Thursday 31 January 2013

Swift Current 5 Calgary 4

Ryon Moser scored the game winning goal on a partial breakaway with 0.8 seconds remaining to lift the Swift Current Broncos to a 5-4 win over the Calgary Hitmen.

Alex Roach and Brady Brassart both scored twice for Calgary while Cody Sylvester chipped in a pair of assists.

The loss ended Calgary's two game winning streak and drops the club to 3-3 in it's last six games.

Winnipeg Jets prospect Adam Lowry had a huge night for the Broncos factoring in on four of their five goals by scoring once and setting up three others.

Calgary Hitmen 4 at Swift Current Broncos 5
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 - Credit Union i-plex - Swift Current, SK

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

1st Period
1, Calgary, Roach 12 (Rask, Jones), 0:15.
2, Swift Current, Bews 15 (Lowry, Scarlett), 3:59.
3, Swift Current, Gordon 15 (Scarlett, Lowry), 6:46 (PP).
4, Calgary, Brassart 20 (Sylvester, Zgraggen), 7:59.
Penalties-Humphries Cal (tripping), 5:46; Virtanen Cal (tripping), 5:46; Bews S.c (tripping), 8:34.

2nd Period
5, Calgary, Brassart 21 (Sylvester), 6:54.
6, Swift Current, Lowry 33 (Moser, Bews), 12:30.
Penalties-Lund S.c (high sticking), 0:25; Thrower Cal (major-fighting), 6:41; Lernout S.c (major-fighting), 6:41; Rissling Cal (major-fighting), 8:03; Dale S.c (major-fighting), 8:03.

3rd Period
7, Swift Current, Nedomlel 3 (Lowry), 2:33.
8, Calgary, Roach 13 (Chase, Brooks), 4:23.
9, Swift Current, Moser 15   19:59.
Penalties-Rask Cal (roughing), 0:44; Scarlett S.c (roughing), 0:44; Helgesen Cal (major-fighting), 8:33; LeSann S.c (major-fighting), 8:33.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 10-9-14-33. Swift Current 10-6-11-27.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 2; Swift Current 1 / 2.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 25-11-1-2 (27 shots-22 saves). Swift Current, Laurikainen 19-15-2-2 (33 shots-29 saves).
A-1,891
Referees-Adam Byblow (23), Chad Williams (60).
Linesmen-Adam Bloski (43), Jason Roy (94).

Calgary 3 Medicine Hat 2

The Calgary Hitmen overcame a 2-0 second period deficit to win their second game in as many tries Tuesday beating the Tigers 3-2 in Medicine Hat.

Pavlo Padakin scored his first game winning goal of the season breaking a 2-2 third period tie just under five minutes into the final frame.

Victor Rask and Cody Sylvester also scored for Calgary who kicked off a season high nine game road trip.

Calgary Hitmen 3 at Medicine Hat Tigers 2
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - Medicine Hat Arena

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

1st Period
1, Medicine Hat, Shinkaruk 29   18:33.
Penalties-Rask Cal (tripping), 4:04.

2nd Period
2, Medicine Hat, Shinkaruk 30 (Becker, Pearce), 8:55 (PP).
3, Calgary, Rask 6 (Jones, Mayor), 15:33.
4, Calgary, Sylvester 26 (Humphries, Macek), 19:58.
Penalties-Mayor Cal (inter. on goaltender), 8:16; Humphries Cal (hooking), 16:55; Brassart Cal (roughing), 19:11; Cox M.h (roughing), 19:11; Clayton Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 20:00; Ryckman M.h (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 20:00.

3rd Period
5, Calgary, Padakin 15 (Chase, Brooks), 4:40.
Penalties-Shinkaruk M.h (interference), 6:24; Rissling Cal (hooking), 10:36; Jones Cal (boarding), 18:41.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 13-16-19-48. Medicine Hat 10-11-5-26.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 1; Medicine Hat 1 / 5.
Goalies-Calgary, Shields 8-3-0-1 (26 shots-24 saves). Medicine Hat, Lanigan 17-12-1-1 (48 shots-45 saves).
A-4,006
Referees-Shaun Harris (43), Devin Klein (9).
Linesmen-Matthew Sanders (70), Ian Shaver (74).

Calgary 5 Brandon 0

Mack Shields made 16 saves for his second career shutout as the Calgary Hitmen blanked the Brandon Wheat Kings 5-0 Sunday at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Five different Hitmen authored goals with the game winner coming on a shorthanded breakaway off the stick of Chase Lang in the second period. 

Jake Virtanen, Zane Jones, Brady Brassart and Brooks Macek also scored for Calgary who fired 48 shots on goal.

Brandon Wheat Kings 0 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Sunday, January 27, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Brandon 0 0 0 - 0
Calgary 0 2 3 - 5

1st Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Hunter Bdn (hooking), 16:50; Roy Bdn (roughing), 18:40; Helgesen Cal (roughing), 18:40.

2nd Period
1, Calgary, Lang 4 (Clayton, Rissling), 12:28 (SH).
2, Calgary, Virtanen 10 (Chase, Kosterman), 17:54.
Penalties-Virtanen Cal (roughing), 2:34; Brassart Cal (cross checking), 6:40; Padakin Cal (interference), 11:24; Swyripa Bdn (tripping), 14:15.

3rd Period
3, Calgary, Jones 18 (Rask, Rissling), 3:24 (PP).
4, Calgary, Brassart 19 (Sylvester, Virtanen), 11:04.
5, Calgary, Macek 24 (Brassart, Sylvester), 16:35.
Penalties-Hawryluk Bdn (slashing), 3:13; Zgraggen Cal (closing hand on puck), 3:52; Swyripa Bdn (holding), 8:52; Brassart Cal (ob-tripping), 13:56; Palmer Bdn (slashing), 19:26; Virtanen Cal (roughing), 19:26; Rissling Cal (roughing), 19:33.

Shots on Goal-Brandon 3-2-11-16. Calgary 19-13-16-48.
Power Play Opportunities-Brandon 0 / 6; Calgary 1 / 4.
Goalies-Brandon, Honey 7-10-1-1 (48 shots-43 saves). Calgary, Shields 8-3-0-1 (16 shots-16 saves).
A-14,656
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Steve Papp (17).
Linesmen-Reid Anderson (53), Mark MacIsaac (22).

