Friday 30 September 2011

Calgary at Lethbridge - September 30, 2011

HITMEN HEADLINES:  Calgary (0-1) is in Lethbridge (1-1) tonight for just their second game of the young Western Hockey League season.  Broadcast on Sportsnet Radio The Fna 960 starts at 7pm.  The Hitmen opened their 17th campaign last Saturday night with a 5-1 loss in Cranbrook to the Kootenay Ice.  Calgary carried most of the play outshooting the Ice 30-18 but had problems solving Buffalo Sabres prospect Nathan Lieuwen.  The 20-year-old goaltender made 29 saves in a first star performance.  The lone Hitmen goal came off the stick of Russian rookie import Alex Gogolev.

VS LETHBRIDGE:  Tonight is the first of six meetings with the Hurricanes.  Last season Lethbridge won the season series going 4-2 against Calgary outscoring the Hitmen by a combined 21-18.  The two clubs combined for 16 powerplay goals.  The Hitmen were 1-1-1-0 at the Enmax Centre.
                                                 INSIDE THE SERIES
Shots on goal: Cal 173 Let 163 Powerplays: Cal 9-37 (24.3%) Let 7-30 (23.3%)

KING ROACH:  On Monday Hitmen defenceman Alex Roach signed a three-year entry level contract with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.  Roach had been participating in Kings training camp on a tryout basis. 

PRE-SEASON PLAY:  The Hitmen finished their six game pre-season schedule with a record of 5-1, second only to the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Eastern Conference who went 6-1.  After dropping their opening game the Hitmen rattled off five straight victories.

POINT PARADE:  Justin Kirsch led not only all Hitmen, but the entire Western Hockey League in pre-season scoring with 11 points (6g 5a) in five games.  Brady Brassart was next on the club with eight points (3g 5a) while Alex Gogolev rounded out the top three with seven points (3g 4a).

AHL TRYOUT:  Hitmen 20-year-old defenceman Ben Wilson is in the American Hockey League attending
a tryout with the Lake Erie Monsters.

2010-11 GRADS: The three 20-year-old graduating Hitmen from last season have all continued their hockey careers elsewhere: Tyler Fiddler is in the CIS with the University of Calgary Dinos, Kris Foucault is at Minnesota Wild camp while Misha Fisenko is in the KHL with Novokuznetsk Metallurg.

DRAFTED PLAYERS: Brooks Macek (6th round Detroit), Victor Rask (2nd round Carolina 2011).

OFF SEASON MOVES: July 20 - Hitmen acquire 17-year-old Chris Driedger (G) from the Tri-City Americans in exchange for a third round pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  July 28 – Hitmen claim 20-year-old Kenton Miller (LW) off waivers from the Spokane Chiefs.  August 18 - Hitmen acquire 18-year-old Brady Brassart (C) from the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for a fourth round conditional pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  September 15 – Hitmen trade 18-year-old Kyle Schmidt (D) to the Saskatoon Blades for a fourth round pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

CHL IMPORT DRAFT:  Hitmen selected 18-year-old Victor Rask (C) from Sweden 3rd overall in 2011 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft and 19-year-old Alexander Gogolev (RW) from Russia with their second round pick, 60th overall.

REGULAR SEASON CAREER WATCH:  Brooks Macek needs four assists for 100. 

IN THE COMMUNITY:  The Hitmen will be at Adrenalin Source for Sports (9309 Macleod Trail SW) on Saturday from Noon to 3pm.  Purchase skate sharpening, equipment or a stick and receive a FREE ticket to Sunday’s home opener.  Sportsnet Radio The Fan 960 will also be live on location with three full hours dedicated to the WHL and the Hitmen.  Fans are also encouraged to come by and meet the following players and coaches: 12:00 to 12:30 Spencer Humphries & Brooks Macek from 12:30 to 1:00 Jimmy Bubnick & Cody Sylvester from 1:00 to 2:00 Chris Driedger and from 2:00 to 3:00 Assistant Coach Joel Otto

MOBILE APP:  The official WHL Calgary Hitmen App for iPhone, Blackberry and Android devices is now available FREE from the iTunes store, Blackberry App World and Android Marketplace.  It allows fans to stay updated on the latest scores, statistics, standings, and schedules, interact with other fans through chat, follow the Hitmen Twitter and Facebook feeds and purchase tickets through the mobile browser.

HOME OPENER: The Adrenalin Source for Sports Home Opener is Sunday, October 2nd against the Kootenay Ice.  Game time is 2:00 pm at Scotiabank Saddledome.  Fans will also have a chance at the home opener to buy a piece of franchise history.  The club will hold its annual game worn jersey auction.  All white jerseys from the 2010-11 season are up for bid.  Net proceeds go to the Hitmen Education Fund which supports post secondary study for alumni players.  The silent auction will take place on the Saddledome concourse by section 226.  All bids will close when the puck drops at the start the third period.  Winners also receive a letter of authenticity.

Roach signs with LA and returns to Hitmen - September 26, 2011

Hitmen defenceman Alex Roach was back at the 'Dome today all smiles after going to Los Angeles Kings camp as a free agent invite and coming back with a three year entry level contract.  He should serve as a role model to kids everywhere that don't get picked in the NHL Entry Draft as Roach was passed over in June.  He's also the second Hitmen player in recent years to get passed over then sign as a free agent.  Remember Martin Jones??  
Here is my interview with Alex Roach.

Click Here To Listen

Kootenay 5 Hitmen 1 - September 24, 2011

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay Ice struck for three goals 1:40 apart late in the second period en route to a 5-1 win over the visiting Calgary Hitmen Saturday night.

The Hitmen carried most of the play outshooting the Ice 30-18 but had problems solving Buffalo Sabres prospect Nathan Lieuwen (lou-in).  The 20-year-old goaltender made 29 saves in a first star performance.

The lone Calgary goal came off the stick of Russian import Alex Gogolev.

Adam Rossignol (Ross-ig-nal) scored twice in the win for Kootenay while Brock Montgomery had a career high four assists.

The Hitmen will now enjoy a five day break before heading to Lethbridge on Friday to face the Hurricanes.

The Adrenalin Source for Sports home opener goes Sunday, October 2nd at 2pm when the Hitmen again face the Kootenay Ice, this time at Scotiabank Saddledome.

For information on ticket packages including Flex Packs, Group Tickets or Season Tickets, call Customer Service at 403-777-4646.

Here is the scoring summary
 

Calgary 0 0 1 - 1
Kootenay 0 3 2 - 5

1st Period-
No Scoring.
Penalties-Neibrandt Ktn (interference), 7:14; Gogolev Cal (tripping), 9:54; Trzonkowski Cal (tripping), 12:20; Brassart Cal (hooking), 14:25.

