Monday 29 April 2013

Dramatic Hitmen comeback forces Game 7

The Calgary Hitmen erased a 3-1 third period deficit to beat the Edmonton Oil Kings 4-3 in overtime Sunday evening forcing a Game 7 in the WHL's Eastern Conference Final.

Brooks Macek scored the tying goal at 7:56 into the third period before netting the game winner at 6:59 of overtime. 

Macek was asked after the game if the sudden death winner was the biggest of of his life.

"Well yeah you know I'd like to say that saved my career from ending tonight," smiled the 20-year-old from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Brady Brassart started the Hitmen comeback scoring just seven seconds into the third period while Spencer Humphries also hit the score sheet for Calgary.

Ashton Sautner, Curtis Lazar and Stephane Legault replied for Edmonton who out shot Calgary 39-36.

Chris Driedger was unreal in the Calgary net making several dazzling saves including breakaway stops on Michael St. Croix and David Musil.

Game 7 is set for Tuesday night at Rexall Place in the provincial capital.

                                       Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen


Edmonton Oil Kings 3 at Calgary Hitmen 4 (OT)
Sunday, April 28, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Edmonton 2 1 0 0 - 3
Calgary 0 1 2 1 - 4

1st Period
1, Edmonton, Sautner 3 (Kulda, St. Croix), 13:27.
2, Edmonton, Lazar 8 (Legault, Lowe), 17:04.
Penalties-Roach Cal (holding), 10:11; Moroz Edm (roughing), 20:00; Chase Cal (roughing), 20:00.

2nd Period
3, Calgary, Humphries 2 4:47.
4, Edmonton, Legault 6 (Ewanyk, Wruck), 15:47.
Penalties-Musil Edm (roughing), 3:59; Chase Cal (roughing), 3:59; Kulda Edm (cross checking), 7:22; Chase Cal (interference), 17:58; Lazar Edm (hooking), 18:10; Samuelsson Edm (slashing), 18:25.

3rd Period
5, Calgary, Brassart 9 (Sylvester), 0:07 (PP).
6, Calgary, Macek 5 (Sylvester, Humphries), 7:56 (PP).
Penalties-Peterson Cal (high sticking), 1:46; Ewanyk Edm (elbowing), 7:23; Brooks Cal (tripping), 8:53; Peterson Cal (boarding), 14:48.

OT Period
7, Calgary, Macek 6 (Chase, Rask), 6:59.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Edmonton 10-14-9-6-39. Calgary 7-13-9-7-36.
Power Play Opportunities-Edmonton 0 / 5; Calgary 2 / 4.
Goalies-Edmonton, Brossoit 11-1-3-0 (36 shots-32 saves). Calgary, Driedger 11-3-2-0 (39 shots-36 saves).
A-8,687
Referees-Brett Montsion (54), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Michael Roberts (87), Chris Carlson (92).

Sunday 28 April 2013

Game 6 Preview: Oil Kings at Hitmen

The Calgary Hitmen face elimination today for the first time in the 2013 WHL Playoffs as they host the Edmonton Oil Kings at 4 o'clock this afternoon in Scotiabank Saddledome.  Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan begins at 3pm with a 60 minute pre-game show.

The Oil Kings lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final 3-2 and can book their second ticket to the WHL Championship Series in as many years with a victory today.  The Hitmen are hoping to push the series back to the provincial capital for Game 7 on Tuesday night.

Here are some numbers to ponder heading into Game 6:

-The Hitmen are 7-1 on home ice during the 2013 post season, including a 1-1 mark against Edmonton.

-Edmonton has so far out scored the Hitmen 22-12 in the series while out shooting Calgary by a combined 198-125.

-Through five games both teams have combined for 61 powerplays.  Calgary is 5-25 (20%) with the extra attacker while Edmonton is 8-36 (22.2%).

-Martin Gernat (4g 3a) and Michael St. Croix (2g 5a) lead all Oil Kings with seven points in the series while Brooks Macek (2g 2a) tops the Hitmen with four.

- The Oil Kings have owned the first period in the series outscoring Calgary by a combined 10-2 in the opening 20 minutes.

                                        Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen
   

Oil Kings take first series lead with Game 5 win

The Edmonton Oil Kings scored twice 44 seconds apart late in the first period to turn a 1-0 lead into a 3-0 advantage and never looked back en route to a 5-1 win over the Calgary Hitmen Friday night at Rexall Place.

The victory gives Edmonton a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final.

Five different Oil Kings scored goal while Stephane Legault and Dylan Wruck chipped in a pair of assists.

Brooks Macek had the lone marker for Calgary who was out shot 40-29.

The series resumes Sunday in Calgary with a 4 o'clock start at Scotiabank Saddledome.

                                                            Photo Credit: John Ulan


Calgary Hitmen 1 at Edmonton Oil Kings 5
Friday, April 26, 2013 - Rexall Place - Edmonton, AB

Calgary 0 0 1 - 1
Edmonton 3 0 2 - 5

1st Period
1, Edmonton, Gernat 6 (Wruck, Cheek), 7:38.
2, Edmonton, Samuelsson 9 (Legault), 18:13.
3, Edmonton, Ewanyk 5 (Sautner, Wruck), 18:57. Penalties-Brassart Cal (cross checking), 13:37; Chase Cal (slashing), 20:00.

2nd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Zgraggen Cal (tripping), 4:46; Thrower Cal (major-fighting), 13:18; Samuelsson Edm (instigator, major-fighting, 10-minute misconduct), 13:18; Brassart Cal (slashing), 14:40.

3rd Period
4, Edmonton, St. Croix 8 (Kulda), 13:27.
5, Calgary, Macek 4 (Rask, Humphries), 15:04 (PP).
6, Edmonton, Lazar 7 (Legault), 15:43 (EN).
Penalties-Moroz Edm (cross checking), 7:02; Rissling Cal (roughing), 13:46; Samuelsson Edm (slashing), 13:46; Musil Edm (hooking), 14:34; Mayor Cal (slashing), 16:52; Peterson Cal (slashing), 18:06; Thrower Cal (cross checking), 20:00.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 10-4-15-29. Edmonton 17-14-9-40.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 1 / 3; Edmonton 0 / 6.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 10-3-2-0 (39 shots-35 saves). Edmonton, Brossoit 11-1-2-0 (29 shots-28 saves).
A-11,088
Referees-Sean Raphael (28), Nathan Wieler (18).
Linesmen-Cody Huseby (88), Cory Lundquist (128).

