The Lethbridge Hurricanes kicked off the 2024-25 season on a winning note Friday night, defeating the Edmonton Oil Kings 3-1 in a game played at VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
The win was doubly impressive because the Hurricanes were missing a quartet of regulars, including goaltender Harrison Meneghin, defenceman Noah Chadwick and forwards Miguel Marques and Brayden Edwards, who are still at NHL training camps.
Edmonton took a 1-0 lead early, on a goal from Landon Hanson, but Brady Smith turned back the other 11 Oil Kings first period shots to keep it close.
In the second, the Hurricanes got one back on a goal by Logan McCutcheon.
In the third, the Hurricanes took over the game, getting an early goal from Kale Tipler and a late empty-netter from Leo Braillard to seal the deal.
Lethbridge outshot Edmonton 26-20 and went two for four on the power play.
Next up for Lethbridge is a Saturday night contest in Red Deer against the Rebels. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Oil Kings travel to Medicine Hat Saturday to take on the Tigers at 7 p.m.