2nd Period
1, Kootenay, Reinhart 1 (Antilla, Montgomery), 14:17 (PP).
2, Kootenay, Rossignol 1 (Montgomery, Hurley), 14:44.
3, Kootenay, Benoit 2 (Pearce, Neibrandt), 15:57.
Penalties-Dirk Ktn (slashing), 3:27; Lubin Cal (major-fighting), 10:10; McKinlay Ktn (major-fighting), 10:10; Kirsch Cal (roughing, roughing), 12:34; Descheneau Ktn (roughing), 12:34; Ismond Ktn (cross checking), 20:00.

3rd Period
4, Calgary, Gogolev 1 (Kirsch, Humphries), 10:46.
5, Kootenay, Ismond 1 (Montgomery, Leach), 17:47.
6, Kootenay, Rossignol 2 (Montgomery, Leach), 19:27 (PP).
Penalties-Benoit Ktn (interference), 12:12; Rissling Cal (elbowing), 19:09.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 11-10-9-30.
Kootenay 2-11-5-18.

Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 4;
Kootenay 2 / 5.

Goalies
Calgary, Glover 0-1-0-0 (18 shots-13 saves).
Kootenay, Lieuwen 1-0-0-1 (30 shots-29 saves).

Attendance 3,253

Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Ryan Bonnett (39).
Linesmen-Michael Roberts (87), Scott Sharun (103).

My post game thoughts:
-This was NOT a 5-1 game.  Take away the second period and the Hitmen outshot Kootenay by a combined 20-7.  However the Hitmen are going to have to tighten up defensively.  The three Ice goals 1:40 apart were all glorious scoring chances.
-This won't be the first game Nathan Lieuwen shines in.  The 20-year-old Ice goalie is a stud and I guess it speaks to the depth in the Buffalo Sabres goaltending ranks as to why he's back in the WHL and not in the AHL.
-Cody Sylvester played defence for the Hitmen in this contest.  With Ben Wilson at AHL camp and Alex Roach still at LA Kings camp the Hitmen needed an extra d-man.
-No captain picked yet although Jimmy Bubnick, Cody Sylvester and Spencer Humphries all wore A's
-The roster now stands at 26 after the club released 19-year-old forward John Lawrence.  A great person and a VERY well liked teammate, but I think his age played against him with so many quality young Hitmen showing they are ready for the WHL.

Hitmen at Ice Saturday Preview - September 23, 2011

The Calgary Hitmen board the bus today headed for Cranbrook in advance of Saturday's season opener against the Ice.  The players had some fun with Victor Rask yesterday as he returned to the club from Carolina Hurricanes camp.  Rookies only get to pick from the remaining untaken jersey numbers.  Many teammates joked with Rask wanting him to pick number 8 to follow the lead of Washington Capitals sniper Alex Ovechkin.  Rask opted for #23.
    GAME NOTES VS. KOOTENAY ICE SEPT. 24

    HITMEN HEADLINES:  The Calgary Hitmen open their 17th Western Hockey League season Saturday night on the road in Cranbrook against the Kootenay Ice.  It features of a meeting of the last two Ed Chynoweth Cup winners as Western Hockey League Champions: the Hitmen in 2010 and the Ice in 2011.  Internet Broadcast on www.fan960.com starts at 7:00 p.m.  Fans can access the game by clicking on the Husky Hitmen logo on the lower part of the main page.

    VS KOOTENAY:  Saturday is the first of eight meetings with the Ice.  Last season Kootenay won the season series going 7-1 against Calgary outscoring the Hitmen by a combined 34-11.

    OPENING NIGHT: Lifetime in season openers the Hitmen have 9 wins, 3 losses, 3 overtime losses and 1 tie.

    PRE-SEASON PLAY:  The Hitmen finished their six game pre-season schedule with a record of 5-1, second only to the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Eastern Conference who went 6-1.  After dropping their opening game the Hitmen rattled off five straight victories including a 10-0 win over the Kootenay Ice Sunday afternoon in the Crowsnest Pass.

    POINT PARADE:  Justin Kirsch led not only all Hitmen, but the entire Western Hockey League in pre-season scoring with 11 points (6g 5a) in five games.  Brady Brassart was next on the club with eight points (3g 5a) while Alex Gogolev rounded out the top three with seven points (3g 4a).

    AHL TRYOUT:  Hitmen 20-year-old defenceman Ben Wilson departs Saturday for an American Hockey League tryout with the Lake Erie Monsters.

    2010-11 GRADS: The three 20-year-old graduating Hitmen from last season have all continued their hockey careers elsewhere: Tyler Fiddler is in the CIS with the University of Calgary Dinos, Kris Foucault is at Minnesota Wild camp while Misha Fisenko is in the KHL with Novokuznetsk Metallurg.

    DRAFTED PLAYERS: Brooks Macek (6th round Detroit), Victor Rask (2nd round Carolina 2011).

    STILL CAMPING: Alex Roach is attending Los Angeles Kings camp on a free agent tryout.  Trevor Cheek (San Jose) and Peter Kosterman (Calgary) also attended NHL training camps this month as free agent invites but have both returned to the Hitmen.

    OFF SEASON MOVES: July 20 - Hitmen acquire 17-year-old Chris Driedger (G) from the Tri-City Americans in exchange for a third round pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  July 28 – Hitmen claim 20-year-old Kenton Miller (LW) off waivers from the Spokane Chiefs.  August 18 - Hitmen acquire 18-year-old Brady Brassart (C) from the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for a fourth round conditional pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  September 15 – Hitmen trade 18-year-old Kyle Schmidt (D) to the Saskatoon Blades for a fourth round pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

    CHL IMPORT DRAFT:  Hitmen selected 18-year-old Victor Rask (C) from Sweden 3rd overall in 2011 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft and 19-year-old Alexander Gogolev (RW) from Russia with their second round pick, 60th overall.

    REGULAR SEASON CAREER WATCH:  Brooks Macek needs four assists for 100.  Head Coach Mike Williamson is 11 wins shy of 300. 

    HOME OPENER: The Adrenalin Source for Sports Home Opener is Sunday, October 2nd against the Kootenay Ice.  Game time is 2:00 pm at Scotiabank Saddledome.  Fans will also have a chance at the home opener to buy a piece of franchise history.  The club will hold its annual game worn jersey auction.  All white jerseys from the 2010-11 season are up for bid.  Net proceeds go to the Hitmen Education Fund which supports post secondary study for alumni players.  The silent auction will take place on the Saddledome concourse by section 226.  All bids will close when the puck drops at the start the third period.  Winners also receive a letter of authenticity.

    UPCOMING GAMES:  The Hitmen enjoy nearly a week off before taking to the ice for Game 2 of the season when they visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday night.  Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet Radio The Fan 960 starts at 7:00 pm.