Thursday 25 April 2013

Oil Kings turn Eastern Conference Final into a best of three

The defending WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings scored four goals exactly nine minutes apart early in Game 4 and never looked back in a 7-3 win over the Calgary Hitmen Wednesday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Eastern Conference Final is now tied 2-2 heading to Edmonton for Game 5 on Friday.

Michael St. Croix led the Oil Kings attack with four points (1g 3a) while TJ Foster had a pair of goals and an assist.

                                          Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Edmonton Oil Kings 7 at Calgary Hitmen 3
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Edmonton 5 1 1 - 7
Calgary 1 2 0 - 3

1st Period
1, Edmonton, Foster 2 (St. Croix), 1:15.
2, Edmonton, Foster 3 (Gernat, St. Croix), 2:10 (PP).
3, Edmonton, Gernat 5 (Legault, Samuelsson), 5:33.
4, Edmonton, Sautner 2 (Cheek, St. Croix), 10:15.
5, Calgary, Brooks 3 (Chase, Rissling), 12:16 (PP).
6, Edmonton, Ewanyk 4 (Moroz, Mayo), 18:09. Penalties-Humphries Cal (slashing), 1:55; Harmsworth Cal (interference), 1:58; Roach Cal (holding), 6:33; Lazar Edm (interference), 10:35; Lowe Edm (cross checking), 12:16; Samuelsson Edm (roughing), 12:16.

2nd Period
7, Calgary, Macek 3 7:56 (Penalty shot).
8, Edmonton, Wruck 1 (Musil), 10:53.
9, Calgary, Peterson 5 (Padakin, Rissling), 13:45.
Penalties-Mayo Edm (interference), 1:17; Gernat Edm (cross checking), 11:26; Jones Cal (tripping), 18:09.

3rd Period
10, Edmonton, St. Croix 7 (Foster), 1:30.
Penalties-Zgraggen Cal (hooking), 6:30; Shmoorkoff Edm (hooking), 9:25; Lazar Edm (tripping), 15:20; Musil Edm (tripping), 16:13; Samuelsson Edm (10-minute misconduct), 16:13; Mayor Cal (charging), 17:42.

Shots on Goal-Edmonton 18-12-9-39. Calgary 11-10-4-25.
Power Play Opportunities-Edmonton 1 / 6; Calgary 1 / 7.
Goalies-Edmonton, Brossoit 10-1-2-0 (25 shots-22 saves). Calgary, Driedger 10-2-2-0 (17 shots-12 saves); Shields 0-0-0-0 (22 shots-20 saves).
A-8,386
Referees-Brett Iverson (24), Brett Montsion (54).
Linesmen-Gary Roberts, Scott Sharun (103).

Calgary takes series lead with Game 3 win

The Calgary Hitmen did all their damage in the second period scoring five times en-route to a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oil Kings Tuesday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

The victory gives the Hitmen a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final.

Twelve different Hitmen had points with the goals coming from five different players; Greg Chase, Brady Brassart, Elliott Peterson, Calder Brooks and Victor Rask.

The scoring explosion in the middle frame chased Oil Kings starting goaltender Laurent Brossoit.

Trevor Cheek in the first period and Cutis Lazar in the third scored for Edmonton.

                                       Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen


Edmonton Oil Kings 2 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Edmonton 1 0 1 - 2
Calgary 0 5 0 - 5

1st Period
1, Edmonton, Cheek 8 (Foster, Reinhart), 6:29 (PP).
Penalties-Lowe Edm (slashing), 0:36; Brooks Cal (slashing), 4:54; Moroz Edm (slashing), 7:06; Brooks Cal (high sticking), 12:12.

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Chase 3 (Sylvester, Brassart), 0:24.
3, Calgary, Brassart 8 (Roach, Macek), 8:11 (PP).
4, Calgary, Peterson 4 (Brooks, Padakin), 8:51.
5, Calgary, Brooks 2 (Jones, Humphries), 12:46 (PP).
6, Calgary, Rask 6 (Zgraggen, Kosterman), 13:15.
Penalties-St. Croix Edm (tripping), 4:16; Lowe Edm (roughing), 6:12; Musil Edm (roughing), 6:12; Sylvester Cal (roughing), 6:12; Ewanyk Edm (roughing), 11:18; Brooks Cal (high sticking), 13:24; Foster Edm (slashing), 19:51.

3rd Period
7, Edmonton, Lazar 6 (Samuelsson), 7:28 (PP).
Penalties-Lazar Edm (high sticking), 4:23; Brooks Cal (hooking), 6:44; Ewanyk Edm (cross checking), 15:55; Rask Cal (slashing), 16:13.

Shots on Goal-Edmonton 6-15-13-34. Calgary 13-14-2-29.
Power Play Opportunities-Edmonton 2 / 5; Calgary 2 / 8.
Goalies-Edmonton, Brossoit 10-1-2-0 (26 shots-21 saves); Jarry 0-0-0-0 (3 shots-3 saves). Calgary, Driedger 10-2-2-0 (34 shots-32 saves).
A-8,416
Referees-Matt Kirk (4), Devin Klein (9).
Linesmen-Chris Carlson (92), Cody Huseby (88).

Monday 22 April 2013

Hitmen forward Jake Virtanen suspended

Calgary Hitmen forward Jake Virtanen has been suspended by the Western Hockey League following a five minute major for kneeing in Game 2 against the Oil Kings.

Virtanen was ejected from Friday night contest following a collision with Oil Kings defenceman Cody Corbett just inside the Hitmen blue line.

The length of Virtanen's suspension has yet to be determined, but he will not be in the line-up Tuesday night when the series resumes in Calgary with Game 3 at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Oil Kings powerplay helps even series with Hitmen

The Edmonton Oil Kings spent the better part of Game 2 on the powerplay and despite an 0-9 start with the extra attacker, the defending WHL Champions scored four times with the man advantage in a 6-0 win at Rexall Place Friday night.

The best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final is now even at a win a piece.

Martin Gernat scored twice for Edmonton who took a 1-0 lead to the third period while Henrik Samuelsson, Ashton Sauntner, Curtis Lazar and Trevor Cheek added singles.

The Hitmen spent far too much time in the penalty box, shorthanded 14 times, while going 0-4 on the powerplay themselves.

"Obviously our team was undisciplined tonight," said Hitmen defenceman Spencer Humphries in the post game media scrum.  "They've got a good powerplay so we can't be doing that.

In the end all the Edmonton extra attacker time was reflective on the shot clock with the Oil Kings out shooting the Hitmen 50-23.

