Monday 28 October 2013

Hitmen score shootout win in PG

Pavel Padakin scored the shootout winner as the Calgary Hitmen beat the Prince George Cougars 4-3 Saturday night at CN Centre.

Mack Shields made a career high 45 saves through overtime then stopped all three Cougar shots in the shootout to pick up his sixth win of the season in goal.

Greg Chase had a first period hat trick, his first three goal game in the Western Hockey League as the Hitmen built a 3-1 first period lead.

Brady Brassart chipped in a pair of assists for Calgary who picked up six of a possible eight points on their BC Division road trip.

Prince George outshot Calgary 48-36 getting goals from Zack Pochiro, David Soltes and Chase Witala.

The Hitmen have now earned a point in 10 straight games going 7-0-1-2 in that span.

Overall Calgary leads the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference with 22 points holding a record of 10-3-1-2. 

The Hitmen now return home and will enjoy a full seven day break before hosting the Edmonton Oil Kings on Sunday, November 3rd at Scotiabank Saddledome.  Game time is 4:00 p.m.

Single game day tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and the Scotiabank Saddledome box office.  Order online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 1-855-985-5000.  For more information on tickets, including Name Your Game flex packages and season tickets, call Customer Service at 403-777-4646 or visit www.hitmenhockey.com.


Calgary Hitmen 4 (SO) at Prince George Cougars 3
Saturday, October 26, 2013 - CN Centre - Prince George, BC

Calgary 3 0 0 0 - 4
Prince George 1 2 0 0 - 3

1st Period-
1, Calgary, Chase 11 (Jones, Brassart), 1:11.
2, Calgary, Chase 12 (Zgraggen, Brassart), 3:44.
3, Prince George, Pochiro 6 (Harkins, Forsberg), 4:00.
4, Calgary, Chase 13 (Rissling, Thomas), 18:40 (PP).
Penalties-Lang Cal (roughing), 5:18; Gonek P.g (elbowing), 5:18; Bobos P.g (tripping), 18:26.

2nd Period
5, Prince George, Soltes 2 (Witala, Bourke), 2:06.
6, Prince George, Witala 9 (Soltes, Bourke), 12:21.
Penalties-Mahon Cal (major-fighting), 3:24; Rissling Cal (elbowing), 3:24; Gonek P.g (major-fighting), 3:24; Witala P.g (hooking), 3:36; Chase Cal (inter. on goaltender), 8:21; Bobos P.g (roughing), 8:21; Jones Cal (charging), 12:48; served by Harkins P.g (too many men), 13:38.

3rd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Forsberg P.g (tripping), 7:24; Jones Cal (tripping), 16:42.

OT Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shootout
Calgary 1 (Fazleev NG, Chase NG, Padakin G), Prince George 0 (Soltes NG, Pochiro NG, Tkatch NG).
Shots on Goal
Calgary 15-13-2-6-1-37. Prince George 15-21-12-0-0-48.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 1 / 4; Prince George 0 / 3.
Goalies
Calgary, Shields 6-0-0-0 (48 shots-45 saves). Prince George, Edmonds 7-3-0-2 (36 shots-33 saves).
A-1,670
Referees-Kevin Bennett (29), Chris Crich (20).
Linesmen-Ryan Dawson (134), Richie Rogers (101).

Saturday 26 October 2013

Hitmen fall to Cougars in a shootout

David Soltes scored the shootout winner in the fourth round as the Prince George Cougars beat the Calgary Hitmen 4-3 Friday night at CN Centre.

The Hitmen forced overtime when Zane Jones scored on the powerplay with 3:33 remaining.

Brady Brassart and Terrell Draude also netted goals for Calgary who trailed 2-1 after the first period and 3-2 after 40 minutes.

For Draude, it was his first career goal in the Western Hockey League while Brassart recorded his 200th career point.

Chase Witala scored twice for Prince George who also got a single marker from Zach Pochiro.

Momentum swung back and forth as the Cougars outshot the Hitmen 20-7 in the second period only to see the Hitmen carry the play in the third period with a shot clock lead of 19-4.

On the night, Calgary outshot Prince George 39-25.  The Hitmen went 1-3 on the powerplay while killing all three Cougar chances.

Despite the shootout loss the Hitmen have now picked up a point in nine straight games going 6-0-1-2 in that span.

Overall Calgary leads the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference with 20 points holding a record of 9-3-1-2. 


Calgary Hitmen 3 at Prince George Cougars 4 (SO)
Friday, October 25, 2013 - CN Centre - Prince George, BC

Calgary 1 1 1 0 - 3
Prince George 2 1 0 0 - 4

1st Period
1, Prince George, Pochiro 5 (Harkins, Forsberg), 4:15.
2, Calgary, Draude 1 (Rissling, Mahon), 6:08.
3, Prince George, Witala 7 (Bourke), 15:41.
Penalties-No Penalties

2nd Period
4, Prince George, Witala 8 12:16.
5, Calgary, Brassart 8 (Helgesen, Jones), 14:24.
Penalties-Thrower Cal (interference), 3:37.

3rd Period
6, Calgary, Jones 5 (Fazleev, Virtanen), 16:27 (PP).
Penalties-Carvalho P.g (holding), 5:27; McNulty P.g (slashing), 11:17; Forsberg P.g (cross checking), 14:54; Virtanen Cal (high sticking), 17:12; Chase Cal (tripping), 19:43.