Sunday 27 January 2013

Brandon at Calgary

The Calgary Hitmen are back on Scotiabank Saddledome ice this afternoon for a date with the Brandon Wheat Kings.  Game time is 4:00 p.m. with the broadcast live on Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Calgary enters the game third in the WHL's Eastern Conference with a record of 31-13-1-3 (66pts).  Brandon is 12th in the conference at 18-28-2-2 (40pts).
 

Today is the fourth and final regular season meeting with the Hitmen leading the season series 3-0 having outscored the Wheat Kings by a combined 21-6.  Brady Brassart has done the bulk of the damage to lead all scorers with seven points (2g 5a).

Following today's contest Calgary will open a season high nine game road trip Tuesday night in Medicine Hat.

Lethbridge 6 Calgary 4

Macoy Erkamps had a goal and three assists to lead the Lethbridge Hurricanes to a 6-4 win over the Calgary Hitmen Friday night at the Enmax Centre.
                                                                                                                             
The loss for Calgary was their second in as many games and third in their last four outings.

                                                 Photo Credit: CanesCast

The Hurricanes, who trailed 2-0 after the first period, scored five unanswered goals building a 5-2 third period lead.

Cody Sylvester led the Hitmen in the loss with three points, scoring twice and setting up another.  Sylvester now has a career high and team leading 25 goals this season.  Victor Rask and Greg Chase also scored for the Hitmen whose late third period push got them to within a goal trailing 5-4 with 3:50 remaining.

Their best chance to tie it came when Chase hit a post before Michael Sofillias sealed the victory with an empty net goal for Lethbridge.

The Hitmen outshot the Hurricanes 37-34.  Lethbridge was 2-6 on the powerplay while Calgary went 2-7.
The Hitmen, now 31-13-1-3, return home to host the Brandon Wheat Kings on Sunday.  Game time is 4:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome for Cardel Homes Minor Hockey Day. 

The Calgary Hitmen and Cardel Homes have teamed up with Hockey Calgary to celebrate minor hockey.  Teams attending Sunday’s game have an opportunity to win great prizes including fundraising dollars and a chance to meet the Hitmen at a future Cardel Hang with the Hitmen event.

Calgary Hitmen 4 at Lethbridge Hurricanes 6
Friday, January 25, 2013 - Enmax Centre - Lethbridge, AB

Calgary 2 0 2 - 4
Lethbridge 0 3 3 - 6

1st Period
1, Calgary, Rask 5 (Sylvester, Rissling), 3:12 (PP).
2, Calgary, Sylvester 24 (Jones, Kosterman), 17:34.
Penalties-Derko Let (high sticking), 2:54; Henry Let (roughing), 2:54; Macek Cal (tripping), 6:41; Hurley Cal (inter. on goaltender), 15:16; Derko Let (interference), 17:43; Virtanen Cal (roughing), 19:44; Pilon Let (roughing), 19:44.

2nd Period
3, Lethbridge, Erkamps 4   5:06.
4, Lethbridge, Watson 12   14:45.
5, Lethbridge, Blomqvist 5 (Erkamps, Pilon), 19:31 (PP).
Penalties-Zgraggen Cal (roughing), 9:17; Derko Let (roughing), 9:17; Helgesen Cal (holding), 12:14; Hood Let (cross checking), 15:52; Mayor Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 17:54.

3rd Period
6, Lethbridge, Yakubowski 27 (Pilon, Erkamps), 3:34 (PP).
7, Lethbridge, Derko 4 (Erkamps, Maxwell), 12:33.
8, Calgary, Sylvester 25 (Macek, Virtanen), 14:16 (PP).
9, Calgary, Chase 14 (Clayton, Rissling), 16:10.
10, Lethbridge, Sofillas 3   19:26 (EN).
Penalties-Rissling Cal (interference), 2:22; Padakin Cal (roughing), 2:24; Derko Let (high sticking), 10:12; Mckechnie Let (delay of game), 13:04; Chase Cal (10-minute misconduct), 19:44; Virtanen Cal (major-fighting), 19:44; Harper Let (10-minute misconduct), 19:44; Ramsay Let (major-fighting), 19:44; Simpson Let (interference), 19:44.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 17-8-12-37. Lethbridge 9-15-10-34.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 2 / 7; Lethbridge 2 / 6.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 25-10-1-2 (33 shots-28 saves). Lethbridge, Rimmer 20-19-1-7 (37 shots-33 saves).
A-5,154
Referees-Jonathan Spurgeon (7), Kevin Webinger (6).
Linesmen-Matthew Barker (118), Aidan Henderson (78).

Medicine Hat 4 Calgary 0

Rookie goaltender Marek Langhamer made 30 saves for his first career shutout as the Medicine Hat Tigers blanked the Calgary Hitmen 4-0 Saturday night at the Medicine Hat Arena.

Blake Penner and Kyle Becker staked the Tigers out to a 2-0 first period lead.

Medicine Hat kept coming in the second period adding two more off the stick of Chad Labelle and Elgin Pearce.

The Tigers went 1-6 on the powerplay while killing all seven Calgary chances.

The Eastern Conference leading Hitmen now 31-12-1-3 will enjoy a full five day break before returning to action on Friday night in Lethbridge against the Hurricanes.

Next Hitmen home game is Sunday, January 25th against the Brandon Wheat Kings.  Game time is 4:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.


Calgary Hitmen 0 at Medicine Hat Tigers 4
Saturday, January 19, 2013 - Medicine Hat Arena

Calgary 0 0 0 - 0
Medicine Hat 2 2 0 - 4

1st Period
1, Medicine Hat, Penner 2 (Labelle, Sanford), 9:40.
2, Medicine Hat, Doty 10 (Becker, Cox), 15:01 (PP).
Penalties-Rissling Cal (interference), 2:01; Hurley Cal (hooking), 7:21; Cal (too many men), 13:14; Brassart Cal (high sticking), 15:31; M.h (too many men), 18:52; Sylvester Cal (roughing), 19:20; Jensen M.h (roughing), 19:20.