                                                          Photo Credit: Andy Devlin

Calgary Hitmen 0 at Edmonton Oil Kings 6
Friday, April 19, 2013 - Rexall Place - Edmonton, AB

Calgary 0 0 0 - 0
Edmonton 1 0 5 - 6

1st Period
1, Edmonton, Samuelsson 8 (Gernat, Lazar), 6:13.
Penalties-Kosterman Cal (holding), 2:39; Roach Cal (roughing), 6:28; Reinhart Edm (roughing), 6:28; Brooks Cal (tripping), 10:12; Brassart Cal (slashing), 11:44; Legault Edm (roughing), 13:55; Sylvester Cal (roughing), 14:39; Corbett Edm (slashing), 14:39; Reinhart Edm (roughing), 14:39; Zgraggen Cal (elbowing), 17:31; Zgraggen Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 19:34; Lazar Edm (interference), 19:34; Samuelsson Edm (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 19:34; Rask Cal (slashing), 20:00.

2nd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Macek Cal (slashing), 0:22; Brooks Cal (tripping), 2:12; Virtanen Cal (major-kneeing, game misconduct), 5:43; Macek Cal (slashing), 13:16; Reinhart Edm (high sticking), 20:00.

3rd Period
2, Edmonton, Gernat 3 (Wruck, Samuelsson), 8:55 (PP).
3, Edmonton, Gernat 4 (Foster, St. Croix), 14:32 (PP).
4, Edmonton, Lazar 5 (Lowe, Reinhart), 14:58 (PP).
5, Edmonton, Sautner 1 (Kulda, Gernat), 18:36 (PP).
6, Edmonton, Cheek 7 (Kulda), 19:50.
Penalties-Rask Cal (holding), 4:11; Samuelsson Edm (embellishment), 4:11; Humphries Cal (slashing), 8:14; Humphries Cal (roughing, roughing), 12:54; Moroz Edm (roughing), 12:54; Clayton Cal (slashing, 10-minute misconduct), 13:25; Zgraggen Cal (slashing, roughing), 14:10; Rissling Cal (slashing, roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 14:32; Kosterman Cal (10-minute misconduct), 17:02; Padakin Cal (checking from behind), 17:02; Ewanyk Edm (checking to the head), 17:02; Moroz Edm (slashing, roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 17:02; Humphries Cal (roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 17:49; Lowe Edm (roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 17:49; Peterson Cal (high sticking), 18:55.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 9-7-7-23. Edmonton 9-17-24-50.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 4; Edmonton 4 / 14.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 9-1-2-0 (44 shots-40 saves); Shields 0-0-0-0 (6 shots-4 saves). Edmonton, Brossoit 9-0-2-0 (23 shots-23 saves).
A-9,447
Referees-Jeff Ingram (82), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Cory Lundquist (128), Scott Sharun (103).

Friday 19 April 2013

Game 2 Preview: Hitmen at Oil Kings

One night after the Calgary Hitmen and Edmonton Oil Kings needed overtime to determine a winner what will they do for an encore?  Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Final goes tonight at Rexall Place with the Hitmen leading the best-of seven series 1-0 after that 3-2 victory in the opener.

It's an internet broadcast only on Sportsnet 960 The Fan beginning at 7pm. You can listen here: http://player.rogersradio.ca/cfac-alt/on_air

There's no question tonight's game is just as big for Calgary. Coming into a series the mindset of every team starting on the road is to earn a split but the Hitmen now have a chance to take both games at Rexall Place before the series shifts back to Scotiabank Saddledome for Games 3 and 4 Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

The Hitmen held an optional skate this morning while none of the Oil Kings took to the ice.

                                                    Photo Credit:  Andy Devlin


PLAYOFF TRENDS:  After opening the scoring last night in Edmonton the Hitmen have now scored the games first goal in 10 of their 11 playoff games....All five Hitmen road games in the 2013 post season have gone to overtime.

DIVERSE ATTACK:  Calgary's last 12 goals have been scored by 11 different players (Jones 2, Brassart, Rask, Peterson, Humphries, Brooks, Chase, Sylvester, Macek, Virtanen, Kosterman).

STREAKIN': Dating back to the regular season Victor Rask is riding a 17 game point streak (7g 17a 24pts).  Brooks Macek (1g 4a) has points in five straight playoff games.  Zane Jones (2g 2a) and Spencer Humphries (1g 2a) are both on three game point streaks.  Chris Driedger has given up two goals or less in eight straight games.

OVERTIME TRACKER:  Even though the Hitmen have been to overtime a franchise record six times this post season they've only played a combined 28 minutes of extra time.

LEADER OF THE PACK:  Brooks Macek tops all Hitmen with 32 career playoffs points (12g 20a) in 48 games.  He had an assist in Game 1 last night.

ROAD SUCCESS:  Including the regular season Calgary is now 4-0 at Rexall Place in Edmonton this season.

FRANCHISE PLAYOFF RECORD: Not including their two trips to the MasterCard Memorial Cup, Calgary has a lifetime playoff record of 118-80. The Hitmen have competed in 36 series prior to this one and have won 24 and lost 12. Calgary is 22-16 in post season overtime games.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:  Hitmen defenceman Alex Roach celebrates his 20th birthday today. 

TOP PLAYOFF SCORERS:
Calgary
Victor Rask 5g 9a 14pts
Cody Sylvester 4g 5a 9pts
Brooks Macek 2g 7a 9pts
Brady Brassart 7g 0a 7pts
Greg Chase 2g 5a 7pts

Edmonton
Michael St. Croix 6g 7a 13pts
Stephane Legault 5g 8a 13pts
Henrik Samuelsson 7g 5a 12pts
Trevor Cheek 6g 5a 11pts

Hitmen produce overtime win over Edmonton in Game 1

Brady Brassart scored at 1:44 of overtime lifting the Calgary Hitmen to a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings Thursday night in Game 1 of the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Final at Rexall Place.

Brassart's winner, his seventh goal of the post season, came after Curtis Lazar hit the crossbar for Edmonton on the first shift of sudden death.

"You know all night Driedger was amazing and it feels good to get that one for him because he stood on his head and battled so hard for us," said Brassart.

Chris Driedger earned second star honours following a 33 save performance as Edmonton out shot Calgary 35-19.

The Oil Kings forced the extra session when Henrik Samuelsson netted a powerplay goal with just under seven minutes remaining in regulation time.

Trevor Cheek also scored for the Oil Kings who fell behind 2-0 on home ice.

Victor Rask opened the scoring for the visitors just 1:25 into the opening period on Calgary's first shot on goal.  Zane Jones then extended the Hitmen lead to a pair of goals tipping home a point shot from Spencer Humphries on a second period powerplay. 

Jake Virtanen had a pair of assists for the Hitmen while Jesse Zgraggen was a team leading +2.