OT Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shootout
Calgary 1 (Brassart NG, Chase NG, Fazleev G, Virtanen NG),
Prince George 2 (Pochiro NG, Witala NG, Tkatch G, Soltes G).
Shots on Goal
Calgary 8-7-19-5-0-39. Prince George 8-20-4-2-1-35.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 1 / 3; Prince George 0 / 3.
Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 4-3-1-2 (34 shots-31 saves). Prince George, Edmonds 7-3-0-1 (39 shots-36 saves).
A-1,588
Referees-Kevin Bennett (29), Chris Crich (20).
Linesmen-Ryan Dawson (134), Korey Martens (41).

Hitmen rally for point in Vancouver but fall in OT

Tim Traber scored at 2:04 of overtime lifting the Vancouver Giants to a 4-3 win over the Calgary Hitmen Wednesday night at Pacific Coliseum.

The Giants used a strong first period to build a 3-0 lead on goals from Blake Orban, Alec Baer and Cain Franson.

Jake Virtanen got the Hitmen on the board in the second period scoring his eighth of the season and fifth goal in four games.

In the third period, Calgary completed the regulation comeback on goals from Elliott Peterson and Calder Brooks.  The tying goal from Brooks came with 5:31 remaining.

Calgary outshot Vancouver 35-33 with both teams going 0-4 on the powerplay.

Despite the overtime loss the Hitmen have now picked up a point in eight straight games going 6-0-1-1 in that span.

Overall Calgary leads the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference with 20 points holding a record of 9-3-1-1.  They also move into a tie for first overall with the Spokane Chiefs.

After a day off tomorrow, Calgary plays game three of their four game British Columbia road trip Friday in Prince George.  Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan begins at 8 p.m.

Next Hitmen home game is Sunday, November 3rd against the Edmonton Oil Kings.  Game time is 4:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome. 

                                                       Photo Credit:  CJ Relke


Calgary Hitmen 3 at Vancouver Giants 4 (OT)
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 - Pacific Coliseum - Vancouver, BC

Calgary 0 1 2 0 - 3
Vancouver 3 0 0 1 - 4

1st Period
1, Vancouver, Orban 1 (McEvoy, Baer), 4:18.
2, Vancouver, Baer 3 (Morrison), 6:39.
3, Vancouver, Franson 1 (Baer), 19:21.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (cross checking), 1:31; Thomas Cal (holding), 14:31; Atwal Van (holding opp. stick), 16:48; Zgraggen Cal (hooking), 19:40.

2nd Period
4, Calgary, Virtanen 8 8:35.
Penalties-Zgraggen Cal (hooking), 10:25; Popoff Van (hooking), 14:16.

3rd Period
5, Calgary, Peterson 4 (Brooks), 4:57.
6, Calgary, Brooks 2 (Padakin, Zgraggen), 15:29.
Penalties-McEvoy Van (high sticking), 11:02; McEvoy Van (high sticking), 13:22.

OT Period
7, Vancouver, Traber 3 (Popoff, Atwal), 2:04.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 0:00; Thrower Van (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 0:00; Thrower Van (10-minute misconduct), 2:00.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 6-12-16-1-35. Vancouver 12-12-7-2-33.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 4; Vancouver 0 / 4.
Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 4-3-1-2 (33 shots-29 saves). Vancouver, Lee 3-7-1-0 (35 shots-32 saves).
A-4,108
Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Steve Papp (17).
Linesmen-Michael Bean (148), Tim Digby (75).

Driedger backstops Hitmen to win in Kelowna

The WHL’s Eastern Conference leading Calgary Hitmen extended their winning streak to four games with a 2-1 victory over the Kelowna Rockets Tuesday night at Prospera Place.

Chris Driedger turned in a brilliant performance in goal making 38 saves, including 34 over the final two periods.

Zane Jones scored the game winning goal for Calgary with 65 seconds remaining to break a 1-1 tie.
Elliott Peterson also scored for the Hitmen, netting a shorthanded marker in the first period.

Kelowna outshot Calgary 39-21 with their lone goal, shorthanded, off the stick of Justin Kirkland in the second period.

The win improves the Hitmen record to 9-3-0-1 including a 6-0-0-1 mark in their last seven games.
Calgary plays game two of their four game British Columbia road trip tomorrow in Vancouver. 

Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan begins at 8 p.m.

Next Hitmen home game is Sunday, November 3rd against the Edmonton Oil Kings.  Game time is 4:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome. 

                                                     Photo Credit:  Marissa Baecker

Calgary Hitmen 2 at Kelowna Rockets 1
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 - Prospera Place - Kelowna, BC

Calgary 1 0 1 - 2
Kelowna 0 1 0 - 1

1st Period
1, Calgary, Peterson 3 16:10 (SH). Penalties-Chase Cal (holding), 15:06.

2nd Period
2, Kelowna, Kirkland 2 (Olsen, Bowey), 11:27 (SH).
Penalties-Baillie Kel (tripping), 1:40; Severson Kel (hooking), 7:40; Merkley Kel (checking from behind), 11:06; Harmsworth Cal (tripping), 13:55; Brassart Cal (high sticking), 19:07; Bell Kel (boarding), 19:43.

3rd Period
3, Calgary, Jones 4 (Chase, Brassart), 18:55.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (roughing), 20:00; Rissling Cal (roughing), 20:00; Olsen Kel (roughing), 20:00; Stadel Kel (roughing), 20:00.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 7-4-10-21. Kelowna 4-18-17-39.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 4; Kelowna 0 / 3.
Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 4-3-1-2 (39 shots-38 saves). Kelowna, Whistle 1-2-0-0 (21 shots-19 saves).
A-4,674
Referees-Mike Campbell (89), Brett Iverson (24).
Linesmen-Dustin Minty (86), Ward Pateman (124).