2nd Period
3, Medicine Hat, Labelle 4 (Sanford, Leier), 13:01.
4, Medicine Hat, Pearce 21 (Cox, Ryckman), 17:54.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (high sticking), 1:09; Lewington M.h (slashing), 3:59; Shinkaruk M.h (hooking), 6:50; Chase Cal (roughing), 10:07; Doty M.h (roughing), 10:07; Shinkaruk M.h (slashing, 10-minute misconduct), 10:07; Humphries Cal (high sticking), 14:04.

3rd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Becker M.h (slashing), 1:11; Jensen M.h (delay of game), 1:27; Penner M.h (high sticking), 12:52; Bredo M.h (high sticking), 16:48; Brassart Cal (spearing, spearing), 17:26; Chase Cal (10-minute misconduct), 17:26; Leier M.h (10-minute misconduct), 17:26; Ryckman M.h (roughing), 17:26; Virtanen Cal (slashing), 17:48; Lewington M.h (roughing), 17:48.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 8-13-9-30. Medicine Hat 13-9-2-24.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 8; Medicine Hat 1 / 7.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 25-10-1-2 (24 shots-20 saves). Medicine Hat, Langhamer 10-9-1-0 (30 shots-30 saves).
A-4,006
Referees-Clayton Hall (42), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Matthew Sanders (70), Justin Slimm (105).

Calgary 5 Prince George 3

The Calgary Hitmen got goals from five different players en-route to a 5-3 win over the Prince George Cougars Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Jesse Zgraggen, Alex Roach, Greg Chase, Victor Rask and Zane Jones all found the back of the net for Calgary who overcame a 2-1 first period deficit.

Rookie Jake Virtanen had a pair of assists while Jones led all Hitmen with a plus three. 

There was a scary moment for the Hitmen in the second period when defenceman Alex Roach had a puck from a Cougar shot ride up a stick and catch him in the neck.  Roach laid on the ice for several minutes before being taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.



Prince George Cougars 3 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Friday, January 18, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Prince George 2 0 1 - 3
Calgary 2 2 1 - 5

1st Period
1, Calgary, Zgraggen 3 (Lang, Virtanen), 2:55.
2, Prince George, Ehrhardt 2 (Witala, Bourke), 7:04.
3, Prince George, McNulty 7   12:11 (PP).
4, Calgary, Roach 11   13:49.
Penalties-Mayor Cal (tripping), 11:42; Belter P.g (inter. on goaltender), 16:10; Ehrhardt P.g (roughing), 18:48; Brassart Cal (roughing), 18:48.

2nd Period
5, Calgary, Chase 13 (Virtanen), 6:45 (SH).
6, Calgary, Rask 4 (Jones, Sylvester), 17:36.
Penalties-Humphries Cal (tripping), 5:31; Pochiro P.g (high sticking), 7:41; Bourke P.g (delay of game), 9:50; Harmsworth Cal (tripping), 15:23; Gibb P.g (roughing), 19:59; Chase Cal (roughing), 19:59.

3rd Period
7, Calgary, Jones 17 (Rask, Mayor), 12:03.
8, Prince George, Pochiro 6   19:22 (TXT_PS).
Penalties-Jacobs P.g (interference), 1:00; Hanes P.g (major-fighting), 6:23; Helgesen Cal (major-fighting), 6:23; Gibb P.g (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 7:02; Rissling Cal (cross checking, roughing), 7:02; Zarowny P.g (delay of game), 7:47; Rosinskis P.g (major-fighting), 11:42; Hurley Cal (major-fighting), 11:42; Gibb P.g (high sticking), 13:55; Jones Cal (boarding), 18:00; Rissling Cal (roughing), 19:50.

Shots on Goal-Prince George 14-6-2-22. Calgary 15-8-11-34.
Power Play Opportunities-Prince George 1 / 6; Calgary 0 / 6.
Goalies-Prince George, Zarowny 9-12-0-0 (34 shots-29 saves). Calgary, Driedger 25-10-1-2 (22 shots-19 saves).
A-9,823
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Matt Kirk (4).
Linesmen-Jared Mackey (52), Michael Roberts (87).

Thursday 17 January 2013

Two Hitmen catch NHL eye

NHL Central Scouting has released their mid-term rankings for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft with two members of the Calgary Hitmen cracking the list.

Forward Greg Chase, in his second season with the Hitmen, is ranked 94th among North American Skaters.  The 17-year-old from Sherwood Park, Alberta has 29 points (12g 17a) in 43 games this season and is a plus seven.

Mack Shields is ranked 28th among North American goalies.  The netminder from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is 6-3-0-1 in his rookie season with a 3.16 goals against average and a .891 save percentage.

Chase, Shields and the rest of the Hitmen return to action Friday night at home against Prince George.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Swift Current 4 Calgary 3

Colby Cave snapped a 3-3 third period tie scoring the game winning goal with 10:13 remaining as the Swift Current Broncos beat the Calgary Hitmen 4-3 Saturday night at Credit Union iplex.

Zane Jones, Jake Virtanen and Chase Lang all scored for the Hitmen who showed signs of fatigue playing their fourth game in five nights and fifth contest in seven days.

Brendan Hurley had a pair of assists for Calgary who saw their season high six game winning streak come to an end.

Adam Lowry had a goal and an assist for Swift Current to extend his WHL best point scoring streak to 20 games.  Meanwhile Cody Sylvester was held off the sheet for Calgary which ended his career high point scoring streak at eight games.

The Broncos outshot the Hitmen 35-20 going 1-4 on the powerplay while killing all three Calgary chances.

The Eastern Conference leading Hitmen are now 30-11-1-3 and return to action on Friday night to host the Prince George Cougars.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. Scotiabank Saddledome.

Calgary Hitmen 3 at Swift Current Broncos 4
Saturday, January 12, 2013 - Credit Union i-plex - Swift Current, SK

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

1st Period
1, Swift Current, Lowry 29 (Mackay), 3:21.
2, Swift Current, Black 18 (Lund, Nedomlel), 8:43.
3, Calgary, Jones 16 (Hurley, Kosterman), 19:51.
Penalties-Reum S.c (delay of game), 12:21; Brassart Cal (checking from behind), 12:56; Virtanen Cal (interference), 13:31.

2nd Period
4, Calgary, Virtanen 9 (Lang, Hurley), 9:22.
5, Calgary, Lang 3 (Virtanen, Jones), 11:42.
6, Swift Current, Nedomlel 2 (Gordon, Scarlett), 13:38 (PP).
Penalties-Rissling Cal (major-fighting), 3:08; Nedomlel S.c (major-fighting), 3:08; Roach Cal (cross checking), 12:46; Mayor Cal (tripping), 15:16.