Game 2 goes Friday at 7:00 p.m. also in Edmonton.

                                                     Photo Credit: Andy Devlin

Calgary Hitmen 3 at Edmonton Oil Kings 2 OT
Thursday, April 18, 2013 - Rexall Place - Edmonton, AB

Calgary 1 1 0 1 - 3
Edmonton 0 1 1 0 - 2

1st Period
1, Calgary, Rask 5 (Macek, Roach), 1:25.
Penalties-Virtanen Cal (roughing), 7:03; Chase Cal (roughing), 18:55; Kosterman Cal (cross checking), 18:55; Rissling Cal (roughing), 18:55; Ewanyk Edm (roughing), 18:55; Moroz Edm (roughing), 18:55.

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Jones 2 (Humphries, Virtanen), 3:32 (PP).
3, Edmonton, Cheek 6 (St. Croix, Wruck), 13:42.
Penalties-Lowe Edm (roughing), 3:15; Roach Cal (delay of game), 7:37; Humphries Cal (hooking), 14:48; Gernat Edm (roughing), 18:40; Chase Cal (hooking), 18:58.

3rd Period
4, Edmonton, Samuelsson 7 (Wruck, Moroz), 13:05 (PP).
Penalties-Corbett Edm (holding), 0:31; Lazar Edm (hooking), 7:58; Chase Cal (tripping), 11:59.

OT Period
5, Calgary, Brassart 7 (Virtanen), 1:44.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Calgary 3-9-5-2-19. Edmonton 10-17-6-2-35.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 1 / 3; Edmonton 1 / 5.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 9-0-2-0 (35 shots-33 saves). Edmonton, Brossoit 8-0-2-0 (19 shots-16 saves).
A-6,337
Referees-Adam Byblow (23), Reagan Vetter (39).
Linesmen-Chris Carlson (92), Darren Spurgeon (61).

Thursday 18 April 2013

Game 1 Preview: Hitmen at Oil Kings

The Western Hockey League march to the Ed Chynoweth Cup continues tonight as the Calgary Hitmen visit the Edmonton Oil Kings in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final.

Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Rexall Place. Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan begins at six o'clock with a 60 minute pre-game show.


REGULAR SEASON REFLECTION: The Hitmen entered the post season as the #3 seed in the Eastern Conference having compiled a regular season record of 46-21-1-4, good for 97 points. The Oil Kings were the #1 seed posting a record of 51-15-2-4 en-route to a 108 point campaign.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Calgary beat the Swift Current Broncos in five games to win their opening round series with three of the games decided in overtime.  The Hitmen followed that with a five game series win over Red Deer with two games decided in OT.  Edmonton beat Kootenay in five games to capture their first round match before sweeping Medicine Hat in four games.

ROLLING INTO ROUND THREE: Dating back to the regular season both clubs are playing well. Calgary has won 14 of their last 17 games. Edmonton is 16-1-0-1 in their last 18 games holding their opponent to two goals or less in 15 of those wins.

REGULAR SEASON TOP SCORERS:
Calgary
Cody Sylvester 41g 49a 90pts
Brooks Macek 32g 48a 80pts
Brady Brassart 35g 43a 78pts
*Ten Hitmen finished with 14 goals or more

Edmonton
Michael St. Croix 37g 55a 92pts
Dylan Wruck 22g 63a 85pts
Henrik Samuelsson 33g 47a 80pts
*Nine Oil Kings finished with 12 goals or more

There are a combined 15 players in the series that have either been drafted or signed by NHL teams. The Hitmen have five:
Calgary
Chris Driedger -3rd round (76th overall) - Ottawa Senators - 2012 NHL Entry Draft
Kenton Helgesen -7th round (187th overall) - Anaheim Ducks - 2012 NHL Entry Draft
Jaynen Rissling - 7th round (197th overall) - Washington Capitals - 2012 NHL Entry Draft
Alex Roach (Signed a three-year entry-level contract with Los Angeles Kings on September 26, 2011 following an invite to training camp)
Victor Rask (Drafted in the 2nd round (42nd overall 2011) by Carolina and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Hurricanes on October 20, 20111

Edmonton
Griffin Reinhart (Drafted in the first round (4th overall 2012)) by New York and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders on August 2nd, 2012
Henrik Samuelsson (Drafted in the first round (27th overall 2012) by Phoenix and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Coyotes on March 11, 2013
Mitchell Moroz (Drafted in the second round (30th overall) -Edmonton Oilers - 2012 NHL Entry Draft
David Musil (Drafted in the second round (31st overall 2011) by Edmonton and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers on June 30, 2012
Travis Ewanyk (Drafted in the third round (48th overall 2011) by Edmonton and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers on March 22, 2013
Keegan Lowe (Drafted in the third round (73rd overall 2011) by Carolina and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Hurricanes on March 13, 2013)
Michael St. Croix (Drafted in the fourth round (106th overall 2011)) by New York and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Rangers on September 14, 2012)
Martin Gernat Drafted in the fifth round (122nd overall) - Edmonton Oilers - 2011 NHL Entry Draft
Laurent Brossoit (Drafted in the sixth round (164th overall 2011) by Calgary and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Flames on April 4, 2013)
Trevor Cheek (Signed as a free agent by the Colorado Avalanche to a three-year entry-level contract on April 1, 2013

NHL DRAFT RADAR: Both teams had players ranked by NHL Central Scouting in the Mid-Term rankings as potential picks for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

NORTH AMERICAN SKATERS:
#26 Curtis Lazar - Edmonton Oil Kings
#94 Greg Chase - Calgary Hitmen

NORTH AMERICAN GOALIES
#3 Tristan Jarry - Edmonton Oil Kings
#28 Mack Shields - Calgary Hitmen

HOME AND AWAY: Calgary is 2-2 on the road during the 2013 playoffs with all four games decided in overtime.  The Hitmen were 24-11-0-1 in enemy rinks during the regular season.  Edmonton is 4-1 on home ice in the post season having outscored their opponents by a combined 20-4.  The Oil Kings were 26-6-1-3 at Rexall Place in the regular season.

AWAY FROM THE 'DOME:  This series marks the first time since the 2007 Eastern Conference Final against Medicine Hat that the Hitmen have not had home ice advantage in a playoff series.  Calgary last opened a series on the road in 2008 when due to building availability they had to play the first two games of their Eastern Conference Semi-Final against the Broncos in Swift Current.

