It is the definition of a rags to riches story. The Lethbridge Hurricanes have finished at or near the bottom of the WHL standings for the better part of the last six seasons.
But that’s far from the case this year. No longer are players asking to be traded to another team, they’re embracing the city and its fans.
“They’re proud to wear the jersey again,” said Hurricanes General Manager Peter Anholt. “And that’s something that had been lost, and now it’s back.”
Pride was not something commonly associated with the Lethbridge Hurricanes in years past. But after overhauling nearly the entire roster over the past year and a half, the ‘Canes have gone from toiling at the bottom of the standings, to first place, and a legitimate title contender. Despite the remarkable turnaround, you won’t see the team’s maker taking the credit.
“I don’t ever feel that I’ve won one trade,” said Anholt. “But as a group I’m really pleased with how it’s all worked out.”
How it’s worked out is beyond anything coaches and management could’ve expected. The ‘Canes are the highest scoring team in the league by a mile, and it’s only club averaging more than four goals a game. Which seems to be breeding confidence.
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“Say December of 2014, on any given night we didn’t really feel like we had a chance to win,” said Anholt. “But now we do and that’s probably as big of a difference (in this turnaround) as there is.”
Fans are taking notice of the teams success. The ‘Canes have averaged over 500 more fans per game this season, than last. While those numbers look to be trending up, they’ve topped the 4, 600 attendance plateau for the past three home games, a number they didn’t reach once last season. And if you ask Hurricanes Head Coach Brent Kisio, the support is making a difference.
“The opponents know this is a tough place to play,” said Kisio. “Once we get over 4, 000 (fans) it changes everything and it’s just a lot of fun.”
The players who know what a struggle the franchise has been through, want to win for the fans as much as themselves.
“We feel like the fans deserve a season like this,” said Hurricanes defenceman Andrew Nielsen. “They’ve been through it just as much as we have, so if we can give it back to them it’s awesome.”
With a talented roster, and growing support, there’s only question left to ask: can the Hurricanes win a championship?
“Why not us?” said Anholt. “Why can’t it be? We play as well as anybody, we’ve been successful, so why not us?”
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