2012-13 record: 28-34-3-7 (missed the playoffs)
In the midst of a flap concerning their looking too similar to the Washington Capitals as far as uniform design, the Lethbridge Hurricanes did very little in the stretch run that led them to being the only Alberta team to miss the playoffs, and as a result, sweeping changes were made. From the logo (which is quite underwhelming) to the coaching staff, which will now see Drake Berehowsky behind the bench as head coach, the Hurricanes will look different, but there's reason to believe that they won't be that much better. While their top three scorers are expected to return (Russell Maxwell, Jamien Yakubowski, and Sam Mckechnie), the leading point total was 55, and that is not going to be enough when only the top four scorers break 40 points in a season. 212 goals isn't bad, but giving up 253 goals in the notoriously defensive Eastern Conference is a no-no, and without Ty Rimmer manning the pipes (he graduated along with Graham Hood and Daniel Johnston), there is no proven goaltender for the Hurricanes.
Prediction: 11th in the East
While the Hurricanes' offense isn't too bad, their defense is not so good, and with a Brandon team that was beset by injuries last year and a bounce back candidate this season, there is no way that the Hurricanes will make the playoffs if they can't find any defense. It's going to be a long season for first time head coach Berehowsky.
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