3rd Period
7, Swift Current, Cave 12 (Gordon, Lowry), 9:47.
Penalties-Scarlett S.c (tripping), 3:18; LeSann S.c (inter. on goaltender), 15:07.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 5-8-7-20. Swift Current 10-14-11-35.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 3; Swift Current 1 / 4.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 24-8-1-2 (35 shots-31 saves). Swift Current, Laurikainen 16-15-2-2 (8 shots-5 saves); Bow 5-3-1-0 (12 shots-12 saves).
A-2,336
Referees-Kevin Shmyr (22), Reagan Vetter (39).
Linesmen-Adam Bloski (43), Ian Schafer (56).

Calgary 6 Regina 1

Brady Brassart and Jake Virtanen both scored twice as the Calgary Hitmen extended their winning streak to a season high six games with a 6-1 victory over the Regina Pats Friday night at Brandt Centre.

Brooks Macek set the tone opening the scoring just 13 seconds into the first period as Calgary jumped out to a 1-0 lead.

Brendan Hurley also scored for the Hitmen, to celebrate his 200th career game in the Western Hockey League.

Morgan Klimchuk had the lone marker for Regina who trailed 3-0 after the first period and 4-1 after 40 minutes.

Cody Sylvester had a pair of assists for Calgary to extend his career high point scoring streak to eight games while Chris Driedger made 32 saves to pick up the win.

The Eastern Conference leading Hitmen are now 30-10-1-3 and will wrap up their four game road trip tomorrow in Swift Current.

Calgary Hitmen 6 at Regina Pats 1
Friday, January 11, 2013 - Brandt Centre - Regina, SK

Calgary 3 1 2 - 6
Regina 0 1 0 - 1

1st Period
1, Calgary, Macek 23 (Sylvester, Roach), 0:13.
2, Calgary, Brassart 17 (Zgraggen), 14:15.
3, Calgary, Brassart 18 (Roach, Sylvester), 17:48 (PP).
Penalties-Samoridny Reg (tripping), 10:22; Ouellette Reg (tripping), 16:17; Fenske Reg (cross checking), 17:16.

2nd Period
4, Regina, Klimchuk 23 (Stevenson, Scheidl), 7:00 (PP).
5, Calgary, Virtanen 7 (Mayor, Humphries), 18:28.
Penalties-Chase Cal (charging), 6:12; Roach Cal (slashing), 9:43; Brassart Cal (tripping), 11:49; Brassart Cal (delay of game), 18:54.

3rd Period
6, Calgary, Virtanen 8   0:20.
7, Calgary, Hurley 5 (Lang, Rissling), 5:12.
Penalties-Stephenson Reg (high sticking), 0:18; Macek Cal (tripping), 1:40; Brassart Cal (interference), 7:39; Scheidl Reg (slashing), 14:35.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 15-9-8-32. Regina 8-13-12-33.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 1 / 5; Regina 1 / 6.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 24-8-1-2 (33 shots-32 saves). Regina, Sacher 7-7-1-0 (15 shots-12 saves); Hewitt 11-17-1-2 (17 shots-14 saves).
A-4,317
Referees-Colin Watt (72), Nathan Wieler (18).
Linesmen-Curtis Funk (117), Troy Murray (34).

Hitmen swing one deal on deadline day

After adding to their depth on defence prior to the deadline with the addition of 19-year-old defenceman Jesse Zgraggen the Calgary Hitmen added to their forward depth on WHL Trade Deadline Day acquiring 19-year-old left winger Colten Mayor from the Regina Pats.

In return the Hitmen send to the Pats 18-year-old right winger Carson Samoridny and a fourth round pick in the 2013 Bantam Draft.

Mayor is expected to be given a shot at a spot in the top six, potentially on a line with Victor Rask 

In 201 career regular season games in both Red Deer and Regina Mayor has 84 points (36g 48a).

Calgary 6 Moose Jaw 4

Brady Brassart scored twice, set up two others and was plus five as the Calgary Hitmen extended their winning streak to five games with a 6-4 victory over the Moose Jaw Warriors Wednesday night at Mosaic Place.

Jesse Zgraggen, with his first goal as a Hitmen, Brooks Macek, Alex Roach and Cody Sylvester also found the back of the net for Calgary who has now scored 34 goals in their last five games.

Both Sylvester (1g 2a) and Macek (1g 2a) had three points each with Sylvester extending his point scoring streak to seven games.

The Hitmen, playing their second game in as many nights, never trailed building period leads of 2-1 and 4-3.

Calgary, now 29-10-1-3, improves to 62 points to lead the WHL’s Eastern Conference by three points over the Edmonton Oil Kings.

The Hitmen will enjoy a day off Thursday before wrapping up their four game road trip with stops in Regina Friday and Swift Current Saturday.

Calgary Hitmen 6 at Moose Jaw Warriors 4
Wednesday, January 9, 2013 - Mosaic Place - Moose Jaw, SK

Calgary 2 2 2 - 6
Moose Jaw 1 2 1 - 4

1st Period
1, Calgary, Zgraggen 2 (Helgesen, Hurley), 11:42.
2, Calgary, Brassart 15 (Sylvester, Padakin), 14:42.
3, Moose Jaw, Bell 2 (Hansen), 17:08.
Penalties-Bell M.j (hooking), 15:01; Jones Cal (high sticking), 19:54; Eberle M.j (high sticking), 19:54.

2nd Period
4, Calgary, Macek 22 (Roach, Brassart), 0:06.
5, Moose Jaw, Messier 7 (Kirsch, Brown), 4:46 (PP).
6, Moose Jaw, Kirsch 14 (Point), 5:22 (PP).
7, Calgary, Roach 10 (Macek, Brassart), 11:11.
Penalties-Sylvester Cal (holding), 0:51; Messier M.j (interference), 2:21; Zgraggen Cal (slashing), 4:40; Chase Cal (interference), 5:19; Zgraggen Cal (roughing), 10:01; Eberle M.j (roughing), 10:01; Chase Cal (hooking), 13:46; Hurley Cal (roughing), 20:00; Fioretti M.j (roughing), 20:00.