WHL AWARD FINALISTS:  Calgary's Cody Sylvester is up against Mitch Topping of the Tri-City Americans for the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy as Humanitarian of the Year.  Edmonton's Dylan Wruck is the Eastern Conference nominee for the Brad Hornung Trophy as Most Sportsmanlike Player.  His competition is Zach Franko of the Kelowna Rockets.  Oil Kings General Manger Bob Green is up against Kelowna Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton for the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy as Executive of the Year.  Award winners will be announced on May 1st.

TOP PLAYOFF SCORERS:
Calgary
Victor Rask 4g 9a 13pts
Cody Sylvester 4g 5a 9pts
Brooks Macek 2g 6a 8pts
Greg Chase 2g 5a 7pts

Edmonton
Stephane Legault 5g 8a 13pts
Michael St. Croix 6g 6a 12pts
Henrik Samuelsson 6g 5a 11pts
Trevor Cheek 5g 5a 10pts

SPECIAL TEAMS STATS:  Calgary's powerplay is 6-40 (15%) in the playoffs while the penalty kill has gone 33-41 (80.5%).  Edmonton's powerplay is 10-37 (27%) while the penalty kill is 45-47 (95.7%).

And in case you missed it on the radio, Sportsnet960 The Fan (Well done Boomer and Walks!) has put together a musical piece to get you ready for the Hitmen and Oil Kings.  Find it here called "The Hitmen Song"  http://www.sportsnet.ca/960/on-demand/

Monday 15 April 2013

Dates for Calgary/Edmonton Eastern Conference Final

The Calgary Hitmen have a date with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League's Eastern Conference Final.  Edmonton finished the regular season with a record of 51-15-2-4 to lead the conference with 104 points.  Calgary went 46-21-1-4, finishing with the second most points at 97.

The Oil Kings beat Kootenay in five games in the opening round of the playoffs before sweeping Medicine Hat in four games.

The Hitmen eliminated Swift Current in five games in the first round followed by a five game series win over Red Deer.

Here is a recap of their regular season series:

Calgary went 4-2 against the Oil Kings while Edmonton was 2-2-1-1 against the Hitmen.

-Sept. 28/12 in EDM: Hitmen 4 Oil Kings 1.  Four different Hitmen scored goals, while Chris Driedger made 34 saves.
-Oct. 7/12 in CAL: Hitmen 6 Oil Kings 5 OT.  Alex Roach had two goals and an assist, while Spencer Humphries tallied the overtime winner.
-Oct. 12/12 in EDM: Hitmen 5 Oil Kings 4 Shootout.  Brooks Macek (2g) and Brady Brassart (2a) had two points each while Greg Chase scored the shootout winner.
-Dec. 7/12 in EDM: Hitmen 5 Oil Kings 2.  Zane Jones scored a pair of third period goals to break a 2-2 tie.
-Dec.8/12 in CAL: Oil Kings 4 Hitmen 2.  Edmonton jumped out to a 3-0 lead.  Griffin Reinhart led the way with 1g 2a.
-Dec.18/13 in CAL: Oil Kings 4 Hitmen 1.  Henrik Samuelsson had 2g 1a as Edmonton held the Hitmen to just 17 shots.
                                                                 INSIDE THE SERIES
Shots on Goal: CAL 178  EDM 203   Power Plays: CAL 2-27 (7.4%) EDM 10-21 (47.6%)  

                                        Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Here is their upcoming series schedule:

Round 3
Date
Time (MT)
Venue
Game 1
Thursday, April 18
7:00 p.m.
Rexall Place, Edmonton
Game 2
Friday, April 19
7:00 p.m.
Rexall Place, Edmonton
Game 3
Tuesday, April 23
7:00 p.m.
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Game 4
Wednesday, April 24
7:00 p.m.
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Game 5*
Friday, April 26
7:00 p.m.
Rexall Place, Edmonton
Game 6*
Sunday, April 28
4:00 p.m.
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Game 7*
Tuesday, April 30
7:00 p.m.
Rexall Place, Edmonton

Friday 12 April 2013

Hitmen advance to Eastern Conference Final

The Calgary Hitmen booked their ticket to the Western Hockey League's final four Thursday night with a 5-1 win over Red Deer at Scotiabank Saddledome to capture their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semi-Final with the Rebels in five games.



The Hitmen opened the scoring for the fifth time in the series when Greg Chase tallied his second of the post season just under three minutes into the first period.  But the lead didn't last long as Calgary Flames prospect Turner Elson pulled the Rebels even just 61 seconds later.

Zanes Jones restored the Calgary advantage tipping a Brooks Macek shot into the top corner to send the Hitmen to the intermission break ahead 2-1.

In the second period, Calder Brooks added an insurance marker striking on the powerplay when he banged home a centering pass while fending off a Rebels defender.

It stayed that way until late in the third period when Red Deer, on a powerplay, elected to pull goaltender Patrik Bartosak for an extra skater but Spencer Humphries and Elliot Peterson scored back-to-back empty net shorthanded goals to seal the game and clinch the series.

Calgary will now face the defending WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings in the Eastern Conference Final which begins Thursday, April 18th at Rexall Place.

Red Deer Rebels 1 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Thursday, April 11, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Red Deer 1 0 0 - 1
Calgary 2 1 2 - 5

1st Period
1, Calgary, Chase 2 (Clayton, Kosterman), 2:32.
2, Red Deer, Elson 5 (Maxwell, Gaudet), 3:33.
3, Calgary, Jones 1 (Macek, Rask), 10:37.
Penalties-Zgraggen Cal (interference), 8:02; Dumba R.d (hooking), 14:20; Fafard R.d (slashing), 15:41; Chase Cal (high sticking), 19:53.

2nd Period
4, Calgary, Brooks 1 (Chase, Jones), 4:32 (PP).
Penalties-Musil R.d (high sticking), 2:51; Bellerive R.d (tripping), 7:04; Dumba R.d (roughing), 17:54; Jones Cal (hooking), 18:27; Elson R.d (high sticking), 18:39.

3rd Period
5, Calgary, Humphries 1 (Rask), 17:58 (SH EN).
6, Calgary, Peterson 3 (Clayton), 18:40 (SH EN).
Penalties-Fafard R.d (interference), 4:32; Gaudet R.d (high sticking), 6:32; Virtanen Cal (tripping), 17:30.

Shots on Goal-Red Deer 7-2-8-17. Calgary 11-8-15-34.
Power Play Opportunities-Red Deer 0 / 3; Calgary 1 / 8.
Goalies-Red Deer, Bartosak 5-3-1-0 (32 shots-29 saves). Calgary, Driedger 8-0-2-0 (17 shots-16 saves).
A-6,416
Referees-Nathan Wieler (18), Steve Papp (17).
Linesmen-Sean Donnelly (109), Cory Lundquist (128).