    Back from Holidays: Macek and Rask return from NHL Camps - September 21, 2011

    I'm back after one final holiday break before Saturday's start to the season!  I know this news isn't anywhere near as exciting as what I'm about to write about, but I am jacked to be back and can't wait for Game 1 of 72.  Then again maybe I should stay away.  Afterall the Hitmen beat Kootenay 10-0 on Saturday.  IMPRESSIVE! 

    I returned to work today to learn of two major NHL Camp returns for the Hitmen.  Brooks Macek is back in the fold after attending Detroit Red Wings camp.  Macek should prove to be a HUGE part of the Hitmen offence this season after piling up 138 points through his first three seasons in the Western Hockey League.  Later in the day news broke Victor Rask is being sent to the Hitmen from Hurricanes camp.  The talented Swede was a second round pick by Carolina in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.  The Hitmen then scooped him up third overall in June's 2011 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.  I remember Rask telling me at Hitmen training camp  "things happen a lot quicker on the smaller ice" after a session Don Hartman Sportsplex.  Clearly indication he's sees the benefit playing in the Western Hockey League and smaller North American ice will have on his game.  There's no question he's going to get the needed ice time in Calgary to develop his game.  He's an elite player......numbers don't lie.  He had five points (2g 3a) in six games helping Sweden win a Silver medal this past April at the 2011 World Under-18 Championship.  Welcome to Calgary Victor!  

    Nice to see Hitmen Alumnus Paul Postma had a HUGE night for the Jets last night. Click here to watch an interview with Paul 

    OPENING NIGHT: The Hitmen open their 17th season in the Western Hockey League Saturday night in Cranbrook against the Kootenay Ice.  Internet Broadcast on fan960.com starts at 7 p.m.  Lifetime the Hitmen have 9 wins, 3 losses, 3 overtime losses and 1 tie in season openers.   
    PRE-SEASON PLAY:  The Hitmen finished their six game pre-season schedule with a record of 5-1, second only to the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Eastern Conference who went 6-1.  After dropping their opening game the Hitmen rattled off five straight victories including a 10-0 win over the Kootenay Ice Sunday afternoon in the Crowsnest Pass.   
    POINT PARADE:  Justin Kirsch led not only all Hitmen, but the entire Western Hockey League in pre-season scoring with 11 points (6g 5a) in five games.  Brady Brassart was next on the club with eight points (3g 5a) while Alex Gogolev rounded out the top three with seven points (3g 4a).   
    STILL CAMPING:  Alex Roach (Los Angeles Kings).     
    AHL TRYOUT:  Hitmen 20-year-old defenceman Ben Wilson leaves Saturday for an American Hockey League tryout with the Lake Erie Monsters.

    Schmidt dealt, Cheek returning, Fisenko signs in KHL - September 15, 2011

    Calgary, AB - Calgary Hitmen General Manager, Executive VP and Alternate Governor Kelly Kisio announced today the club has traded 18-year-old defenceman Kyle Schmidt to the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2013 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.
    “We felt with the depth of our young defence Kyle would not get the ice time needed to improve,” said Kisio.  “This trade not only moves Kyle closer to his hometown of Waldheim, Saskatchewan but also sends him to a quality organization in Saskatoon.  We would like to thank Kyle for his time in Calgary and wish him success with the Blades.”Schmidt joined the Hitmen as a 17-year-old rookie last season appearing in 65 games while registering 10 points (3g 7a).The trade leaves the Hitmen with seven defenceman and 27 total players on their roster.  

    Here is the Saskatoon release as well.....Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades have acquired 18 year old defenceman Kyle Schmidt from the Calgary Hitmen.  In exchange for the right handed shooting rearguard, the Hitmen receive a 4th round pick in the 2013 WHL bantam draft.  The Waldheim, Saskatchewan product suited up in 65 games last season for Calgary, registering 3 goals, 7 assists and 10 points along with 74 penalty minutes.  “Kyle is a big, strong kid that will add some depth to our organization”, said Saskatoon Blades head coach and general manager Lorne Molleken.  “We’ve liked his game all the way from bantam and midget hockey, up to the WHL.  We’d like to give him a warm welcome to our team.” With the transaction, the Saskatoon Blades roster now stands at 26, including 2 goalies, 7 defenceman and 17 forwards.
        The Hitmen got news today their 2010-11 Rookie of the Year Trevor Cheek is on his way back from San Jose Sharks Rookie Camp.  The 19-year-old earned a free agent invite to Sharks camp just minutes after being passed over in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.  I know the news comes as a disappointment to Cheek who was hoping to get a Sharks main camp invite, but he will be a huge presence in the Hitmen line-up this season.  Four Hitmen remain at NHL camps (Peter Kosterman-Calgary, Brooks Macek-Detroit, Victor Rask-Carolina, Alex Roach-Los Angeles)

        Graduating Hitmen center Misha Fisenko has found a new home.  He's signed to play in the KHL this season with Novokuznetsk Metallurg.  In fact the 21-year-old has already played one game with his new team and quite a debut it was.  Fisenko scored the game winner in a 3-2 win.  Misha played two seasons with the Hitmen and was a member of the 2010 Ed Chynoweth Cup Champion Hitmen.

        LA Kings rookies played the Phoenix Coyotes rookies last night with the Coyotes posting an 8-7 win.  Former Hitmen sniper Brandon Kozun had three points (2g 1a) for LA while Alex Roach also suited up for the Kings.  I should also note Michael Stone, a member of the 2010 WHL Champion Hitmen, had an assist in the game for Phoenix.

        You can also find a couple Hitmen features on SHAW TV with Brady Brassart and Jake Virtanen through the following link.  They do take a little time to load so be patient.

        Click Here to load the SHAW TV Video Page

        Crowsnest Pass Ticket Info, Junior Hockey Junkies on the Road and Dustin Kohn - September 14, 2011