3rd Period
8, Calgary, Brassart 16 (Sylvester, Zgraggen), 12:48.
9, Moose Jaw, Doucette 2 (Fioretti, Eberle), 18:24.
10, Calgary, Sylvester 23 (Macek), 18:33.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Calgary 14-7-12-33. Moose Jaw 11-12-9-32.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 2; Moose Jaw 2 / 4.
Goalies-Calgary, Shields 6-3-0-1 (16 shots-13 saves); Driedger 24-8-1-2 (16 shots-15 saves). Moose Jaw, Wapple 4-11-0-2 (33 shots-27 saves).
A-3,647
Referees-Adam Byblow (23), Chad Williams (60).
Linesmen-Sean Dufour (50), Ryan Lundquist (106).

Calgary 7 Brandon 2

The Calgary Hitmen ran their winning streak to four games with a 7-2 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings Tuesday night at Westman Place.

Seven different Hitmen scored for Calgary who has now outscored their opponents by a combined 28-9 in their last four games.

The Hitmen set the tone early setting a franchise record for the fastest goal to start a game when Brooks Macek scored just nine seconds in.  It broke the old mark of 12 seconds set by Brad Moran on January 22, 1999.

Zane Jones extended his career high goal scoring streak to six games while Spencer Humphries, Pavlo Padakin, Brady Brassart and Carson Samoridny also found the back of the net for the visitors who built period leads of 3-1 and 4-2.

Brassart finished the game with a team high three points (1g 2a) while Macek and Chase had two points each (1g 1a).

Chris Driedger picked up the win in goal making 27 saves, including 11 in the third period.

Calgary, now 28-10-1-3, will play in Moose Jaw tomorrow before heading to Regina Friday and Swift Current Saturday to wrap up the road trip.

Calgary Hitmen 7 at Brandon Wheat Kings 2
Tuesday, January 8, 2013 - Westman Place - Brandon, MB

Calgary 3 1 3 - 7
Brandon 1 1 0 - 2

1st Period
1, Calgary, Macek 21 (Brassart, Sylvester), 0:09.
2, Calgary, Chase 12 (Hurley, Zgraggen), 4:14.
3, Brandon, Maguire 3 (Cooper, Palmer), 16:06.
4, Calgary, Jones 15 (Clayton, Samoridny), 19:06. Penalties-No Penalties

2nd Period
5, Brandon, Nejezchleb 9 (Ferland, Hawryluk), 16:46.
6, Calgary, Humphries 3 (Macek, Brassart), 17:28.
Penalties-Yaworski Bdn (hooking), 13:13.

3rd Period
7, Calgary, Padakin 14 (Chase, Roach), 1:42.
8, Calgary, Brassart 14 (Kosterman), 18:58 (SH EN).
9, Calgary, Samoridny 7 (Harmsworth, Thrower), 19:50 (SH EN).
Penalties-Hurley Cal (inter. on goaltender), 18:04; Padakin Cal (tripping), 18:21.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 13-10-7-30. Brandon 10-8-11-29.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 1; Brandon 0 / 2.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 24-8-1-2 (29 shots-27 saves). Brandon, Boes 9-19-1-1 (28 shots-23 saves).
A-3,315
Referees-Brett Montsion (54).
Linesmen-Warren Birch (110), Andrew Stammers (136).

Monday 7 January 2013

Hitmen deal with Victoria

The Calgary Hitmen, three days in advance of the WHL Trade Deadline, completed a deal with the Victoria Royals on Monday.  The club has added 19-year-old stay at home defenceman Jesse Zgraggen in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

Zgraggen was playing in the Royals top four this season as a shutdown defenceman with captain Tyler Stahl.  Never drafted, he was listed by the Tri-City Americans and played Junior A in Brooks with the Bandits.  He attended a pro camp this past summer in Switzerland (HC Ambri-Piotta), coached by former NHL and WHL Head Coach Kevin Constantine and is fluent in Swiss.

At 6'1" 213 pounds from Lethbridge, Alberta, Zgraggen is in his third season in the Western Hockey League.

So how did Zgraggen react to the news?  I think his tweet sums it up.  @Jziggy93 Excited to be part of the hitmen! Can't wait to re unite with @ZaneZila_ #tuna #AlbertaBound

His addition gives the Hitmen eight defenceman leaving the question is there another roster move to come or is the team comfortable carrying an extra two blueliners in case of injury down the road.  The option also exists to play someone up front as a forward as we saw from Darian Henry earlier this season before his trade to Regina.

Jesse Zgraggen's WHL History
Regular Season
Season Team 
2012-13 Regular Season Victoria Royals 33GP 1G 6A 7PTS 0+/- 34PIM
2011-12 Regular Season Victoria Royals 62GP 2G 10A 12PTS -18 54PIM
2010-11 Regular Season Chilliwack Bruins 62GP 1G 2A 3PTS -9 27PIM
Total: 157GP 4G 18A 22PTS -27 115PIM
Playoffs
Season Team
2012 WHL Playoffs Victoria Royals 4GP 0G 1A 1PTS -3 0PIM
2011 WHL Playoffs Chilliwack Bruins 5GP 0G 0A 0PTS -2 0PIM
Total: 9GP 0G 1A 1PTS -5 0PIM

Sunday 6 January 2013

Calgary 5 Vancouver 4

Brady Brassart scored twice including the game winner on the powerplay lifting the Calgary Hitmen to a 5-4 win over the Vancouver Giants Sunday at Scotiabank Saddledome.

The win completed a sweep of a three game homestand for the Hitmen who outscored their opponents by a combined 21-7.

Zane Jones, Pavlo Padakin and Greg Chase also scored for Calgary who got two assists each from Chase Clayton, Spencer Humphries and Alex Roach.

The Hitmen, 27-10-1-3, will now play 15 of their next 17 games on the road starting Tuesday in Brandon.

Vancouver Giants 4 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Sunday, January 6, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Vancouver 2 0 2 - 4
Calgary 1 2 2 - 5

1st Period
1, Vancouver, Kieser 5 (Morrison, Zalitach), 1:34.
2, Calgary, Jones 14 (Clayton, Roach), 9:43.
3, Vancouver, Franson 15 (Kulak, Morrison), 14:51 (PP).
Penalties-Chase Cal (tripping), 14:14; Padakin Cal (slashing), 14:20.