Wednesday 10 April 2013

Hitmen take a 3-1 series lead over Red Deer with OT win

Captain Cody Sylvester scored at 5:10 of overtime lifting the Calgary Hitmen to a 3-2 win over the Red Deer Rebels Tuesday night at the Enmax Centrium.

The win gives the Hitmen a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semi-Final series.

Sylvester pounced on a rebound off a Spencer Humphries shot and beat Rebels goalie Patrik Batosak on the stick side lifting the visitors to victory.

Calgary owned the first period out shooting Red Deer 16-9 getting goals from Jake Virtanen and Brooks Macek to take a 2-0 lead.

The Rebels controlled the second period out shooting Calgary 18-4 pulling even on goals from Dominik Volek and Connor Bleackley.

Both Bartosak and Hitmen goaltender Chris Driedger played a perfect this period setting the stage for Sylvester's heroics in sudden death.

On the night, Red Deer out shot the Hitmen 39-31 with Driedger making 37 saves to record the win.

The series now shifts back to Calgary for Game 5 on Thursday night.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.


Calgary Hitmen 3 at Red Deer Rebels 2 OT
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - Enmax Centrium - Red Deer, AB

Calgary 2 0 0 1 - 3
Red Deer 0 2 0 0 - 2

1st Period
1, Calgary, Virtanen 2 (Chase, Rissling), 7:17 (PP).
2, Calgary, Macek 2 (Peterson, Rask), 13:00.
Penalties-Dumba R.d (delay of game), 5:58; Gaudet R.d (slashing), 9:36; Elson R.d (holding), 13:31.

2nd Period
3, Red Deer, Volek 2 (Fleury, Maxwell), 2:32 (PP).
4, Red Deer, Bleackley 2 (Maxwell, Volek), 5:19 (PP).
Penalties-Sylvester Cal (boarding), 1:55; Maxwell R.d (delay of game), 2:59; Macek Cal (hooking), 4:49; Rask Cal (slashing), 5:55; Thiel R.d (slashing), 8:46; Virtanen Cal (hooking), 10:19; R.d (too many men), 19:14.

3rd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Dumba R.d (hooking), 3:45; Brassart Cal (cross checking), 9:22.

OT Period
5, Calgary, Sylvester 4 (Humphries, Virtanen), 5:10.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Calgary 16-4-7-4-31. Red Deer 9-18-10-2-39.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 1 / 7; Red Deer 2 / 5.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 7-0-2-0 (39 shots-37 saves). Red Deer, Bartosak 5-2-1-0 (31 shots-28 saves).
A-5,633
Referees-Adam Byblow (23), Chris Crich (20).
Linesmen-Michael Roberts (87), Cody Huseby (88).

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Game 4 Preview: Hitmen at Rebels

The Calgary Hitmen are in Red Deer tonight to face the Rebels in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Semi Final. The Hitmen lead in the best-of-seven series has been reduced to 2-1 after Red Deer produced an overtime win last night. Game time tonight is 7:00 p.m. at the Enmax Centrium.  Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan starts at six o'clock with a 60 minute pre-game show.  Guests include Hitmen head coach Mike Williamson, defenceman Peter Kosterman and forward Chase Lang.  We'll also be joined by Rebels associate coach Jeff Truitt.

                                         Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

SERIES TRENDS: The home team has won all three games....Calgary has opened the scoring in all three games.

DID YOU KNOW?  All three Hitmen road games in the 2013 playoffs have been decided in overtime.

SHOTS AND GOALS BY PERIOD IN THE SERIES:
Calgary
1st Period:40-3
2nd Period:37-4
3rd Period:33-0
Overtime:4-0
Total:114 shots 7 goals

Red Deer
1st Period:30-2
2nd Period:30-1
3rd Period:38-1
Overtime:6-1
Total: 104 shots 5 goals

SPECIAL TEAMS:  The special teams battle is even through three games.  Although Calgary is 2-12 on the powerplay (16.7%) they have also surrendered a shorthanded goal while Red Deer is 1-12 with the man advantage (8.3%)

SERIES BATTLE OF THE CREASE: Calgary's Chris Driedger is 2-1 with a 1.61GAA and a .952 save percentage.  Red Deer's Patrik Bartosak is 1-2 with a 2.28GAA and a .939 save percentage.

STREAKIN': Dating back to the regular season Victor Rask is riding a 14 game point streak (6g 14a 20pts).  Brooks Macek (2a) has points in back-to-back games.

TIGHT DEFENCE:  Thanks to the stellar goaltending of Chris Driedger and strong play in front of him the Hitmen have held their opponents to two goals or less in the last five games.  Driedger leads all goalies in the 2013 playoffs with 262 saves.

POST SEASON RECORDS:  Calgary is 1-2 on the road with both losses in overtime while Red Deer is 3-0 at home.

SERIES TOP SCORERS:
Calgary
Brad Brassart 3g 0a 3pts
Victor Rask 1g 2a 3pts
Cody Sylvester 0g 3a 3pts

Red Deer
Rhyse Dieno 0g 2a 2pts
10 other Rebels have one point each

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING:  Cody Sylvester's 45 career playoff games has him tied for 19th in the Hitmen record books with Matt Mackenzie and Riley Merkley.  Michael Stone tops the list with 72.  Sylvester's 13 goals is 13th all time.

GAME 5 IN CALGARY:  The Rebels win last night means there will be a Game 5 at Scotiabank Saddledome on Thursday.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. with tickets on sale now!  http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/11004A5CBF4A8DA6?artistid=833512&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=9&tm_link=artist_msg-0_11004A5CBF4A8DA6

Red Deer 2 Calgary 1 OT

Minnesota Wild propect Matt Dumba scored a powerplay goal 6:33 into overtime lifting the Red Deer Rebels to a 2-1 win over the Calgary Hitmen Monday night at the Enmax Centrium.

A Rhyse Dieno pass deflected off the skate of Hitmen forward Elliott Peterson to a wide open Dumba who fired a slapshot from just inside the blueline for the game winner.

The victory was Red Deer's first in the series with Calgary still leading the Eastern Conference Semi-Final 2-1.

Peter Kosterman opened the scoring for Calgary who had a strong start to the game, but the momentum swung around when Brooks Maxwell pulled the Rebels even scoring on a shorthanded breakaway.

Both goalies were brilliant as Chris Driedger made 42 saves in the Hitmen net while Patrik Bartosak had 37 saves in the Rebels goal.

Game 4 goes Tuesday night in Red Deer.

