Series heads to breezy Lethbridge

Approximately 7 ½ hours northeast of Spokane, Lethbridge (population 81,692) is the fourth largest city in Alberta.

The nearby Canadian Rockies contribute to the city’s mild winters, cool summers and windy climate. On average, Lethbridge has 116 days with wind speed of 25 miles per hour or higher, ranking it the second city in Canada for such weather – hence the Hurricanes’ nickname.

The Canes mascot – Twister – is a Tasmanian devil.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are in their 21st season in the Western Hockey League and 40th year as a franchise, which began in Winnipeg in the 1967 season when they were called the Winnipeg Jets. The franchise stayed in Winnipeg through the 1976-77 season then relocated to Calgary for 10 seasons.

The Hurricanes’ first season in Lethbridge was in 1987-88. The Canes won their first division title in franchise history in 1990 and made it to the league championship series before the Kamloops Blazers eliminated them.

After winning the East Division for the second consecutive season, the Hurricanes stormed through the playoffs to the WHL championship series in 1991, but were swept by the Spokane Chiefs.