2nd Period
4, Calgary, Padakin 13 (Humphries, Clayton), 6:30 (PP).
5, Calgary, Chase 11 (Jones, Kosterman), 9:58.
Penalties-Trzonkowski Van (roughing), 5:08; Trzonkowski Van (major-fighting), 10:38; Padakin Cal (major-fighting), 10:38; Orban Van (interference), 10:57; Jones Cal (boarding), 13:45; Brassart Cal (roughing), 19:15.

3rd Period
6, Calgary, Brassart 12 (Humphries, Shields), 1:30.
7, Vancouver, Houck 10 (Kulak), 6:50 (PP).
8, Vancouver, Kulak 8 (McEvoy), 8:41.
9, Calgary, Brassart 13 (Roach, Sylvester), 10:39 (PP).
Penalties-Geertsen Van (major-fighting), 4:22; Hurley Cal (major-fighting), 4:22; Clayton Cal (high sticking, high sticking), 4:48; Orban Van (cross checking), 9:41; Padakin Cal (delay of game), 11:20.

Shots on Goal-Vancouver 6-10-10-26. Calgary 13-12-9-34.
Power Play Opportunities-Vancouver 2 / 7; Calgary 2 / 3.
Goalies-Vancouver, Lee 6-11-0-0 (34 shots-29 saves). Calgary, Shields 6-3-0-1 (26 shots-22 saves).
A-12,133
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Colin Stefanyk (14).
Linesmen-Sean Donnelly (109), Scott Sharun (103).

Vancouver at Calgary

The Calgary Hitmen wrap up a three game homestand this afternoon against the Vancouver Giants.  Game time is 4:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.  Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan also starts at 4 o'clock.

THE STANDINGS:  Calgary is 26-10-1-3.  At 56 points they sit third in the Eastern Conference three points back of the conference leading Edmonton Oil Kings.  Vancouver is 11-29-0-0.  At 22 points the Giants are not only last in the Western Conference but also have the fewest points in the WHL.

COMING IN:  The Hitmen last played on Friday beating Moose Jaw 6-1.  Calgary has now won two straight outscoring their opponents by a combined 16-3.  For Vancouver today will be their third game in as many days.  After falling in a shootout Friday in Red Deer by a score of 5-4, the Giants were blanked 5-0 in Edmonton last night.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:  Today is the second and final meeting this season.  Calgary won the first 5-4 in Vancouver on October 20th.  Cody Sylvester led the way with a hat trick finishing the game with four points (3g 1a).  Brooks Macek (1g 1a), Greg Chase (2a) and Alex Roach (2a) all had two points each for Calgary who led 5-1 after 40 minutes.

WHO ARE THE GIANTS?  A pair of former Hitmen make their return to Calgary today.  For Trevor Cheek it his first after being dealt to the West Coast early in the season.  Cheek has five goals in his last four games.  Rob Trzonkowski is also now in Vancouver after Kamloops sent him west in the last week.  The Giants roster includes Calgary Flames prospect Brett Kulak.  The defenceman was a fourth round pick of the Flames (105th overall) in the 2012 draft. 

SPECIAL TEAMS IMPACT:  After a 3-43 powerplay drought the Hitmen powerplay as come to life going a combined 7-13 (53.8) in its last two games.  The penalty kill has been red hot of late killing 23 of its last 24.  The only goal againt in that span was a 5-on-3 for Brandon.

CHASING POINTS:  Hitmen rookie forward Chase Lang had no points in his first 20 games.  He has a combined five (2g 3a) in his last two games.

TOP SCORERS:
Calgary
Brooks Macek 20g 29a 49pts
Cody Sylvester 22g 20a 42pts
Brady Brassart 11g 28a 39pts

Vancouver
Jackson Houck 9g 25a 34pts
Trevor Cheek 18g 15a 33pts
Marek Tvrdon 8g 14a 22pts (Out for the season - Shoulder Blood Clot)
Brett Kulak 7g 15a 22pts

Calgary 6 Moose Jaw 1

The Calgary Hitmen got six goals from six different players in a 6-1 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Hitmen blew the game open in the second period scoring four times in a span of 5 minutes and 11 seconds to turn a 1-1 tie into a 5-1 lead.

Rookie defenceman Colby Harmsworth, who entered the game with one assists in his first 22 games had three assists.

Calgary has now won the first two games of their three game homestand by a combined 16-3.

Moose Jaw Warriors 1 at Calgary Hitmen 6
Friday, January 4, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Moose Jaw 0 1 0 - 1
Calgary 1 4 1 - 6

1st Period
1, Calgary, Roach 9 (Macek, Brassart), 14:33 (PP).
Penalties-Eberle M.j (checking to the head), 11:31; Gore M.j (checking from behind), 14:25; Brassart Cal (interference), 16:35.

2nd Period
2, Moose Jaw, Hansen 5 (Johnson, Kirsch), 1:29.
3, Calgary, Sylvester 22 (Macek, Harmsworth), 12:26.
4, Calgary, Padakin 12 (Lang, Kosterman), 13:26.
5, Calgary, Jones 13 (Brassart, Harmsworth), 14:19.
6, Calgary, Hurley 4 (Lang, Harmsworth), 17:36.
Penalties-Clayton Cal (checking to the head), 7:22.

3rd Period
7, Calgary, Macek 20 (Humphries, Sylvester), 9:06 (PP).
Penalties-Kirsch M.j (roughing), 4:45; Clayton Cal (roughing), 4:45; Johnson M.j (roughing), 7:11; Brown M.j (delay of game), 7:53; Roach Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 11:26; Brassart Cal (interference), 16:33.

Shots on Goal-Moose Jaw 8-11-8-27. Calgary 3-14-12-29.
Power Play Opportunities-Moose Jaw 0 / 4; Calgary 2 / 4.
Goalies-Moose Jaw, Wapple 4-10-0-2 (19 shots-15 saves); Paulic 10-10-3-2 (10 shots-8 saves). Calgary, Driedger 21-7-1-2 (27 shots-26 saves).
A-8,840
Referees-Steve Papp (17), Kevin Weinberger.
Linesmen-Aidan Henderson (78), Michael Roberts (87).

