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.

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