Monday 21 October 2013

Hitmen reduce roster to 23 by trading Clayton to Saskatoon

From the Hitmen Office:

The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club announced today that they have acquired a conditional fifth round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for forward Chase Clayton.

“Chase has been a consummate member of the organization since he began his WHL career with Calgary,” said Hitmen General Manager and Vice President, Business Operations Mike Moore.  “We would like to thank Chase for his time and wish him continued success with the Blades.”

Clayton, a native of Abbotsford, British Columbia, has appeared in 183 games over four seasons with
Calgary, recording 21 goals and 41 assists for 62 points along with 116 penalty minutes.  The 19-year-old centre, selected by the Hitmen in the first round, 22nd overall, in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft, has recorded five points (one goal, four assists) in 22 career playoff games. 

Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen 

Hitmen double Hurricanes

Jake Virtanen scored three goals on three shots in the first period as the Calgary Hitmen beat the Lethbridge Hurricanes 6-3 Sunday evening at Scotiabank Saddledome.

The hat trick was the first of the young WHL career for Virtanen who achieved the mark in his 83rd career regular season game.

Brady Brassart scored twice for Calgary while Josh Thrower added an empty net goal to help vault the Hitmen to the top of the Eastern Conference Standings with 17 points.

Since starting the season 3-3, the Hitmen have gone on a 5-0-0-1 run.

Radel Fazleev and Kenton Helgesen both had a pair of goals for Calgary in a game played on pink ice in the annual Hitmen Fight Cancer Game.

Jersey's worn during the game will be sold in an online auction in the new year with proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation  - Prairies/NWT Region.

                                        Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Lethbridge Hurricanes 3 at Calgary Hitmen 6
Sunday, October 20, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Lethbridge 1 1 1 - 3
Calgary 3 2 1 - 6

1st Period-1, Calgary, Virtanen 5 (Helgesen, Fazleev), 0:49. 2, Calgary, Virtanen 6 (Helgesen, Rissling), 5:14. 3, Lethbridge, Laurencelle 1 (Wong), 7:07. 4, Calgary, Virtanen 7 (Fazleev), 8:16. Penalties-Jones Cal (roughing), 12:25; Meyer Let (major-fighting), 16:11; Helgesen Cal (major-fighting), 16:11.

2nd Period-5, Calgary, Brassart 6 10:32. 6, Lethbridge, Pilon 3 (Ramsay, Blomqvist), 13:41 (PP). 7, Calgary, Brassart 7 (Chase, Jones), 19:17. Penalties-Thomas Cal (delay of game), 13:34; Harmsworth Cal (kneeing), 16:19; Pilon Let (roughing), 19:30.

3rd Period-8, Lethbridge, Estephan 3 (Erkamps, Duke), 17:12 (PP). 9, Calgary, Thrower 2 (Penner, Brooks), 18:17 (EN). Penalties-Thomas Cal (boarding), 15:42; Wong Let (boarding), 19:13.

Shots on Goal-Lethbridge 14-10-3-27. Calgary 9-17-16-42.
Power Play Opportunities-Lethbridge 2 / 4; Calgary 0 / 2.
Goalies-Lethbridge, Tai 0-2-0-0 (6 shots-3 saves); Boes 2-7-0-1 (35 shots-33 saves). Calgary, Shields 5-0-0-0 (27 shots-24 saves).
A-6,637
Referees-Jason Cramer (57), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Reid Anderson (53), Aidan Henderson (78).

Hitmen rally to beat Rebels

The Calgary Hitmen scored four unanswered goals in a 5-2 win over the Red Deer Rebels Saturday night at Enmax Centrium.

Elliott Peterson paced the Hitmen attack scoring twice and setting up another for a team leading three points.

Jake Virtanen, Jaynen Rissling and Colby Harmsworth also scored for Calgary who trailed 2-1 after the first period.

For Harmsworth it was his first career goal in the Western Hockey League while Linden Penner drew an assist for his first career point.

Calgary won the special teams battle going 2-5 on the powerplay while killing all seven Rebels chances.

Chris Driedger made 25 saves to pick up the victory in goal.

The win improves the Hitmen record to 7-3-0-1 including a 4-0-0-1 mark in their last five games.

Calgary Hitmen 5 at Red Deer Rebels 2
Saturday, October 19, 2013 - Enmax Centrium - Red Deer, AB

Calgary 1 3 1 - 5
Red Deer 2 0 0 - 2

1st Period
1, Red Deer, Bleackley 7 9:46.
2, Calgary, Virtanen 4 (Thrower, Fazleev), 14:07.
3, Red Deer, Volek 3 (Bleackley, Bellerive), 18:38.
Penalties-Chase Cal (high sticking), 0:34; Thomas Cal (major-fighting), 8:56; Bear R.d (major-fighting), 8:56; Gaudet R.d (interference), 12:04; Brassart Cal (holding), 15:12.

2nd Period
4, Calgary, Rissling 4 (Fazleev, Thomas), 1:29 (PP).
5, Calgary, Harmsworth 1 (Penner, Peterson), 10:59.
6, Calgary, Peterson 1 (Brassart, Zgraggen), 17:08 (PP).
Penalties-Doetzel R.d (tripping), 0:37; Thomas Cal (closing hand on puck), 6:25; Bear R.d (tripping), 11:18; Johnson R.d (high sticking, high sticking), 14:24; Helgesen Cal (slashing), 15:56; Sutter R.d (roughing), 15:56; Harmsworth Cal (hooking), 17:16.