Friday 4 January 2013

Moose Jaw at Calgary

The Calgary Hitmen play game two of a three game homestand tonight against the Moose Jaw Warriors.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.  Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan begins at six with Mr. Fireplace Hitmen warmup.

THE STANDINGS:  Calgary is 25-10-1-3.  At 54 points the Hitmen are third in the Eastern Conference, three back of the conference leading Edmonton Oil Kings who blanked Lethbridge 4-0 last night.  Both the Hitmen and Oil Kings have played 39 of their 72 game schedule.  Moose Jaw is 14-18-3-4.  At 35 points the Warriors are ninth in the conference, just a single point back of Medicine Hat for the final playoff spot. 

HEAD-TO-HEAD:  Tonight is the third of four meetings:  Calgary leads the season series 2-0 having won both meetings beyond 60 minutes.
-Nov 4 at MJ: Cal 2 MJ 1 OT
-Nov 7th in Cal: Cal 2 MJ 1 Shootout.

COMING IN:  Calgary is fresh off their biggest performance of the season blasting Brandon 10-2 on Wednesday night.  The Hitmen have now won two of their last three.  Moose Jaw hasn't played since last Saturday when their two game winning streak was snapped with a 5-1 home ice loss to Regina. 

HOME AND AWAY:  Calgary is 12-8-1-2 at home while Moose Jaw is 7-11-1-2 on the road.

WORLD JUNIOR IMPACT:  The Calgary Hitmen are without Victor Rask who's with Team Sweden at the World Junior Hockey Championship.  Rask has four points (2g 2a) in five games along with 15 shots on goal.  Sweden will face the U-S tomorrow in the gold medal game.  Moose Jaw is without Morgan Rielly who is a member of Canada.  Rielly has three points (1g 2a) in five games along with 15 shots on goal.  Canada will face the Russians in the bronze medal game Saturday.

WORLD UNDER-17 HOCKEY CHALLENGE:  Team Pacific has finished fifth at the World Under 17's in Quebec.  Two Hitmen were member of that squad as Jake Virtanen finished the tournament with seven points (5g 2a) in five games while Josh Thrower had two points (1g 1a) in five games and also earned a Player of the Game nod.

THE ROAD AHEAD:  Calgary will host former teammate Trevor Cheek and the Vancouver Giants on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. before starting a four game East Division road trip Tuesday in Brandon.  For Moose Jaw tonight starts a three game road trip for the Warriors that will also take them to Red Deer tomorrow and Lethbridge on Sunday. 

HITMEN NHL PROSPECTS:  Chris Driedger (Ottawa 2012); Kenton Helgesen (Anaheim 2012); Jaynen Rissling (Washington 2012); Alex Roach (Three-year, Entry-level Contract, Los Angeles 2011); Victor Rask (Three-year, Entry-level Contract, Carolina 2011).

MOOSE JAW NHL DRAFTED PLAYERS: Morgan Rielly, Toronto, 1st round 2011; Travis Brown, Chicago, 5th round 2011

TOP SCORERS:
Calgary
Brooks Macek 19g 27a 46pts
Cody Sylvester 21g 19a 40pts
Brady Brassart 11g 26a 37pts

Moose Jaw
Sam Fioretti 19g 17a 36pts
Morgan Rielly 7g 21a 28pts
Brayden Point 8g 18a 26pts
Travis Brown 8g 18a 26pts

Calgary 10 Brandon 2

In what was Calgary's biggest scoring attack of the season, the Hitmen rolled the Brandon Wheat Kings 10-2 Wednesday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Brooks Macek led the way with his second career hat trick.  Ironically Macek's first WHL hat trick was also against Brandon registered last season.  Chase Lang and Austin Calladine both scored their first goal in the WHL for Calgary.  Lang actually finished the game with a pair of goals and an assist.

Twelve different Hitmen had a least a single point with Brady Brassart racking up a team high four points (1g 3a). 

The powerplay, 3 for its last 43 heading into the game, was stellar for the Hitmen finishing the night 5-9.

The Wheat Kings line-up was a shadow if its normal self with injuries, and the World Juniors and World Under-17 Hockey Challenge taking a bite out of the roster.  Among the scratches was Calgary Flames prospect Michael Ferland who sat out with an injury suffered in Edmonton on New Years Eve.

                                        Photo Credit:  Brad Watson-Calgary Hitmen


Brandon Wheat Kings 2 at Calgary Hitmen 10
Wednesday, January 2, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Brandon 1 0 1 - 2
Calgary 3 1 6 - 10

1st Period
1, Calgary, Padakin 10 (Jones, Clayton), 1:03.
2, Calgary, Brassart 11 (Sylvester, Roach), 8:40.
3, Calgary, Macek 17 (Brassart, Roach), 13:25 (PP).
4, Brandon, Robinson 8 (Buonassisi, Pulock), 18:31 (PP).
Penalties-Nikkel Bdn (interference), 13:18; Nikkel Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 13:25; Padakin Cal (tripping), 17:03; Roach Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 18:16.

2nd Period
5, Calgary, Macek 18 (Sylvester, Brassart), 4:09.
Penalties-Yaworski Bdn (major-fighting), 10:30; Roach Cal (major-fighting), 10:30; Humphries Cal (holding), 10:48; Buonassisi Bdn (cross checking), 15:58; Maguire Bdn (tripping), 18:50.

3rd Period
6, Calgary, Lang 1 (Brassart, Humphries), 0:47 (PP).
7, Calgary, Macek 19 (Rissling, Sylvester), 3:16 (PP).
8, Calgary, Padakin 11 (Rissling, Clayton), 4:52 (PP).
9, Calgary, Lang 2 (Clayton, Jones), 8:51.
10, Brandon, Shmyr 1 (Robinson), 10:01.
11, Calgary, Calladine 1 (Roach, Chase), 11:51.
12, Calgary, Jones 12 (Lang, Humphries), 16:47 (PP).
Penalties-Nejezchleb Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 2:07; Yaworski Bdn (major-fighting), 3:36; Kosterman Cal (major-fighting), 3:36; Meilleur Bdn (10-minute misconduct), 4:30; Nikkel Bdn (roughing), 4:30; Samoridny Cal (10-minute misconduct), 4:30; Buonassisi Bdn (major-fighting), 7:06; Hurley Cal (major-fighting), 7:06; Shmyr Bdn (tripping), 12:37; Yaworski Bdn (high sticking), 15:13; Chase Cal (10-minute misconduct), 15:13; Van Horne Bdn (delay of game), 15:30; Roy Bdn (roughing), 20:00.