        Calgary Hitmen are in the Crowsnest Pass this weekend for their final two pre-season games.  Saturday at 7pm they face the Kootenay Ice, then Sunday at 2pm is a battle with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.  Both games are at the Coleman Sportsplex.  If you are thinking of going contact Kim Amos for tickets  at kimmy.faith@gmail.com or by calling 403-563-8879.  All the proceeds from Thunder Challenge go to Crowsnest Pass Minor Hockey.   
        Speaking of hitting the road to watch the Hitmen play, the good folks from the Junior Hockey Junkies sent me their list of road trips for the upcoming Hitmen season.  If you've never travelled with this crew, you're missing out on a great time.  Here are the details on their first trip.
            With Hitmen training camp in full swing anticipation grows for the regular season to begin. The Junior Hockey Junkies have tentatively scheduled 10 bus trips for the Hitmen 2011-2012 regular season.
            We will be starting the 2011-2102 season with a trip to Lethbridge on Friday Sep 30 to watch the Hitmen battle long time rival Lethbridge Hurricanes. This will be your first opportunity to see your new Hitmen team live. The Junior Hockey Junkies cordially invite you to join us on this trip to Lethbridge. Full details of the trip can be seen below. We will be departing at 4:15 PM from the Marks Work Warehouse parking lot at 130 Ave SE. After the game we will return immediately to Calgary.
            The Hitmen team will be looking for a bounce back season after an abnormally long summer. The JHJ bus trip to Lethbridge is a great way for the fans to show their support for the new Hitmen roster. The Hitmen players and coaches have told us over the years that the travelling Hitmen fans always give them a boost as they play in enemy barns.
            “It’s always great to have support on the road!  It almost makes it feel like a home game, especially when you see Hitmen fans up against the glass during warm-up and can hear them cheer when we score.”
            Cody Sylvester (Co-captain Calgary Hitmen 2010-2011)
            The Junior Hockey Junkies are pleased to announce new pricing opportunities for this season’s bus trips. We have added the following new categories Senior (60+ years of age), Student (Student ID required, students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult), Youth (12 years and under, must be accompanied by an adult) and Family Pack (2 adults + 2 youths). See below for prices relevant to this first trip. For you veterans we have not forgot about you. We will continue to offer the “Bring a Friend” promotion we offered last season. Full details on this promotion can be found below.
            Reserve your seat on this trip by replying to this email or calling the Junior Hockey Junkies information number at 403-236-7560. We look forward to having you join the Junior Hockey Junkies on this junket to Lethbridge. Payment in the form or cheque or money order payable to Junior Hockey Junkies can be mailed to
            Junior Hockey Junkies
            71 Douglas Park Blvd.
            Calgary, AB
            T2Z 2K9
            JHJ Bus Trip #1...
            Destination: Lethbridge
            Date: Friday Sep 30
            Departure Time: 4:15 PM Sharp
            Departure Location: Marks Work Warehouse 130 Ave SE (map attached)
            Price: $55 Adult
                      $50 Senior 60+ years of age
                      $50 Student (Student ID required; students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
                      $35 Youth (12 years and under; must be accompanied by an adult)
                      $160 Family Pack (2 adults + 2 youths)
            Deadline: Tuesday Sep 27
            Trip Includes:
            Return transportation from the defined departure location to the ENMAX Center and back, Game Ticket plus On Board activities.
            Activities on the coach to Lethbridge:
            - Door Prize Draws
            - Cribbage (card table set up on all JHJ Bus Trips)
            - Hockey Talk
            - 50/50 Draw (50% to the lucky ticket holder and 50% to the JHJ sponsorship of the – Hitmen Corporate Caring Corner)
            - Videos and/or Music
            Bring a Friend promotion: if you bring or refer a friend (who has never been on a JHJ bus trip) to an up coming trip you will be eligible for a 10% discount on the same trip and your friend will receive a welcome to JHJ Bus Trip gift. (Discount only applicable if referral attends the trip).   

            Thanks to Bruce Luebke, voice of the Brandon Wheat Kings for this nugget.  Former Calgary Hitmen and Brandon Wheat King Dustin Kohn is headed overseas.  The 24-year old Kohn has signed a one-year contract with the Orebro Vipers of the Swedish Elite League.  Kohn has spent the past four seasons in the New York Islanders organization, playing 22 games in the NHL during the 2009-2010 season.

            Hitmen Head Scout Dan Bonar - September 13, 2011

            Talk to any General Manager or Head Coach in the Western Hockey League and they will all tell you how vital their scouting staff is to the success of their hockey club. 
            Over the years the Calgary Hitmen have found some impact players through the draft (Karl Alzner 2nd rd 2003, Ryan Getzlaf 3rd Rd 2000, Jeff Schultz 2nd Rd 2001, Brett Sonne 1st Rd 2004, Alex Plante Rd 2 2004, Michael Stone Rd 4 2005, Martin Jones Rd 4 2005) ) just to name a few. 
            They have also found some outstanding talent in the later rounds (Alex Roach 11th Rd 2008, Cody Sylvester 8th Rd 2007, Rob Trzonkowski 8th Rd 2009).  Other standouts were never even drafted, just listed by the scouting staff.  Those names include Brandon Kozun, Tyler Fiddler and Justin Kirsch. 
            Well this past summer longtime Hitmen Head Scout Brad Whelen was scooped up by the NHL, joining the Tampa Bay Lightning as a Western Regional Scout.  Two weeks later the Hitmen promoted Traveling Scout Dan Bonar to fill the void and hired Ray Payne, former NHL Scout and a man with 30 years hockey experience to fill Bonar's shoes.
            Recently I caught up with Dan, who's been with the Hitmen eight years, to talk about the transition to head Scout. 
            Click Here To Listen

            Did you know it's only 12 sleeps till the Hitmen open the 2011-12 WHL season in Cranbrook against the Kootenay Ice?  Yes I am counting down the days like ChristmasI know some of your are as well......don't lie.

              Fan 960 Show and Random Thoughts - September 12, 2011

              Some exciting news to pass along.  Starting October 2nd there will be a one hour program each Saturday on Fan 960 dedicated completely to the Calgary Hitmen.  I will be hosting and it will air each and every Saturday throughout the season from 1 to 2 pm.  Huge thanks to Fan 960 Program Director Kelly Kirch (no releation to Hitmen Justin Kirsch....note the s) for his support in making this happen.  I know there are a lot of Hitmen fans out there and Kelly tells me many of the interviews will be archived at fan960.com in case you miss the show and want to go back and listen.  Hey some of you have a life we know that....okay all of us do :)  

              The Hitmen move back into Scotiabank Saddledome this week for practice leading up to their final two pre-season games in the Crowsnest Pass...Saturday vs. Lethbridge at 7pm and Sunday vs. Kootenay at 2pm.  Both games are in Coleman.  Calgary is now 3-1 this pre-season following Saturday's 5-2 win over Red Deer.  I know it's only the pre-season but after winning just 20 games last season I think these wins are HUGE for confidence.  I've already noticed a major difference among the returning players from last season.  

              One other note Hitmen forward Trevor Cheek scored for the San Jose Sharks yesterday against the Flames rookies in Penticton. Here is a link to the highlights.

              Click Here To Watch

              STILL CAMPING:  Five Hitmen remain at NHL Training Camps; Trevor Cheek (San Jose), Peter Kosterman (Calgary), Brooks Macek (Detroit), Victor Rask (Carolina), and Alex Roach (Los Angeles).