                                      Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Calgary Hitmen 1 at Red Deer Rebels 2 (OT)
Monday, April 8, 2013 - Enmax Centrium - Red Deer, AB

Calgary 1 0 0 0 - 1
Red Deer 1 0 0 1 - 2

1st Period
1, Calgary, Kosterman 1 (Macek, Rask), 7:05.
2, Red Deer, Maxwell 4 14:29 (SH).
Penalties-Sylvester Cal (high sticking), 0:38; Gaudet R.d (checking from behind), 0:38; Dumba R.d (high sticking), 9:41; Fafard R.d (tripping), 14:11.

2nd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Humphries Cal (checking from behind), 4:29.

3rd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Chase Cal (high sticking), 4:29.

OT Period
3, Red Deer, Dumba 2 (Dieno, Gaudet), 6:33 (PP).
Penalties-Humphries Cal (high sticking), 6:06; Humphries Cal (10-minute misconduct), 6:33.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 19-7-9-4-39. Red Deer 13-12-13-6-44.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 2; Red Deer 1 / 3.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 6-0-2-0 (44 shots-42 saves). Red Deer, Bartosak 5-2-0-0 (39 shots-38 saves).
A-4,819
Referees-Brett Montsion (54), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Chad Huseby (59), Cory Lundquist (128).

Monday 8 April 2013

Game 3 Preview: Hitmen at Rebels

After a two day break the scene has shifted from Calgary to Red Deer as the Hitmen visit the Rebels tonight in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Semi-Final. The Hitmen lead the best-of-seven series 2-0 following back-to-back wins at Scotiabank Saddledome by scores of 4-2 and 2-1.  Game time tonight is 7:00 p.m. at the Enmax Centrium.  Internet broadcast on sportsnet.ca/960 also begins at seven o'clock and can be heard by clicking here: http://player.rogersradio.ca/cfac-alt/on_air

                                        Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

SERIES TRENDS: Not only has Calgary opened the scoring in both games but they have yet to trail at any point in the series....Four of Calgary six goals have been scored in the second period....The Hitmen have taken a lead to the third period in both games.

SHOT CLOCK:  Calgary has only been out shot in two of the six periods.  Overall the Hitmen have out shot the Rebels by a combined 75-60.

SPREADING THE SCORING AROUND:  Nine different Hitmen have at least a single point in the series.  Brady Brassart and Cody Sylvester lead the way with three points each.  Eight different Rebels have a point, but no one has more than one.

STREAKIN':  Dating back to the regular season Victor Rask is riding a 13 game point streak (6g 13a 19pts).  Alex Roach (1g 1a) has points in back-to-back games.  Cody Sylvester (4a) and Jake Virtanen (1g 1a) both had their two game point streaks snapped in Game 2.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Calgary leads the special teams battle going a combined 2-10 on the powerplay (20.%) while Red Deer is 0-9 with the man advantage.

HOME AND AWAY:  Including the post season, Calgary is 25-11-1-1 on the road while Red Deer is 24-11-2-1 at home.

TOP PLAYOFF SCORERS
Calgary
Victor Rask 4g 5a 9pts
Cody Sylvester 3g 5a 8pts
Brady Brassart 6g 0a 6pts

Red Deer
Turner Elson 4g 4a 8pts
Rhyse Dieno 2g 5a 7pts
Brooks Maxwell 3g 1a 4pts

Sunday 7 April 2013

Knee injury costs Hitmen forward 4-6 weeks

The Calgary Hitmen have lost forward Pavlo Padakin for the next 4-6 weeks with a knee injury suffered in Game 2 Friday night against Red Deer.

Padakin was hit by Rebels forward Matt Bellerive and immediately crumpled to the ice with no penalty asssessed at the time.  In fact as with most apparent injuries played continued until the Hitmen gained possession of the puck. 

However immediately following the whistle the officials huddled for a lengthy conversation with Bellerive handed a five minute major for kneeing and an automatic game misconduct.


Bellerive has been suspended by the Western Hockey League for the hit although the length of his suspension has yet to be determined.

Padakin has had an outstanding rookie season for the Hitmen scoring 22 regular season goals while playing a key role on the penalty killing brigade. 

Either Chase Lang or Austin Calladine will now draw into the Hitmen lineup for Game 3 Monday night in Red Deer.  Both have yet to appear in a post season game.




Calgary 2 Red Deer 1

Victor Rask snapped a 1-1 tie on a partial breakaway with less than four minutes remaining in the second period lifting the Calgary Hitmen to a 2-1 win over the Red Deer Rebels Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

The win gives the Hitmen a 2-0 lead in  the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semi-Final series.

Elliott Peterson opened the scoring for Calgary pouncing on a dump in off the back boards just 47 seconds into the contest.

Jordan DePape pulled the Rebels even slamming home a loose puck late in the first period.

For the second game in a row Calgary outshot Red Deer, this time 42-30 as both goaltenders were named stars in the contest.  Rebels Patrik Bartosak was the second star for his 40 save performance while Hitmen Chris Driedger earned the third star nod for making 28 saves.

Hitmen forward Pavlo Padakin left the game in the second period with an apparent injury after Rebels forward Matt Bellerive was assessed a five minute major for kneeing and a game misconduct.

The series now shifts to Red Deer for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Tuesday night.

                                      Photo Credit: Brad Watson-Calgary Hitmen

Red Deer Rebels 1 at Calgary Hitmen 2
Friday, April 5, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Red Deer 1 0 0 - 1
Calgary 1 1 0 - 2

1st Period
1, Calgary, Peterson 2 (Macek), 0:47.
2, Red Deer, DePape 1 (Bellerive, Hamilton), 17:30.
Penalties-Rissling Cal (roughing), 3:37; DePape R.d (interference), 7:37; Mayor Cal (roughing), 9:21; Gaudet R.d (roughing), 12:06; Maxwell R.d (slashing), 12:37; Jones Cal (cross checking), 15:26; Maxwell R.d (roughing), 19:46; Virtanen Cal (roughing), 19:46.

2nd Period
3, Calgary, Rask 4 (Zgraggen, Roach), 16:43.
Penalties-Bellerive R.d (major-kneeing, game misconduct), 7:59; Brassart Cal (interference), 8:35; Thiel R.d (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 13:09; Chase Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 13:09; Gaudet R.d (holding), 13:59; Rissling Cal (roughing), 17:02.

3rd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Rissling Cal (cross checking), 5:29; Rask Cal (elbowing), 10:35.

