WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes

Canes Relieve Makela of Duties

Published on January 16, 2004 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Lethbridge Hurricanes News Release


The Lethbridge Hurricanes today announced that they have relieved Mikko Makela from his duties as head coach of the team effective immediately.

Assistant Coach Luc Theoret will take over the Head Coaching duties on an interim basis. Director of Hockey Operations Randy Maxwell will assist Theoret on the bench for tonight's game in Calgary. A replacement is expected to be named later this week.

Makela had a record of 30-43-5-6 during his time as head coach of the Hurricanes. He took over for Bryan Maxwell on December 15, 2002.

"This is a very difficult decision but we felt that our hockey program needed a different direction, with respect to coaching at this time", said Hurricanes General Manager Darren Stocker. "With all the changes to our on-ice personnel over the past week, we were concerned about the fit between our team and our coaching staff. It is important to realize that today's decision is not based on wins and losses but is more a result of a commitment to change the direction our entire program", added Stocker.

Canes Name Lindsay Hofford New Head Coach

The Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager Darren Stocker has named Lindsay Hofford as the club's new Head Coach. The Canes and Hofford agreed to a contract that will conclude at the completion of the season.

Hofford is entering his 9th season in Junior Hockey. He has coached 6 years at the Provincial Junior A level attaining a record of 179 wins 46 loses and 27 ties in 252 games and was Awarded with coach of the years honours in 94-95, 95-96, 98-99 and 99-00.

The London native graduated from the Provincial ranks into a head coaching position with the London Knights of the OHL. In his first season with the Knights he led them back into the playoffs with their highest win total in three years.

Hofford has a Political Science Degree from the University of Guelph. He is married to his wife Norah and has two children Callum 9 and Rachael 7. He owns a Pro Hockey Development group specializing in player development programs.

"Lindsay comes with high praise from hockey people in the OHL as a motivated and innovative upcoming coaching talent that is committed to teaching, communication and development", said Hurricanes General Manager Darren Stocker. "Those were all qualities we were seeking to fill our Head Coach vacancy with"

"By agreeing to finish this season it gives Lindsay a chance to assess our situation, the league and evaluate the possibility of this being a long term opportunity for him and his family", added Stocker. We will re-evaluate our coaching situation at the conclusion of the season, at which point we will make a long term decision."

Hofford is expected to join the team on Saturday but is not likely to be behind the bench when the Canes host the Moose Jaw Warriors on Saturday.

Up Coming Promotions

Canadian Tire Night Fans in attendance will have an opportunity to win a $200 gift certificate courtesy of Canadian Tire. There will also be additional give aways all evening.

Staples Puck Toss Night Saturday January 17 V.S. Moose Jaw- Fans can purchase a puck on the concourse of the Enmax Center. The puck toss will take place during the second intermission. The fan who tosses their puck closest to the centre faceoff dot will win the grand prize.

We Care Saves for Little Hearts

Last week Logan Koopmans raised 39 dollars for the We Care Home Health Services ...Saves for Little Hearts program. This season every time A Hurricanes goalie makes a save at home, We Care Home Health Services will donate a dollar to the Lethbridge Neo-Natal Intensive Care unit. The money donated will go towards the purchase of a heart and lung monitor for new-borns. Koopmans made 39 saves during the Hurricanes two home games last week. The total raised thus far is $539

Canes Set for Pair of Weekend Battles

The Lethbridge Hurricanes look to snap a six game losing streak tonight when they host the Vancouver Giants.

The game marks the return of Braden Appleby and Andy Thompson to the Enmax Centre. The pair were traded to the Giants in seperate deals earlier in the season.

Tonight is the second of three meetings this season between the Canes and Giants. The Giants lead the season series 1-0-0-0. The last game between the Canes and Giants was played on Thanksgiving Day in Vancouver. The Giants won 4-1. Tyrel Lucas had the Hurricanes loan goal. The Hurricanes have an all-time record of 3-4-0-0 against the Giants. The next meeting between the Giants and Hurricanes is February 13th in Vancouver.

On Saturday the Moose Jaw Warriors roll into town for a 7:00 start at the Enmax Centre.

Saturday is the fourth of five meetings this season between the Canes and Warriors. The Hurricanes have a 0-2-0-1 record against the Tribe. The last game between the Canes and Warriors was played on November 21st in Lethbridge. The Warriors won 3-2 in overtime. Brent Seabrook had a goal and an assist for the Canes. The Hurricanes have an all-time record of 58-52-6-1 against the Warriors. The next meeting between the Warriors and Hurricanes is February 21st in Moose Jaw.

Good Week for Lammers

John Lammers was named the Esquire's Coffee House Hurricanes Player of the Week on Tuesday. Lammers tallied a goal and an assist in two games last week. The 17 year-old from Langley, British Columbia has 15 goals and 11 assists in 36 games this season.

In honour of his award Lammers will have an Esquires beverage named after him for the week. "The John Lammers Neapolitan Milkshake" is available at the West Esquires Coffee House location.

The Esquires Player of the Week is selected by fan voting. Fans can vote for their selection by visiting the West Lethbridge Esquires Coffee House location.

In addition to being named the Esquires player of the Week Lammers was named to the Home Hardware NHL/CHL Top Prospects Game. The game will take place on Wednesday January 21, 2004 at the John Labatt Centre in London.

The game will showcase 40 of the CHL's top players that are eligible for selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft that will be held in Raleigh, N.C. on June 26 and 27. The players were selected by the National Hockey League's 30 teams

Lammers has been ranked 69th among draft eligible North American skaters by the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau.

Check out the Lethbridge Hurricanes Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central