              POINT PARADE:  Brady Brassart leads all Hitmen in pre-season scoring with six points (3g 3a) while Justin Kirsch is next with five (2g 3a).  Kenton Miller and Alex Gogolev are next on the list with three points each (1g 2a).

              REGULAR SEASON KICKOFF:  The Hitmen will open the 2011-12 WHL Regular Season on the road in Cranbrook on Saturday, September 24th against the Kootenay Ice. 

              HOME OPENER: The Adrenalin Source for Sports Home Opener is Sunday, October 2nd against the Kootenay Ice.  Game time is 2:00 pm at Scotiabank Saddledome.  Fans will also have a chance at the home opener to buy a piece of franchise history.  The club will hold its annual game worn jersey auction.  All white jerseys from the 2010-11 season are up for bid.  Net proceeds go to the Hitmen Education Fund which supports post secondary study for alumni players.  The silent auction will take place on the Saddledome concourse by section 226.  All bids will close when the puck drops at the start the third period.  Winners also receive a letter of authenticity. 

              Interview with Brady Brassart - September 9, 2011

              The Calgary Hitmen posted a 4-3 shootout win in Taber last night over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.  Brady Brassart, acquired in the off-season from the Spokane Chiefs led the Hitmen offensive attack.  This afternoon I had a chance to catch up with Brassart and talk about the win.  You can listen to that interview below.
                Click Here To Listen  

                A reminder your only chance to watch the Hitmen in Calgary this pre-season is Saturday night at Flames Community Arenas as they host the Red Deer Rebels.  Game time is 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are only available for purchase at the door starting at 6:00 p.m. at a cost of $10 for Adults and $5 for Seniors and Students.  Kids five and under receive FREE admission.
                  One other side note Alexander Gogolev tells me he prefers the name Alex.  He speaks very little english at all, and I can't imagine how difficult that must be.  But he sure looks happy to be a Hitmen!

                  Interview with Trevor Cheek - September 8, 2011

                  The Calgary Hitmen are in Taber tonight to face the Lethbridge Hurricanes in their third pre-season game.  Yesterday at practice I had a chance to catch up with 19-year-old forward Trevor Cheek.  Cheek is heading to San Jose for Sharks Rookie Camp which will also take him to the Penticton Tournament.
                  Here you can listen to that interview through this link.

                  Click Here To Listen

                  Hitmen to NHL Camps & Interview with Mike Williamson - September 7, 2011

                  It's that time of year when Western Hockey League teams see their pre-season rosters change dramatically as veterans head off to NHL camps.

                  Five Hitmen will leave Thursday for the pro-camp experience.
                  Brooks Macek...6th round pick 2010 Detroit Red Wings (not signed)
                  Victor Rask...2nd round pick 2011 Carolina Hurricanes (not signed)
                  Trevor Cheek...Free Agent invite to San Jose Sharks
                  Peter Kosterman...Free Agent invite to Calgary Flames
                  Alex Roach...Free Agent invite to Los Angeles Kings

                  One other Hitmen will leave at a later date as 20-year-old Ben Wilson has received an AHL camp invite to the Lake Erie Monsters.  He leaves on September 24th, yes the same date the Hitmen open the 2011-12 WHL Regular Season in Cranbrook. 

                  I also I plan to load a lot of interviews this season.  Here is my chat with head coach Mike Williamson today to get his thoughts on the first two pre-season games, on top pick Jake Virtanen and on what he wants to see over the last four pre-season games.
                  You can find the interview by clicking this link.
                  Click Here To Listen

                  Hitmen roster cut to 28 - September 6, 2011

                  Calgary Hitmen Pre-Season Roster (28 players)

                  Following a pair of pre-season games the Calgary Hitmen have trimmed their roster by nine players to 28.  One notable name not on the roster of remaining players still fighting for jobs is 18-year-old Brendan Santini who played 45 games with the Hitmen as a rookie last season picking up eight points (2g 6a).  It's fair to say Santini was a victim of the up and coming youth in the organization as there are still seven 17-year-old's with the club today.  Brendan represented the Hitmen well during his time with the club and I wish him the best of luck in whatever the future holds.  I remember his first community appearance involved signing autographs with Craig Conroy and Mikael Backlund of the Flames at a Rona store in the northeast.  I'm not sure who was more excited, the fans to meet Brendan or for Brendan to be sitting next to Craig and Mikael.  Stay classy Sants!  

                  Jimmy BubnickSaskatoon, SK‘91
                  Kenton MillerRedvers, SK‘91
                  Mike SniderDeWinton, AB’91  (SNY-der)
                  Ben WilsonCalgary, AB‘91
                  Trevor CheekVancouver, WA‘92
                  Danny GayleCalgary, AB‘92
                  Brandon GloverVictoria, BC‘92
                  Alexander GogolevMoskva, Russia‘92
                  Spencer HumphriesDelta, BC‘92  
                  Justin KirschChilliwack, BC‘92
                  John LawrenceNewdale, MB‘92
                  Brooks MacekWinnipeg, MB‘92
                  Nathan MacMasterCalgary, AB‘92
                  Cody SylvesterKelowna, BC‘92
                  Brady BrassartVernon, BC‘93
                  Peter KostermanCalgary, AB'93
                  Alex RoachQuesnel, BC‘93
                  Victor RaskLeksand, Sweden‘93
                  Jaynen RisslingEdmonton, AB’93  (RIZZ-ling)
                  Kyle SchmidtWaldheim, SK‘93
                  Calder BrooksEmerald Park, SK‘94
                  Chase ClaytonAbbotsford, BC‘94
                  Chris DriedgerWinnipeg, MB’94 (Dree-ger)
                  Luke GordonTerrace, BC‘94
                  Kenton HelgesenFairview, AB‘94
                  Keaton LubinOkotoks, AB’94  (LOO-bin)
                  Rob TrzonkowskiCalgary, AB’94  (Chin-koss-key)
                  Greg ChaseSherwood Park, AB‘95

