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Joseph, ‘Canes topple Tigers in season opener

Sep 22, 2017 | 9:46 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB — Following in the footsteps of a memorable Game 7 victory in April, the Lethbridge Hurricanes got the upper hand over the Medicine Hat Tigers once again.

Jadon Joseph scored twice, Stuart Skinner made 37 saves, and the ‘Canes topped the Tabbies 5-2 to open the 2017/18 WHL season.

Medicine Hat will have to wait 24 hours for their shot at redemption, fueled by a memorable overtime tally from ‘Canes former captain Tyler Wong to sufficate the Tigers hopes of a WHL championship last season.

The Tabbies host Lethbridge at the Canalta Centre in their home opener Saturday night, which will feature a special salute to the Central Division banner already hanging in the rafters.

Lethbridge goals came from Giorgio Estephan, Dylan Cousins, Jadon Joseph and Zane Franklin. Joseph’s first of the night, scored with just four seconds left in the second period, served as the eventual game winner. 

Mark Rassell made the most of his captaincy debut, scoring the Tigers first goal of the season with less than five minutes left in the first period. Estephan’s goal came shortly after to tie the game 1-1 after 20 minutes. Gary Haden regained the Tigers lead less than four minutes into the middle frame, but from there on out it was all Lethbridge.

Michael Bullion stopped 38 of 43 shots in a game which saw the Tigers go 0/2 on the powerplay. Lethbridge capitalized on three of their five powerplay opportunities.