Shots on Goal-Red Deer 9-9-12-30. Calgary 14-17-11-42.
Power Play Opportunities-Red Deer 0 / 6; Calgary 0 / 5.
Goalies-Red Deer, Bartosak 4-2-0-0 (42 shots-40 saves). Calgary, Driedger 6-0-1-0 (30 shots-29 saves).
A-7,481
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Matt Kirk (4).
Linesmen-Reid Anderson (53), Scott Sharun (103).

Friday 5 April 2013

Calgary 4 Red Deer 2

Brady Brassart scored his second career playoff hat trick while Cody Sylvester set up three goals to lead the Calgary Hitmen to a 4-2 win over the Red Deer Rebels in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semi-Final.

Alex Roach also scored for the Hitmen who built period leads of 1-0 and 4-1.

Dominik Volek and Calgary Flames prospect Turner Elson replied for the Rebels who suffered their first loss of the post season.

Ottawa Senators prospect Chris Driedger turned in a strong performance in the Hitmen net making 28 stops to raise his playoff save percentage to .941.

Calgary out shot Red Deer 33-30 and won the special teams battle which played a large role in the outcome.  The Hitmen went 2-5 on the powerplay while killing all three Rebels chances.

The best-of-seven series resumes with Game 2 Friday at Scotiabank Saddledome.  The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.


Red Deer Rebels 2 at Calgary Hitmen 4
Thursday, April 4, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Red Deer 0 1 1 - 2
Calgary 1 3 0 - 4

1st Period
1, Calgary, Brassart 4 (Humphries, Sylvester), 11:55.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (interference), 0:23; Gaudet R.d (holding), 17:19; Fafard R.d (tripping), 19:44.

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Roach 2 (Sylvester), 1:21 (PP).
3, Red Deer, Volek 1 (Bleackley), 1:57.
4, Calgary, Brassart 5 (Sylvester, Virtanen), 6:24.
5, Calgary, Brassart 6 (Humphries, Rask), 9:19 (PP).
Penalties-Underwood R.d (boarding), 8:43; Zgraggen Cal (boarding), 15:32; Bellerive R.d (high sticking), 18:07.

3rd Period
6, Red Deer, Elson 4 (Dieno), 7:02.
Penalties-Peterson Cal (tripping), 14:36; Dieno R.d (hooking), 15:07.

Shots on Goal-Red Deer 8-9-13-30. Calgary 7-13-13-33.
Power Play Opportunities-Red Deer 0 / 3; Calgary 2 / 5.
Goalies-Red Deer, Bartosak 4-1-0-0 (33 shots-29 saves). Calgary, Driedger 5-0-1-0 (30 shots-28 saves).
A-5,354
Referees-Reagan Vetter (39), Colin Watt (72).
Linesmen-Sean Donnelly (109), Michael Roberts (87).

Thursday 4 April 2013

Game 1 Preview: Rebels at Hitmen

The Western Hockey League march to the Ed Chynoweth Cup continues tonight as the Calgary Hitmen host the Red Deer Rebels in Game 1 of a best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semi-Final Series.

Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome. Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan begins at six o'clock with a 60 minute pre-game show.


REGULAR SEASON REFLECTION:  The Hitmen entered the post season as the #3 seed in the Eastern Conference having compiled a regular season record of 46-21-1-4, good for 97 points. The Rebels were the #4 seed posting a record of 39-26-5-2 en-route to an 85 point campaign.

HOW THEY GOT HERE:  Calgary beat the Swift Current Broncos in five games to win their opening round series with three of the games decided in overtime.  Red Deer swept the Prince Albert Raiders in four straight to capture their first round match.

ROLLING INTO ROUND 2:  Dating back to the regular season both clubs are playing well.  Calgary has won 10 of their last 12 games scoring a combined 56 goals for a per game average of 4.6. Red Deer is 9-2-0-1 in their last 12 games holding their opponent to two goals or less in eight of those wins.

REGULAR SEASON TOP SCORERS:
Calgary
Cody Sylvester 41g 49a 90pts
Brooks Macek 32g 48a 80pts
Brady Brassart 35g 43a 78pts
*Ten Hitmen finished with 14 goals or more

Red Deer
Rhyse Dieno 27g 32a 59pts
Turner Elson 26g 31a 57pts
Mathew Dumba 16g 26a 42pts
*Eight Rebels finished with 10 goals or more

There are a combined seven players in the series that have either been drafted or signed by NHL teams.  The Hitmen have five:
Calgary
Chris Driedger -3rd round (76th overall) - Ottawa Senators - 2012 NHL Entry Draft
Kenton Helgesen -7th round (187th overall) - Anaheim Ducks - 2012 NHL Entry Draft
Jaynen Rissling - 7th round (197th overall) - Washington Capitals - 2012 NHL Entry Draft
Alex Roach (Signed a three-year, Entry-level Contract, Los Angeles Kings 2011);
Victor Rask (Drafted in the 3rd round and signed three-year entry-level contract, Carolina Hurriacnes 2011).

Red Deer
Mathew Dumba - 1st round (7th overall) - Minnesota Wild - 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Turner Elson - (Signed a three-year entry level contract, Calgary Flames 2011)

NHL DRAFT RADAR: Both teams had players ranked by NHL Central Scouting in the Mid-Term rankings as potential picks for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

NORTH AMERICAN SKATERS:
#50 Kayle Doetzel - Red Deer Rebels
#94 Greg Chase - Calgary Hitmen
#129 Matt Bellerive - Red Deer Rebels

NORTH AMERICAN GOALIES
#10 Patrik Bartosak - Red Deer Rebels
#28 Mack Shields - Calgary Hitmen

PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE: Calgary has a combined 270 games of playoff experience. Cody Sylvester and Brooks Macek lead the way with 42 games each.  Red Deer has a combined 155 man games of playoff experience. 

HOME AND AWAY:  Dating back to the regular season, Calgary is 25-10-1-3 on home ice this season including an 14-2-0-1 mark since January 1st. The Broncos are 19-15-3-1 on the road having won four of their last six games in enemy rinks.

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Calgary's Cody Sylvester and Alex Roach are Eastern Conference second team all-stars with Sylvester also the Eastern Conference nominee for WHL Humanitarian of the Year.  Red Deer's Patrik Bartosak is the Eastern Conference Nominee for Goaltender of the Year and is also an Eastern Conference First Team All-Star.

Game 2 start time moved to 7:30pm

To accomodate Rogers Sportsnet, Friday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final between the Calgary Hitmen and Red Deer Rebels at Scotiabank Saddledome has been pushed back 30 minutes from its orginally scheduled time.

The contest will now begin at 7:30 p.m. and air live on Sportsnet ONE starting at 7:30 p.m.  It will also be taped delayed on regional Sportsnet networks.