them meet the Moose Jaw Warriors in the first round.
"Moose Jaw is a good team and we want to play them and we want to beat them in the first round," said Miguel Marques, Canes forward.
"We just have to win one game and then take it from there to the playoffs."
"We're playing for fifth place, which is important," Kisio said.
"So we have a big task at hand with Red Deer. We know how good they are and they're one of the best in the league, so it's a great challenge for us."
Either way, the Canes will start the playoffs on the road.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton dead following prison attack
Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who preyed on women he lured from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to his rural pig farm, has died.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
Edmonton Oilers looking for a road win in decisive Game 5 against Dallas Stars
The Florida Panthers are a victory away from securing a berth in the Stanley Cup final and the Edmonton Oilers are looking for a road win in a pivotal Game 5 at Dallas.
Baby dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to woman who was in police custody
A newborn is dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to a woman in police custody.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
DND moving 1,000 employees out of Ottawa office building due to safety concerns
The Department of National Defence is moving approximately 1,000 employees out of an office building in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood, citing safety concerns for its employees.
Man convicted of killing Toronto cop in 1980 granted day parole
A man convicted of murdering a Toronto police officer more than four decades ago has been granted day parole for six months.