Lethbridge Wins Opener In Memorial Cup Tourney Former Chiefs Goalie Russell Continues His Outstanding Play

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are back at it tonight in the Memorial Cup tournament after an impressive start in major junior hockey’s Final Four.

Defenseman Chris Phillips scored shorthanded in the first period Sunday to get the Western Hockey League-champion Hurricanes off to a quick start in a 4-2 win over Chicoutimi, Quebec.

The Hurricanes, coached by former Spokane Chiefs assistant Parry Shockey and managed by ex-Chiefs coach Bryan Maxwell, are 33-8-2 since a Jan. 24 trade that brought Phillips from Prince Albert.

Luc Theoret, Kirby Law and Mike Josephson also scored for Lethbridge.

Goaltender Blaine Russell, a former backup in Spokane, rejected 23 of 25 shots to get the win, raising his record to 14-0 in the playoffs.

The Hurricanes, who killed off nine of Chicoutimi’s 10 power-play opportuntiies, gave up two goals in the final 3 minutes.

In Saturday’s opener, Ontario League champion Oshawa beat Chicoutimi 5-3. Hull drilled Oshawa 8-0 Sunday.

The teams were idle Monday.

Lethbridge and Hull play today at 3 p.m. PDT.