3rd Period
7, Calgary, Peterson 2 17:58 (SH EN).
Penalties-Virtanen Cal (hooking), 1:11; served by Cal (too many men), 14:26; Helgesen Cal (roughing), 17:43.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 20-16-10-46. Red Deer 8-4-15-27.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 2 / 5; Red Deer 0 / 7.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 3-3-0-1 (27 shots-25 saves). Red Deer, Bartosak 5-6-0-0 (45 shots-41 saves).
A-5,239
Referees-Reagan Vetter (39), Chad Williams (60).
Linesmen-Chad Huseby (59), Cody Huseby (88).

Saturday 19 October 2013

"Hitmen Fight Cancer" continues for fifth season

From the Hitmen Office:

Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club, in partnership with Canada Diagnostic Centres, proudly continues the fifth annual Hitmen Fight Cancer campaign in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Prairies/NWT Region (CBCF). 

The club initiative will raise funds for breast cancer research grants and community health projects including prevention and education, screening, diagnosis, treatment and care.

During the Hitmen Fight Cancer game on Sunday, October 20 versus the Lethbridge Hurricanes, the Calgary Hitmen will wear pink-themed third jerseys while skating on pink-coloured ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome (4 p.m., SN960). These third jerseys will be worn for several games during the 2013-14 regular season with fans having the opportunity to bid on the game-worn jerseys starting on Sunday, January 26. 

Proceeds from the online jersey auction, closing on Sunday, February 9, will be directed to the CBCF. 

In addition, 50/50 proceeds and on-site donations from the Hitmen Fight Cancer game will support the cause.

Fans are encouraged to help the team ‘Pink the Rink’ on Sunday by wearing pink attire to support the campaign. Single game day tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and the Scotiabank Saddledome box office.  Order online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 1-855-985-5000.

In four years, the Calgary Hitmen with the support of their partners, players, staff and fans have raised over $71,900 through the club’s Hitmen Fight Cancer initiatives.



Hitmen use shootout to edge Blades

Greg Chase scored once in regulation and once in the shootout lifting the Calgary Hitmen to a 4-3 win over the Saskatoon Blades.

Jesse Zgraggen and Brady Brassart also scored for Calgary who saw the Blades overcome deficits of 1-0 and 3-1 to force overtime.

Chase and Brassart both added a pair of assists to lead all Hitmen with three points each.

Mack Shields made 35 saves plus three more in the shootout to pick up the win.

The win improves the Hitmen record to 6-3-0-1 as the teams wraps up their three game home stand picking up five of a possible six points.

Five of their next six games are now on the road starting Saturday night in Red Deer.

                                       Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Saskatoon Blades 3 at Calgary Hitmen 4 (SO)
Thursday, October 17, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Saskatoon 0 1 2 0 - 3
Calgary 0 2 1 0 - 4

1st Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Virtanen Cal (high sticking), 9:33; Nogier Sas (delay of game), 17:28; Craig Sas (interference), 18:39.

2nd Period
1, Calgary, Chase 10 (Jones, Brassart), 9:58 (PP).
2, Saskatoon, Scherbak 5 (Nogier), 13:15.
3, Calgary, Zgraggen 1 (Chase, Brassart), 16:39.
Penalties-Nikkel Sas (holding), 2:14; Thomas Cal (tripping), 4:49; Coghlan Sas (roughing), 8:36; Millar Sas (roughing), 14:52; Padakin Cal (interference), 14:52; Virtanen Cal (hooking), 16:58.

3rd Period
4, Calgary, Brassart 5 (Chase, Shields), 1:48.
5, Saskatoon, Kirichenko 1 (Millar, Harland), 3:44.
6, Saskatoon, Scherbak 6 (Craig, Nikkel), 8:54 (PP).
Penalties-Thomas Cal (slashing), 8:41; Padakin Cal (interference), 14:39.

OT Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shootout
Saskatoon 0 (Burns NG, Scherbak NG, Millette NG), Calgary 1 (Brassart NG, Chase G).
Shots on Goal
Saskatoon 11-12-12-3-0-38. Calgary 15-15-7-6-1-44.
Power Play Opportunities
Saskatoon 1 / 5; Calgary 1 / 3.
Goalies
Saskatoon, Moodie 4-3-0-1 (43 shots-40 saves). Calgary, Shields 4-0-0-0 (38 shots-35 saves).
A-6,017
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Shaun Harris (43).
Linesmen-Sean Donnelly (109), Cory Lundquist (128).

CHL's number three ranked Chiefs edge Hitmen in shootout

Defenceman Jason Fram scored in the sixth round of the shootout lifting the Spokane Chiefs to a 3-2 win over the Calgary Hitmen.

Fram's goal was the only marker in the shootout after the Hitmen hit four posts and the Chiefs one.

After a scoreless first period, Calgary scored the only two goals of the second period as both Greg Chase and Zane Jones found the back of the net.

In the third period, Spokane out shot Calgary 14-6 and got goals from Cole Wedman and the WHL's top scorer Mitch Holmberg to force overtime.

                                          Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Spokane Chiefs 3 (SO) at Calgary Hitmen 2
Sunday, October 13, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Spokane 0 0 2 0 - 3
Calgary 0 2 0 0 - 2

1st Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Padakin Cal (hooking), 2:06; Thomas Cal (interference), 12:26; Brooks Cal (hooking), 16:57; Wedman Spo (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 20:00; Brassart Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 20:00.

