Hurricanes shut down Winnipeg, edging Ice 2-1 in Lethbridge

Lethbridge Hurricanes logo (File photo)

The Lethbridge Hurricanes battened down the hatches Friday night, edging the East Division-leading Winnipeg Ice 2-1 at ENMAX Centre.

Hayden Smith on a first-period power play, and Blake Swetlikoff, midway through the third, scored for the Hurricanes.

Connor McClennon had the goal for Winnipeg.

Winnipeg outshot Lethbridge 29-28.

After the game, Ice coach James Patrick spoke to Ice TV about the game.

"We talked about it being a bit of a mugfest," Patrick said. "They clog up the neutral zone and more or less clog up the area around the front of the net, block a lot of shots. A lot of holding, they try and mug you in the corners – and you have to battle through it.

"You have to get someone to the net front, you have to get pucks there," he added.

Winnipeg plays Red Deer Saturday, then travels to Calgary to play the Hitmen Sunday at 4 p.m. The Hurricanes play the Oil Kings in Edmonton Sunday at 4 p.m.