                  37 man Training Camp Roster - September 2, 2011

                  Calgary Hitmen Training Camp Roster (37 players)
                  **As of September 2nd**
                  Jimmy BubnickSaskatoon, SK‘91
                  Kenton MillerRedvers, SK‘91
                  Mike SniderDeWinton, AB’91  (SNY-der)
                  Ben WilsonCalgary, AB‘91
                  Trevor CheekVancouver, WA‘92
                  Danny GayleCalgary, AB‘92
                  Brandon GloverVictoria, BC‘92
                  Alexander GogolevMoskva, Russia‘92
                  Spencer HumphriesDelta, BC‘92  
                  Justin KirschChilliwack, BC‘92
                  John LawrenceNewdale, MB‘92
                  Brooks MacekWinnipeg, MB‘92
                  Nathan MacMasterCalgary, AB‘92
                  Cody SylvesterKelowna, BC‘92
                  Brady BrassartVernon, BC‘93
                  Brandon BruceCranbrook, BC‘93
                  Peter KostermanCalgary, AB‘93
                  Rob NewtonSaskatoon, SK‘93
                  Alex RoachQuesnel, BC‘93
                  Victor RaskLeksand, Sweden‘93
                  Jaynen RisslingEdmonton, AB’93  (RIZZ-ling)
                  Brendan SantiniCalgary, AB‘93
                  Kyle SchmidtWaldheim, SK‘93
                  Calder BrooksEmerald Park, SK‘94
                  Chase ClaytonAbbotsford, BC‘94
                  Chris DriedgerWinnipeg, MB’94 (Dree-ger)
                  Luke GordonTerrace, BC‘94
                  Kenton HelgesenFairview, AB‘94
                  Keaton LubinOkotoks, AB’94  (LOO-bin)
                  Keegan ThompsonCalgary, AB‘94
                  Rob TrzonkowskiCalgary, AB’94  (Chin-koss-key)
                  Austin CalladineSaskatoon, SK’95  (Cal-a-dine)
                  Greg ChaseSherwood Park, AB‘95
                  Colby HarmsworthSaskatoon, SK‘95
                  Mack ShieldsSaskatoon, SK‘95
                  Josh ThrowerSquamish, BC‘96
                  Jake VirtanenAbbotsford, BC’96 (Ver-TAN-in)

                  Individual Game Tickets on Sale, Segal signs - September 1, 2011

                  Global TV was at Hitmen practice today and did a story on Peter Kosterman getting a free agent invite to Flames rookie camp.  Reporter Kevin Smith tells me the story will air at 6:50pm and then again around 11:45pm.  Also Head Coach Mike Williamson will be a guest of Sportstalk at 8:05pm tonight on AM770 Radio.

                  I stand corrected the Hitmen roster is at 38, not 37 as the remaining list also includes injured goalie Chris Driedger (ankle).  Expect the full list of players left in camp tomorrow as the team prepares to open it's pre-season schedule this weekend.

                  Nice to see Hitmen alumnus Brandon Segal has found a new NHL home.  During his time in Calgary, Segal played parts of five seasons with the Hitmen (1999/2000 to 2003-04) appearing in 286 regular season games (110g 96a) picking up 206 points.  Here is the official release from the Hawks.

                  Blackhawks agree to terms with winger Brandon Segal

                  Thursday, 09.01.2011 / 11:52 AM /
                  By Chicago Blackhawks
                  The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with right wing Brandon Segal (SEE-guhl) on a one-year contract.
                  Segal, 28, registered five goals, 10 points and 41 penalty minutes in 46 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars last season. He also appeared in 30 contests with the American Hockey League’s Texas Stars, notching 17 points (7G, 10A) and 38 penalty minutes during his eighth professional season. The Richmond, British Columbia, native has collected 22 points (11G, 11A) and 79 penalty minutes in 92 career regular-season National Hockey League tilts over parts of four campaigns with the Tampa Bay Lightning (2008-09), Los Angeles Kings (2009-10) and Stars (2009-11).

                  Segal has also racked up 107 goals, 208 points and 547 penalty minutes in 455 career regular-season AHL matchups spanning eight seasons. He tallied professional career highs with 26 goals, 26 assists and 52 points in 69 games with the Norfolk Admirals in 2008-09. The Nashville Predators second choice, 102nd overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Segal helped the Milwaukee Admirals capture the 2004 Calder Cup and reach the AHL Finals in 2006.

                  Also in case you missed the news release today on Hitmen single game tickets, here it is....
                    The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club announced today individual regular season home game tickets for the 2011-12 season will go on sale tomorrow (Friday, September 2nd) at 10:00 am (MT). 

                    Fans can purchase their game day tickets at www.hitmenhockey.com, by calling toll free 1-855-985-5000 or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

                    This is your first chance to secure a lower bowl seat to the Adrenalin Source for Sports Home Opener and Game Worn Jersey Auction on Sunday, October 2nd against the Kootenay Ice. 

                    The 17th annual Petro-Canada Teddy Bear Toss is set for Sunday, December 4th against the Medicine Hat Tigers at 4:00 p.m.  Tickets for this major charity event always go fast, so be sure to secure a great seat early.

                    Other unique promos designed to entertain our fans this season include:

                    TELUS/Great Clips Hockey Mums Fight Breast Cancer Game – Saturday, October 29 vs. Everett
                    Cardel Rockin Rally/NSD Coaching Day – Saturday, November 19 vs. Prince Albert
                    Cross Iron Mills Shoot for the Stars – Sunday, November 20 vs. Saskatoon
                    Safeway Movember Game – Friday, December 2 vs. Spokane
                    Subway Soccer Day – Friday, December 9 vs. Prince Albert
                    Food Bank Game – Sunday, December 11 vs. Brandon
                    Dodge Skate with the Hitmen -Sunday, January 15 vs. Edmonton
                    Husky Hitmen 7th Man – Friday, January 27 vs. Vancouver
                    Wendy’s Novice Development Day – Sunday, January 29 vs. Tri-City
                    Distress Center Awareness Game – Sunday, March 11 vs. Red Deer

                    Many other promotions are still being finalized and will be announced at a later date.

                    For information on ticket packages including Flex Packs, Group Tickets or Season Tickets, call Customer Service at 403-777-4646.

                    Black Vs. White Intra-Squad Game - August 31, 2011

                    Calgary Hitmen Main Training Camp came to a close Wednesday as Team White beat Team Black 6-2 in the annual intra-squad game at Don Hartman North East Sportsplex. 

                    Greg Chase had a goal and two assists, while goaltenders Brandon Glover and Mack Shields combined to make 37 saves helping lead Team White to victory.

                    See the complete scoring summary below.

                    Team White 6 Team Black 2
                    First Period
                    1. Team White: John Lawrence, (1), (Rob Trzonkowski, Greg Chase), 11:25
                    2. Team Black: Alexander Gogolev, (1), (Luke Gordon), 18:23

                    Second Period
                    3. Team White: Brady Brassart, (1) (unassisted), 10:14

                    Third Period
                    4. Team Black: Brendan Santini, (1), (Kenton Miller), :20
                    5. Team White: Chase Clayton, (1), (Greg Chase, Kyle Schmidt), 7:08
                    6. Team White: Keegan Thompson, (1), (John Lawrence), 9:45
                    7. Team White: Alex Roach, (1), (Rob Trzonkowski), 13:20 (pp)
                    8. Team White: Greg Chase, (1), (Trevor Cheek, Brady Brassart), 18:24

                    Goaltenders (shots-saves) Team White: Brandon Glover (22/23), Mack Shields (9:23 of second) (W, 1-0) (15/16); Team Black: Mitchell Wiebe (15/16), Gage Murray (9:23 of second) (L, 0-1) (21/26).

