Calgary Hitmen, Lethbridge Hurricanes Clash in Season Opener

UPDATE: The Calgary Hitmen and Lethbridge Hurricanes are set to ignite the 2025-26 WHL regular season with an electrifying home-and-home series, starting tonight at 7 p.m. in the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. This matchup not only marks the beginning of a new season but also a chance for both teams to make a statement following their intense playoff rivalry last year.

Tonight’s game is crucial for the Hitmen, who are entering the season with a significantly younger roster after a challenging exit in the playoffs against the Hurricanes last year, where they faced a heartbreaking 3-1 loss in Game 7. Despite these changes, the team’s forward Ethan Moore remains optimistic about their potential. “Expectations are always high,” Moore stated. “We’ve got a great young group in there, so it’s going to be exciting.”

Defenceman Bobby Williams echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s determination to succeed regardless of their youth. “We want to win at the end of the day,” Williams said, drawing parallels with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the league’s youngest teams that has seen success. Head coach Dustin Friesen shared his vision for the team, aiming for a high-tempo style of play. “When we don’t have the puck, we want to get it back as fast as possible,” Friesen explained.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes enter the season with a full roster of 23 players—comprising 14 forwards, 7 defencemen, and 2 goaltenders. Despite a rocky pre-season with just one win in five games, head coach Matt Amholt expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness. “We’re feeling really good,” Amholt said, indicating a positive shift in mentality through training camp.

Team captain Logan Wormald is eager for the season to begin, citing the excitement of playing for points. “It’s always super fun to kick things off here,” Wormald stated. Fans can expect an action-packed evening as both teams look to assert themselves early in the season.

As the puck drops at 7 p.m. tonight, all eyes will be on Lethbridge for what promises to be a thrilling opener. With both teams eager to prove their mettle, the outcome could set the tone for the rest of the season. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!