2nd Period
1, Calgary, Chase 9 (Virtanen, Helgesen), 8:28.
2, Calgary, Jones 3 (Rissling, Clayton), 17:45.
Penalties-Playfair Spo (interference), 4:01; McIntosh Spo (elbowing), 6:19.

3rd Period
3, Spokane, Wedman 1 (Holmberg), 1:02.
4, Spokane, Holmberg 12 (Gow, Bechtold), 8:55.
Penalties-Holmberg Spo (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 2:10; Chase Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 2:10; Bobyk Spo (holding), 2:18; Helgesen Cal (hooking), 6:13; Peterson Cal (inter. on goaltender), 15:14.

OT Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shootout
Spokane 1 (Holmberg NG, Yamamoto NG, Aviani NG, Sozanski NG, Chartier NG, Fram G), Calgary 0 (Fazleev NG, Chase NG, Brassart NG, Brooks NG, Virtanen NG, Thomas NG).

Shots on Goal
Spokane 8-7-14-1-1-31. Calgary 8-13-6-1-0-28.

Power Play Opportunities
Spokane 0 / 5; Calgary 0 / 3.

Goalies-Spokane, Williams 8-1-0-0 (28 shots-26 saves). Calgary, Driedger 2-3-0-1 (30 shots-28 saves).

A-6,510

Referees-Jon Stephenson (38), Kevin Webinger (6).
Linesmen-Chris Carlson (92), Michael Roberts (87).

Hitmen beat CHL's number seven ranked Raiders

Mack Shields made made 28 saves as the Calgary Hitmen opened a three game home stand with a 4-3 win over the Prince Albert Raiders.

The Hitmen jumped out to a 2-0 lead less than nine minutes into the contest on the Canadian Hockey League's seventh ranked club.

Jake Virtanen scored on the powerplay before Pavel Padakin netted the Hitmen's first shorthanded goal of the season.

The Raiders would respond with a pair of goals themselves before Brady Brassart scored even strength before the end of the first period to give the home team a 3-2 lead.

Chase Clayton extended the Hitmen lead to 4-2 just before the midway mark of the second period before Craig Leverton pulled PA to within one.

In the third period the Raiders out shot Calgary 10-5 but couldn't beat Shields who was named the games third star.

                                        Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Prince Albert Raiders 3 at Calgary Hitmen 4
Saturday, October 12, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Prince Albert 2 1 0 - 3
Calgary 3 1 0 - 4

1st Period
1, Calgary, Virtanen 3 (Zgraggen, Rissling), 7:25 (PP).
2, Calgary, Padakin 3 (Clayton), 8:55 (SH).
3, Prince Albert, Gardiner 5 (Dea), 11:04.
4, Prince Albert, Perreaux 6 (Hart, Lange), 14:49.
5, Calgary, Brassart 4 (Thomas, Chase), 18:05.
Penalties-Hart P.a (boarding), 5:49; Rissling Cal (interference), 8:15; Helgesen Cal (elbowing), 12:44; Helgesen Cal (high sticking), 16:10.

2nd Period
6, Calgary, Clayton 1 (Brooks, Helgesen), 7:02.
7, Prince Albert, Leverton 4 (Lange, Morrissey), 17:51 (PP).
Penalties-Lange P.a (hooking), 11:02; Brassart Cal (boarding), 16:32; Zgraggen Cal (delay of game), 17:40.

3rd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Brooks Cal (hooking), 7:03; Leverton P.a (interference), 8:25; Morrissey P.a (slashing), 19:45.

Shots on Goal
Prince Albert 13-8-10-31. Calgary 9-12-5-26.

Power Play Opportunities
Prince Albert 1 / 5; Calgary 1 / 4.

Goalies
Prince Albert, Cheveldave 7-3-1-0 (26 shots-22 saves). Calgary, Shields 4-0-0-0 (31 shots-28 saves).

A-6,469

Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Dexter Rasmussen (25).
Linesmen-Reid Anderson (53), Jared Mackey (52).

Thursday 10 October 2013

Hitmen end road trip with a win in Swift Current

The Calgary Hitmen scored three unanswered goals in a 5-4 win over the Swift Current Broncos Wednesday night at Credit Union iPlex.

The line of Radel Fazleev, Brady Brassart and Greg Chase combined for seven points in the victory.

Fazleev scored his first two goals in the Western Hockey League while Chase had a goal and two assists with Brassart picking up a pair of helpers.

Chase’s goal was the game winner, breaking a 4-4 third period tie, just 30 seconds into the final frame on a Hitmen powerplay.

Calder Brooks and Zane Jones also scored for Calgary who outshot the Broncos 34-24.

Calgary Flames prospect Coda Gordon (2g1a) had three points in the loss for Swift Current while Colby Cave and Tanner LeSann added singles.

With the win Calgary improves to 4-3 while the Broncos drop to 5-2-0-1

The Hitmen will now open a three game home stand on Saturday night against Calgary product and Winnipeg Jets first round pick Josh Morrissey and the Prince Albert Raiders.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Calgary Hitmen 5 at Swift Current Broncos 4
Wednesday, October 9, 2013 - Credit Union i-plex - Swift Current, SK

Calgary 2 2 1 - 5
Swift Current 3 1 0 - 4

1st Period
1, Calgary, Fazleev 1 (Chase), 0:13.
2, Swift Current, Cave 5 (Sanvido, Gordon), 3:56.
3, Swift Current, Gordon 5 (Sanvido), 8:21.
4, Swift Current, Gordon 6 (Heatherington, Honka), 15:51.
5, Calgary, Jones 2 (Brooks, Thomas), 19:30.
Penalties-Virtanen Cal (roughing), 15:05; Johnson S.c (roughing), 15:05; Zinkan S.c (ob-tripping), 17:50; Helgesen Cal (hooking), 18:16.