                    Powerplays: Team White 1-8, Team Black 0-6

                    It should be noted several veterans sat out Wednesday's game including; Justin Kirsch, Jaynen Rissling, Brooks Macek, Spencer Humphries, Mike Snider, Ben Wilson, Jimmy Bubnick and Cody Sylvester.  Victor Rask and Chris Driedger (ankle) also watched from the stands.  The Hitmen will now head to the practice rink Thursday for a pair of ice sessions at Flames Community Arenas (1 to 2pm and 2:15 to 3:15) in advance of their six game pre-season schedule which begins this weekend with a pair of games at the Edmonton pre-season tournament.  Calgary plays Medicine Hat Sunday afternoon and the Prince George Cougars Monday morning.

                    UPDATE
                    Following today's game the roster was cut to 37 players. 

                    Main Camp Scrimmages Day 2 - August 30, 2011

                    There are 52 players remaining in Hitmen camp with more cuts expected after Wednesday's intra-squad game.  Tuesday saw just one scrimmage.  Here is the scoring summary.

                    Team Black 9 Team White 3
                    1st Period
                    Team Black: Jake Virtanen (Justin Valentino, Alexander Gogolev) pp
                    Team White: Chase Clayton (Brady Brassart) pp
                    Team Black: Matt Anholt (Nathan MacMaster)
                    Team Black: Calder Brooks (Brandon Bruce)
                    Team White: Austin Calladine (Trevor Cheek, Danny Gayle)

                    Second Period:
                    Team White: Chase Clayton 2 (unassisted)
                    Team Black: Rob Newton (Boomer Rooney, Nathan MacMaster) pp
                    Team Black: Justin Kirsch (Nathan MacMaster)

                    Third Period
                    Team Black: Jaynen Rissling (unassisted) sh
                    Team Black: Justin Kirsch 2 (Calder Brooks)
                    Team Black: Justin Kirsch 3 (Ben Thomas)
                    Team Black: Justin Kirsch 4 (Jake Virtanen)

                    Goalies:
                    Team Black: Brandon Glover 13/16, Gage Murray 25/25
                    Team White: Mike Snider 19/23, Mitchell Wiebe  21/26

                    Shots on goal
                    Team Black: 17+14+18=49
                    Team White 11+16+15=42

                    Powerplays
                    Team Black: 2-3
                    Team White: 1-3

                    A reminder the annual Team Black vs. Team White (both teams will be in actual Hitmen jerseys instead of practice jerseys) will be played Wednesday.  Game time is 11:00am.  Admission is FREE with rosters at the rink.

                    Main Camp Scrimmages Day 1 - August 29, 2011

                    You'll notice the names of Michael Snider and Chris Driedger are both absent from the scoring summaries.  Both goalies are sidelined for the time being.  Snider just had his wisdom teeth removed, while Driedger has an ankle injury.

                    Here the results of all four intra-squad games today.  All games featured two 25 minute stop time periods with penalty shots awarded instead of powerplays.

                    Team White 11 vs. Team Black 10 Shootout Final at 8:30am
                    1st Half
                    Team Black: Kenton Miller (unassisted)
                    Team White: Adam Helewka (Luke Simpson)
                    Team White: Rob Newton (Greg Chase, Brooks Macek)
                    Team White: Brooks Macek (Brady Brassert, Tanner Clark)
                    Team Black: Cody Sylvester (Mack Wallace)
                    Team Black: Kenton Miller 2 (Rob Trzonkowski, Justin Valentino)
                    Team White: Luke Simpson (Alex Roach)
                    Team Black: Quinn Peplinski (Jaynen Rissling, Danny Gayle)
                    Team Black: Ryan Duret (Elliot Peterson)

                    2nd Half
                    Team White: Luke Simpson 2 (Tanner Clark, Brady Brassert)
                    Team Black: Keegan Thompson (Chase Lang)
                    Team Black: Cody Sylvester 2 (Quinn Peplinski)
                    Team White: John Lawrence (Adam Helewka, Logan O'Connor)
                    Team White: Calder Brooks (Spencer Humphries)

                    Shootout
                    Team Black                          Team White
                    Ryan Duret - Goal                 Adam Helewka - Goal
                    Josh Thrower - No goal          Calder Brooks - No goal
                    Tyler Coultrer - Goal              Greg Chase - No goal
                    Elliot Peterson - No goal        Logan O'Connor - Goal
                    Ben Thomas - No goal           Brady Brassert - No goal
                    Quinn Peplinski - Goal           Braden Oleksyn - Goal
                    Keegan Thompson - No goal   Jade McMullen - Goal

                    Goalies:
                    Team White: Mitchell Wiebe 16/21, Mack Shields 15/17 + 4/7 in shootout
                    Team Black: Gage Murray 22/26, Jacob Ruissen 18/21 + 3/7 in shootout

                    Team Red 6 vs. Team Copper 3 at 10:15am
                    1st Half
                    Team Copper: Trevor Cheek (Jimmy Bubnick, Scott Gall)
                    Team Red: Alexander Gogolev (Nathan Deyell)
                    Team Red: Alexander Gogolev 2 (Daylon Creasy)
                    Team Red: Chase Clyaton (Jake Virtanen)

                    2nd Half
                    Team Red: Alexander Gogolev 3 (penalty shot)
                    Team Copper: Brendan Santini (Kyle Schmidt, Brandon Bruce)
                    Team Red: Nathan MacMaster (Justin Kirsch)
                    Team Copper: Tanner Jago (penalty shot)
                    Team Red: Chase Clayton 2 (Alexander Gogolev, Keaton Lubin)

                    Goalies:
                    Team Red: Brandon Glover 14/15, Kyle Michalovsky 19/21
                    Team Copper: Evan Johnson 5/8, Cole Forbes 14/16

                    Team Black 8 vs. Team Red 4 at 1:00pm
                    1st Half
                    Team Black: Rob Trzonkowski (Danny Gayle)
                    Team Black: Kenton Miller (Ryan Duret, Ben Thomas)
                    Team Black: Ryan Duret (Kenton Miller)

                    2nd Half
                    Team Black: Cody Sylvester (Rob Trzonkowski)
                    Team Red: Alexander Gogolev (Luke Gordon, Keaton Lubin)
                    Team Red: Alexander Gogolev 2 (Justin Kirsch)
                    Team Black: Rob Trzonkowski (Cody Sylvester, Tyler Coulter)
                    Team Black: Kenton Miller 2 (Chase Lang, Josh Thrower)
                    Team Black: Cody Sylvester 2 (unassisted)
                    Team Red: Luke Gordon (Keaton Lubin)
                    Team Red: Nathan Deyell (unassisted)
                    Team Black: Rob Trzonkowski 3 (Cody Sylvester)

