The Holland Hurricanes are preparing for a key matchup in the Atlantic Football League this Saturday night in Halifax, Nova Scotia when they take on the Dalhousie University Tigers; kick-off is scheduled for 7:30pm at Wickwire Field.

The ‘Canes and Tigers enter the weekend at 1-1 and are locked in a tie for second place in the standings behind the University of New Brunswick Red Bombers who are 2-0.

“We are excited for this week,” shared head coach Steve Letner.  “We’re expecting to have all aspects of our game to be clicking; it’s going to be another great game.”

The Hurricanes began the season on the road in Fredericton, NB, dropping their season opener 28-17 to UNB, before winning their home opener last Saturday in Charlottetown, PEI over the University of New Brunswick-Saint John (UNBSJ) Seawolves, 12-7.

“Both Holland College and Dalhousie have been watching and preparing for each other all week,” shared defensive back, Griffin Chenier.  “I feel confident in our game plan for this week, on both sides of the ball.  It’s been a week of focus and lots of film.”

The Tigers began their season with two road games; first they defeated the UNBSJ Seawolves 31-14 before dropping their next game, 46-45, to UNB.

“It was nice to get our first win of the season at home last weekend,” shared offensive coordinator, Owen MacWilliams.  “Our offence has made more adjustments and we are looking forward to playing against a good Dalhousie football team this weekend on the road.”

Linebacker, Mitchell Osmond, identifies that the ‘Canes need to continue to improve each and every week as the team battles the usual injuries that occur during the season.

“Our defense really stepped up last game. Going into this weekend we will be missing a few guys but we need to have a next man up mentality. As individuals we need to do our job and win our own individual battles for the team to be successful.”

Offensively for the Hurricanes, Michael Petroschke has started both games at quarterback, completing 45.45% of his passes totaling 388 yards and throwing two touchdown passes.  Kymani Simpson has been the ‘Canes top receiver, making ten catches for 168 yards and scoring one touchdown while Rodrigo Montes de Oca has been the teams top running back; he’s rushed for 189 yards on 35 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

“Saturday’s game is going to be one of the most important games this season,” shared Montes de Oca.  “I really feel like the team is coming together and we are starting to play like one strong chain.  I know that my teammates and myself are going to do our best to bring a victory home to PEI on Saturday night.”

Kicking duties have been split for the Hurricanes this season with Matthew-Uriah Kaye-Mitchell and Tyler Majaury each putting points on the board for the ‘Canes this season.

Defensively, Tyler Hobbs leads the team in total sacks while Jack Malo has been a thorn in the side of opposing offences; he’s coming off a strong game on Saturday where he made two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Saturday’s game in Halifax versus the Tigers can be live streamed by visiting www.hollandhurricanes.com.

The next home game for the Hurricanes is scheduled for Saturday, October 5 versus UNB at the Alumni Canada Games Place in Charlottetown; kick-off is scheduled for 1pm.

The other AFL game scheduled for Saturday features the Seawolves visiting the Red Bombers in Fredericton, NB at 1pm at BMO Field.

For more information on the Atlantic Football League, visit www.atlanticfootball.co.

Connect with the football Hurricanes by visiting www.facebook.com/canesmfootball, www.twitter.com/canesmfootball and www.instagram.com/canesmfootball.

For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, please visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.twitter.com/hc_hurricanes and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.

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