2nd Period
6, Swift Current, LeSann 2 (Black), 9:39.
7, Calgary, Brooks 1 (Clayton, Zgraggen), 10:07.
8, Calgary, Fazleev 2 (Chase, Brassart), 18:12.
Penalties-Martin S.c (high sticking), 0:53; Thrower Cal (major-fighting), 15:33; Lernout S.c (major-fighting), 15:33; Honka S.c (roughing), 19:45.

3rd Period
9, Calgary, Chase 8 (Brassart, Thomas), 0:30 (PP).
Penalties-Peterson Cal (delay of game), 18:02.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 12-11-11-34. Swift Current 13-5-6-24.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 1 / 5; Swift Current 0 / 4.
Goalies
Calgary, Shields 2-0-0-0 (24 shots-20 saves). Swift Current, Laurikainen 2-2-0-1 (34 shots-29 saves).
A-1,998
Referees-Adam Byblow (23), Chris Crich (20).
Linesmen-Devin Pinkney (133), Ian Schafer (56).

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Hitmen comeback falls short in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat, AB – The Medicine Hat Tigers jumped out to a 4-0 second period lead and held on for a 6-4 victory the Calgary Hitmen Tuesday night at The Arena.

Brady Brassart had a pair of goals for the Hitmen who scored three times within a span of 3:01 early in the third period to cut a 5-1 deficit to 5-4.

However Calgary could get no closer dropping their second straight on the road to fall to 3-3 on the season.  Greg Chase and Kenton Helgesen also scored for the Hitmen who got out shot 46-30 including 32-9 through 40 minutes.

Six different Tigers scored for Medicine Hat; Miles Koules, Logan McVeigh, Curtis Valk, Jacob Doty, Trevor Cox and Blake Penner.  Hunter Shinkaruk added a pair of assists as Medicine Hat moves into top spot in the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference with a record of 5-1-1-0.

The Hitmen went 4-7 on the powerplay while the Tigers were 2-6.

Calgary wraps up their three game road trip Wednesday night in Swift Current against the Broncos in a rematch of last season’s first round playoff series that saw the Hitmen win in five games.

Next Hitmen home game is Saturday, October 12th against Calgary product and Winnipeg Jets first round pick Josh Morrissey and the Prince Albert Raiders.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.

                                                Photo Credit:  Medicine Hat Tigers

Calgary Hitmen 4 at Medicine Hat Tigers 6
Tuesday, October 8, 2013 - Medicine Hat Arena

Calgary 0 1 3 - 4
Medicine Hat 1 3 2 - 6

1st Period
1, Medicine Hat, Koules 2 (Shinkaruk, Bredo), 6:41 (PP).
Penalties-Harmsworth Cal (interference), 6:27; Zgraggen Cal (delay of game), 10:03; Cox M.h (hooking), 11:31; Broadhead M.h (interference), 15:14; Rissling Cal (holding), 18:39.

2nd Period
2, Medicine Hat, McVeigh 2 (Cox, Sanford), 4:08.
3, Medicine Hat, Valk 3 (Shinkaruk, Vannelli), 10:30 (PP).
4, Medicine Hat, Doty 1 (Vannelli, Labelle), 12:34.
5, Calgary, Chase 7 (Thrower), 18:25 (PP).
Penalties-Penner Cal (high sticking, high sticking), 10:20; Staples M.h (checking from behind), 16:27; Shinkaruk M.h (elbowing), 16:58; Zgraggen Cal (slashing), 18:45; Shinkaruk M.h (high sticking), 20:00.

3rd Period
6, Medicine Hat, Cox 2 (McVeigh, Stanton), 0:36.
7, Calgary, Brassart 2 (Peterson, Thomas), 1:56 (PP).
8, Calgary, Helgesen 1 (Thomas, Brassart), 2:43 (PP).
9, Calgary, Brassart 3 (Rissling, Chase), 4:55 (PP).
10, Medicine Hat, Penner 2 (Eisenschmid, Owre), 8:38.
Penalties-Broadhead M.h (interference), 2:06; Sanford M.h (closing hand on puck), 4:42; Lang Cal (major-fighting), 6:04; Broadhead M.h (major-fighting), 6:04.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 3-6-21-30. Medicine Hat 12-20-14-46.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 4 / 7; Medicine Hat 2 / 6.
Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 2-3-0-0 (46 shots-40 saves). Medicine Hat, Langhamer 3-1-0-0 (30 shots-26 saves).
A-4,006
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Colin Watt (72).
Linesmen-Darren Holeha (47), Greg Sarauer (68).

Padakin gets three game suspenion

The Western Hockey League has issued it's final judgement on Calgary Hitmen forward Pavel Padakin.

The 19-year-old import forward was given a five minute major for boarding and a game misconduct Friday night for a hit on Kootenay Ice defenceman Landon Peel.

Peel suffered a lower body injury in the collision and has yet to return to the Ice line-up missing games both Saturday and Sunday.

The WHL initially handed Padakin an immediate suspension, with the length to be determined.

The ruling is now in and Padakin will sit a total of three games, making him eligible to return to the Hitmen lineup Saturday night at home against Prince Albert.