                    Goalies:
                    Team Black: Jacob Ruissen 13/13, Gage Murray 12/16
                    Team Red: Kyle Michalovsky 18/21, Brandon Glover 20/25

                    Team Copper 8 vs. Team White 7 at 3:15pm
                    1st Half
                    Team White: Greg Chase (Matt Anholt, Spencer Humphries)
                    Team White: Greg Chase 2 (Matt Anholt, Logan O'Connor)
                    Team Copper: Scott Gall (Hayden Goderis, Marc Eremenko)
                    Team White: John Lawrence (Jade McMullen, Braden Oleksyn)
                    Team Copper: Hayden Goderis (unassisted)
                    Team White: Adam Helewka (Brooks Macek)
                    Team Copper: Victor Rask (unassisted)
                    Team Copper: Jimmy Bubnick (Hayden Goderis)

                    2nd Half
                    Team Copper: Tanner Jago (Brandon Bruce)
                    Team White: Jaiden Focht (Adam Helewka)
                    Team Copper: Victor Rask 2 (Jimmy Bubnick, Eli Jarvis)
                    Team Copper: Brandon Bruce (Marc Eremenko, Alexander Roberts)
                    Team White: Brady Brassart (Luke Simpson, Jade McMullen)
                    Team Copper: Brendan Santini (Matthew Saharchuk)
                    Team White: Braden Oleksyn (Greg Chase)

                    Goalies:
                    Team Copper: Cole Forbes 17/21, Evan Johnson 14/17
                    Team White: Mack Shields 8/12, Mitchell Wiebe 16/20

                    Main Camp Fitness Testing - August 28, 2011

                    The Calgary Hitmen opened Main Camp this evening at Don Hartman North East Sportsplex (5206-68th Street NE) with fitness testing.  All returning players plus a number camp invites were put through a series of five tests conducted by Hitmen Strength and Conditioning Coach Sean Hope-Ross and the rest of his staff from NSD.

                    Listed below are the top performers in each category:

                    155lbs Bench Press: Cody Danylchuk 28 reps
                    Chin-Ups to Fatigue: Cody Sylvester 21 reps
                    Broad Jump:  Brooks Macek 2.61 meters
                    Beep Test: Victor Rask, Jimmy Bubnick, Keegan Thompson all to stage 13
                    Sit-Ups to Fatigue: Jaynen Rissling 130

                    A couple items of note from today

                    1.  Both 2011 Hitmen CHL Import picks are in Calgary and attending main camp; 18-year-old Victor Rask the Carolina Hurricanes second round pick from Sweden and 19-year-old Alexander Gogolev from Russia.
                    2.  40 rookies have been invited to main camp, including several 15-year-olds who are too young to play full time in the WHL this season.  Among them is 2011 number one overall selection Jake Virtanen.  Coupled with main camp invites there 83 players who have been split into four teams who will scrimmage against each other starting at 8:30 Monday morning.  The first round of cuts will come tomorrow.

                    I'll be at each and every scrimmage and will post scoring summaries here on the blog.

                    Rookie Camp Day 1 - August 27, 2011

                    The Calgary Hitmen 2011 Rookie Camp saw its first rookie intra-squad games Saturday afternoon as 73 hopefuls took to the ice at Don Hartman North East Sportsplex (5206-68th Street NE).
                    Both games were split into two 30 minute straight time periods with penalty shots awarded instead of powerplays. 

                    In the opener, Team White beat Team Red 7-6 in a shootout.  Hitmen 2010 second round bantam pick Austin Calladine scored twice for Team White including the winner while Quinn Peplinski had a pair of goals.  Team Red was led Eli Jarvis who had four goals in the loss.

                    Here is the scoring summary

                    Team White 7 Team Red 6 Shootout Final
                    1st Half
                    Team Red: Eli Jarvis (unassisted)
                    Team Red: Fraser Bulbic (unassisted)
                    Team Red: Jake Virtanen (Fraser Bulbic)
                    Team White: Geordie Keane (penalty shot)
                    Team White: Quinn Peplinski (Josh Thrower)
                    Team Red: Eli Jarvis 2 (penalty shot)

                    2nd Half
                    Team White: Quinn Peplinski 2 (unassisted)
                    Team White: Ryan Duret (Scott Gall, Dane Birks)
                    Team Red: Eli Jarvis 3 (penalty shot)
                    Team White: Austin Calladine (Elliott Peterson, Braden Oleksyn)

                    Goalies:
                    Team White: Scott Albertoni 14/18, Mack Shields 8/10 + Shootout 5/6
                    Team Red: Kyle Michalovsky 9/11, Cole Forbes 12/15 + Shootout 3/5

                    Shootout
                    Team Red                            Team White
                    Jake Virtanen - No goal          Andrew Manson - Goal
                    Adam Helewka - No goal         Quinn Peplinski - No goal
                    Eli Jarvis - Goal                      Scott Gall - No goal
                    Luke Galatiuk - No goal          Ryan Duret - No goal
                    Colby Harmsworth - No goal    Austin Calladine - Goal

                    The final intra-squad game of the day saw Team Black defeat Team Copper 7-4.  Hitmen 2010 first round bantam pick Greg Chase led the way with a hat trick for Team Black while Jamison Stoski had three assists in the loss for Team Copper.

                    Here is the scoring summary

                    Team Black 7 Team Copper 4 Final
                    1st Half
                    Team Black: Jake Jeske (penalty shot)
                    Team Black: Greg Chase (unassisted)
                    Team Copper: Logan Franz (Jamison Stoski, Hayden Goderis)
                    Team Black: Jade McMullen (Jake Jeske)

                    2nd Half
                    Team Black: Greg Chase 2 (Logan O'Connor)
                    Team Black: Clayton Lake (Matthew Saharchuk, Logan O'Connor)
                    Team Black: Jake Jeske 2 (penalty shot)
                    Team Copper: Tyler Coulter (Jamison Stoski, Aiden Saladana)
                    Team Black: Greg Chase 3 (unassisted)
                    Team Copper: Dane Sokol (Jamison Stoski, Chase Lang)
                    Team Copper: Hayden Goderis (Ben Thomas)

                    Goalies:
                    Team Black: Jacob Ruissen 2/3, Jeff Orser 10/13
                    Team Copper: Evan Johnson 17/20, Justin Holder 16/20

                    There are four more rookie camp intra-squad games scheduled for tomorrow starting at 8:30 a.m. 
                    Main camp then opens at 5:15 p.m. with fitness testing.
                    All training camp sessions including the annual Hitmen Intra-Squad Game on August 31st are free and open to the public. 
                    Rosters are available at the arena.