Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes are pleased to announce the Board of Directors unanimously agreed to exercise the 2013-2014 season option for Head Coach and General Manager Rich Preston.

Preston has been with the Club since the 2009-2010 season and started building the team through the Bantam Draft selecting players including Russell Maxwell, Sam McKechnie, Adam Henry, Jay Merkley and Macoy Erkamps who were all impact players with the Lethbridge Hurricanes over the past couple of years. For the first time in franchise history in 2011, the Hurricanes had two first round picks in the top 5. Both Ryan Pilon and Reid Duke contributed to the team when being called up during the season. Of Preston’s 11 Bantam Picks in 2011, all were named to their Provincial Teams that competed in regional and national competitions such as the Challenge Cup, the prestigious Mac’s Midget Hockey Tournament, TELUS Cup and they even suited up for Team Canada at the prestigious Youth Olympics.

“When Rich came, the plan from the board was to identify the high end talented players to move this team forward in becoming an elite hockey club in the Western Hockey League. By building through the draft, we’re going to see the fruits of our labor” stated Board Vice-President Brian Wichers.

Preston’s draft success continued this past May with two more picks in the first round. The Hurricanes had the fourth pick overall in which they drafted Giorgio Estephan from Edmonton, AB who was recently named one of six Albertans and 41 Canadian hockey players named to the NHLPA’s All-State All Canadian Mentorship Program. The Canes also drafted highly sought after Defenceman Thomas Lenchyshyn in the first round. Preston also acquired All-Star Goalie Ty Rimmer from Tri-City who was highly sought after by at least half a dozen other WHL teams.

Whether it’s players he’s drafted or traded for, the players Preston has brought into the organization are not only respected by their teammates and coaches, but they show their leadership and dedication to their team both on and off the ice. The Lethbridge Hurricanes look forward to continue building a winning tradition within the organization and community. 

(Photo Courtesy CanesCast)