                                         Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen


Saturday 5 October 2013

Hitmen three game winning streak halted in Cranbrook

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay Ice used a strong powerplay scoring three times with the man advantage in a 4-2 win over the Calgary Hitmen Saturday night at Western Financial Place.

Sam Reinhart, Jaeden Descheneau and Luke Philp all had a goal and an assist as the Ice avoided the sweep of the home and home series.

Jon Martin also scored for Kootenay who outshot Calgary 36-28.

Josh Thrower and Jake Virtanen had the Hitmen goals who trailed 1-0 after the first period and 3-1 after 40 minutes.

The win improves the Ice record to 3-2-1-0 while Calgary drops to 3-2

Calgary returns to action Tuesday night in Medicine Hat.  Game time is 7pm with the radio broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Next Hitmen home game is Saturday, October 12th against Calgary product and Winnipeg Jets first round pick Josh Morrissey and the Prince Albert Raiders.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.

                                                     Photo Credit:  Chris Pullen

Calgary Hitmen 2 at Kootenay Ice 4
Saturday, October 5, 2013 - Western Financial Place - Cranbrook, BC

Calgary 0 1 1 - 2
Kootenay 1 2 1 - 4

1st Period
1, Kootenay, Descheneau 6 (Philp, Dirk), 16:43 (PP).
Penalties-McPhee Ktn (hooking), 0:37; Harmsworth Cal (interference), 9:43; Jones Cal (major-fighting), 9:43; Hubic Ktn (roughing), 9:43; Martin Ktn (major-fighting), 9:43; Chynoweth Ktn (hooking), 10:18; Lang Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 14:52; Elynuik Ktn (roughing), 14:52; Helgesen Cal (inter. on goaltender), 16:29; Rissling Cal (tripping), 18:33.

2nd Period
2, Kootenay, Philp 2 (Dirk, Reinhart), 11:11 (PP).
3, Kootenay, Reinhart 4 (Descheneau, Dirk), 12:28 (PP).
4, Calgary, Thrower 1 (Virtanen), 17:40.
Penalties-Elynuik Ktn (high sticking), 6:27; Peterson Cal (hooking), 10:22; Rissling Cal (cross checking), 10:57; Rissling Cal (roughing), 15:58; Martin Ktn (slashing), 15:58; Zgraggen Cal (roughing), 19:03.

3rd Period
5, Calgary, Virtanen 2 (Rissling, Fazleev), 18:26 (PP).
6, Kootenay, Martin 1 18:57.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (tripping), 1:01; Brassart Cal (roughing), 6:38; Jones Cal (checking to the head), 9:20; Alfaro Ktn (slashing), 16:37.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 11-5-12-28. Kootenay 9-16-11-36.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 1 / 5; Kootenay 3 / 8.
Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 2-2-0-0 (36 shots-32 saves). Kootenay, Skapski 2-2-1-0 (28 shots-26 saves).
A-2,276
Referees-Fraser Lawrence (10), Jonathan Spurgeon (7).
Linesmen-Jared Mackey (52), Justin Slimm (105).

Hitmen complete trade with Everett

From the Hitmen Office:

Calgary, AB - Calgary Hitmen General Manager and Vice President, Business Operations Mike Moore announced today that the club has acquired forward Linden Penner from the Everett Silvertips in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.

“We identified Linden at the Flames development camp where we thought his play was strong,” said Moore on the 6-3, 220-pound forward.  “He is a big and solid winger who likes to go to the net and will add more size and presence to our lineup.”


Linden, a native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, has dressed for one game with the Silvertips this season.  The 18-year-old rookie was one of 44 prospects that attended the Calgary Flames summer development camp on a try-out agreement in July and participated in the 2013 Young Stars Classic in Penticton, British Columbia in September.

Jaynen Rissling stars in a Hitmen comeback win over Kootenay

Jaynen Rissling had a career night scoring twice, including the game winner in overtime lifting the Calgary Hitmen to a 4-3 OT win over the Kootenay Ice Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Rissling entered the season having scored five goals in each of the last three season but the big defenceman already has three goals in four games to start the season.

"I recently switch my curve since I came back so I'm shooting the puck a lot more now and things are working, said Rissling after his first star performance.

Greg Chase forced sudden death for Calgary scoring the tying goal with 5:34 remaining to extend his goal scoring streak to four games.

Brady Brassart also scored for the Hitmen who got a three assist performance from Radel Fazleev who counted his first points in the WHL since joining the Hitmen in the summer through the CHL Import draft from Russia.

The two teams meet again Saturday night in Cranbrook in the rematch.  You can catch on Sportsnet 960 The Fan starting at 7pm

                                         Photo credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Kootenay Ice 3 at Calgary Hitmen 4 (OT)
Friday, October 4, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Kootenay 2 1 0 0 - 3
Calgary 0 2 1 1 - 4

1st Period
1, Kootenay, Descheneau 4 (Reinhart, Faith), 7:15 (PP).
2, Kootenay, Dirk 2 (Vetterl), 14:57.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (checking to the head), 0:30; Padakin Cal (major-boarding, game misconduct), 6:05; Chase Cal (interference), 8:17; Chase Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 8:21.

2nd Period
3, Calgary, Brassart 1 (Helgesen, Virtanen), 0:21.
4, Calgary, Rissling 2 (Fazleev, Peterson), 3:21 (PP).
5, Kootenay, Descheneau 5 (Philp, Reinhart), 13:47.
Penalties-McPhee Ktn (interference), 2:24; Philp Ktn (high sticking), 18:50.

3rd Period
6, Calgary, Chase 6 (Sanheim, Peterson), 16:26.
Penalties-Shirley Ktn (tripping), 14:00.

OT Period
7, Calgary, Rissling 3 (Chase, Fazleev), 2:37 (PP).
Penalties-Faith Ktn (checking from behind), 2:25.

Shots on Goal
Kootenay 8-3-3-3-17. Calgary 9-13-7-3-32.
Power Play Opportunities
Kootenay 1 / 3; Calgary 2 / 4.
Goalies
Kootenay, Skapski 1-2-1-0 (32 shots-28 saves). Calgary, Shields 1-0-0-0 (17 shots-14 saves).
A-6,324
Referees-Kevin Bennett (29), Matt Kirk (4).
Linesmen-Sean Donnelly (109), Gary Roberts.

Thursday 3 October 2013

Hitmen edge 'Canes to move above .500

Lethbridge, AB - The Calgary Hitmen pumped 44 shots on goal en-route to a 5-3 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes Wednesday night at Enmax Centre.

The Hitmen spread around the offense getting goals from five different players; Pavel Padakin, Greg Chase, Jaynen Rissling, Ben Thomas and Zane Jones.

Thomas netted the game winner, breaking a 3-3 third period tie with just under 11 minutes remaining.

Kenton Helgesen had a pair of assists for Calgary while Terrell Draude also had an assist for his first point in the Western Hockey League in his first WHL game.

Chris Driedger made 25 saves to pick up the win in goal helping Calgary improve to 2-1 on the young season.

The Hitmen return to Scotiabank Saddledome Friday night to host the Kootenay Ice in the start of a home-and-home series. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

On Friday the Hitmen are recognizing the ongoing flood relief efforts of the Calgary community and Southern Alberta by encouraging fans to wear rubber boots to the game to receive a $12 ticket (plus applicable fees). Discounted tickets are only available in person at the Scotiabank Saddledome box office on game day. In addition, 50/50 funds from Friday's Flood Support Game will be directed to the Calgary Foundation in support of flood rebuilding projects.

                                                       Photo Credit:  Mark Huxley

Calgary Hitmen 5 at Lethbridge Hurricanes 3
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Enmax Centre - Lethbridge, AB

Calgary 0 3 2 - 5
Lethbridge 1 1 1 - 3

1st Period
1, Lethbridge, Watson 3 (Laurencelle, Wong), 2:18.
Penalties-Rissling Cal (delay of game), 0:14; Rissling Cal (major-fighting), 12:39; Derko Let (major-fighting), 12:39; Virtanen Cal (tripping), 14:07; Brassart Cal (holding), 16:10; served by Virtanen Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd., unsportsmanlike cnd.), 20:00.

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Padakin 2 (Lang, Draude), 8:20.
3, Lethbridge, Ramsay 2 (Maxwell, Pilon), 11:32 (PP).
4, Calgary, Chase 5 (Helgesen, Brassart), 13:26.
 5, Calgary, Rissling 1 (Helgesen, Virtanen), 17:45.
Penalties-Thrower Cal (checking from behind), 10:37; Yakubowski Let (slashing), 14:05; Fazleev Cal (roughing), 16:11; Watson Let (roughing), 16:11.

3rd Period
6, Lethbridge, Watson 4 (Mckechnie, Pilon), 5:25.
7, Calgary, Thomas 2   8:32.
8, Calgary, Jones 1 (Zgraggen, Rissling), 17:58.
 Penalties-Wong Let (high sticking), 8:41; Chase Cal (roughing), 19:28; Helgesen Cal (major-fighting), 19:28; Rissling Cal (roughing), 19:28; Pilon Let (roughing), 19:28; Ramsay Let (major-fighting), 19:28; Yakubowski Let (checking from behind), 19:28.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 8-21-15-44. Lethbridge 15-6-7-28.

Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 2; Lethbridge 1 / 4.

Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 2-1-0-0 (28 shots-25 saves). Lethbridge, Boes 1-1-0-1 (44 shots-39 saves).

A-2,948

Referees-Matt Cassidy (93), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Matthew Barker (13), Aidan Henderson (78). 

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Brady Brassart returns to Hitmen

The Calgary Hitmen have received an enormous boost with the return of 20-year-old forward Brady Brassart.

The centre has been released from his AHL tryout with the Syracuse Crunch.

Brassart is coming off a career year in Calgary where he posted personal highs in goals with 35, assists with 43 and in points with 78.  He was also +40 while racking up 88 penalty minutes.

                                        Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen


He's expected to slide right into the number one centre position although his immediate line mates are unclear.

After breaking into the Western Hockey League as a 16-year-old with the Spokane Chiefs, this will be his fifth season. 

To make room for Brassart, 20-year-old Spencer Galbraith has been released leaving the Hitmen with the WHL maximum three overagers in Brassart, Jaynen Rissling and Jesse Zgraggen.

WHL NOTES:  With NHL teams announcing their opening day rosters Monday Ottawa sent Curtis Lazar back to Edmonton, Vancouver has returned Hunter Shinkaruk to Medicine Hat, Brandon gets Ryan Pulock back from the NYI while Derrick Pouliot is headed back to Portland from Pittsburgh.  Among the 19 year-old WHLers staying to at least start the season - Red Deer's Matt Dumba with Red Deer, Moose Jaw's Morgan Rielly with Toronto, Edmonton's Grifin Reinhart with NYI and Portland's Seth Jones with Nashville.