Shots on Goal-Brandon 7-5-6-18. Calgary 18-10-16-44.
Power Play Opportunities-Brandon 1 / 3; Calgary 5 / 9.
Goalies-Brandon, Honey 5-6-1-1 (29 shots-23 saves); Boes 9-16-1-1 (15 shots-11 saves). Calgary, Driedger 20-7-1-2 (18 shots-16 saves).
A-8,200
Referees-Clayton Hall (42), Matt Kirk (4).
Linesmen-Reid Anderson (53), Justin Slimm (105).

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Brandon at Calgary

Happy New Year!  The Calgary Hitmen open 2013 against Flames prospect Michael Ferland and the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings tonight at Scotiabank Saddledome.  Game time is 7:00 p.m.  Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan begins at 6 o'clock with the Mr. Fireplace Warm-up.

THE STANDINGS:  Calgary is 24-10-1-3, at 52 points they sit third in the Eastern Conference, three back of the conference leading Edmonton Oil Kings.  Brandon is 14-21-2-2, at 32 points they sit 11th in the conference, three points behind Moose Jaw for the eighth and final playoff spot.


COMING IN:  Calgary is just 1-3 in their last four games including a 3-2 loss on the road in their last outing Monday against the Kootenay Ice.  Tonight starts at three game homestand for the Hitmen who will also welcome Moose Jaw on Friday (7pm) and Vancouver on Sunday (4pm).  Brandon meanwhile is also 1-3 in their last four coming off a 6-2 New Year's Eve loss in Edmonton.  Tonight puts the wraps on a three game road trip for the Wheat Kings who will play four of their next seven at home.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:  Tonight is just the second of four regular season meetings.  Calgary won the opener 4-2 in Brandon on November 3rd.  The Hitmen got off to a strong start outshooting the Wheat Kings by a combined 28-9 over the first two periods building a 3-0 lead.  The line of Greg Chase (3a), Chase Clayton (1g 1a) and Pavlo Padakin (1g 1a) combined for seven points.  Calgary outshot Brandon 40-28.  The Hitmen were 1-3 on the powerplay while the Wheaties went 0-3.  They will meet two more times this month to wrap up their season series:  January 8th in Brandon and January 27th in Calgary.

SPECIAL TEAMS:  The Hitmen powerplay is 3 for its last 43 (7%) while the penalty kill is a perfect 17 for its last 17.

STREAKIN':  Zane Jones (2g 1a) has goals in back to back games for Calgary while Cody Sylvester (1g 2a) has points in two straight.  Brandon's Taylor Cooper is on a three game point streak (3g 1a).

BACK IN THE WHL:  On December 28th the Calgary Flames returned prospect Michael Ferland to the Brandon Wheat Kings.  Flames General Manager Jay Feaster had this to say upon announcing the decision. “It was important to us to have him in training camp, give him some exposure to a pro hockey environment, and get a read on his development. Based on the depth of our team in Abbotsford, and the limited game minutes that Michael is currently able to get there, we felt that it would be in the best interest of his development to return to the WHL, where he can get the minutes that we want him to have, and continue to grow his skill and confidence. We continue to be bullish on Michael’s potential, and look forward to his contributions to the Flames in the future." Ferland, who had 96 points (47g 49a) last season in Brandon, had split time this season between the AHL (Abotsford) and ECHL (Utah) picking up a combined one assist in 10 games.  He has one goal in three games since returning to Brandon.

WORLD JUNIOR IMPACT:  The Calgary Hitmen are without Victor Rask who's with Team Sweden at the World Junior Hockey Championship.  Rask has three points (2g 1a) in four games along with 14 shots on goal.  Sweden will face Russia tomorrow in one semi-final.  Brandon is without Alessio Bertaggia who is a member of team Switzerland.  Bertaggia has four points (2g 2a) in five games along with 17 shots on goal.  Switzerland will face the Czechs in the fifth place game.

CHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME:  The top Canadian Hockey League players for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft will gather in Halifax on January 16th for the Top Prospects Game.  Among them will be a pair of Brandon Wheat Kings in Ryan Pulock and Eric Roy.  Both are members of Team Cherry.

TOP SCORERS:
Calgary
Brooks Macek 16g 27a 43pts
Cody Sylvester 21g 16a 37pts
Brady Brassart 10g 23a 33pts

Brandon
Alessio Bertaggia 16g 18a 34pts
Ryan Pulock 10g 19a 29pts
Jayce Hawryluk 9g 14a 23pts
Eric Roy 7g 16a 23pts




Kootenay 3 Calgary 2

The Calgary Hitmen have now lost three of their last four games after a 3-2 setback in Cranbrook on Monday night.

In a game where Calgary never had the lead, Levi Cable broke a 2-2 third period tie with 8:40 remaining lifting the Ice to victory.

Calgary started strong building an early 8-1 lead on the shot clock but then fell into penalty problems which seemed to take away any momentum they had built.  It was Brock Montgomery who scored the lone goal of the first period giving Kootenay a 1-0 lead.

In the second, the Hitmen scored the lone goal of the period as Zane Jones converted for his 11th of the season.

Montgomery struck again for the Ice, his sixth against the Hitmen in five games, to reestablish the lead for Kootenay in the third period but just 44 seconds later Cody Sylvester's 21st of the season pulled Calgary even.  It didn't stay that was for long as Cable then potted the game winner just over two minutes later.

Calgary Hitmen 2 at Kootenay Ice 3
Monday, December 31, 2012 - Western Financial Place - Cranbrook, BC

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

1st Period
1, Kootenay, Montgomery 13 (Leach), 7:56.
Penalties-Clayton Cal (interference), 10:42; Skapski Ktn (holding), 12:34; Macek Cal (tripping), 12:56; Rissling Cal (cross checking), 18:33.

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Jones 11 (Sylvester), 1:38.
Penalties-Lang Cal (cross checking), 3:27; Thomas Ktn (tripping), 6:34; Martin Ktn (holding), 15:23.

3rd Period
3, Kootenay, Montgomery 14 (Leach, Cable), 7:20.
4, Calgary, Sylvester 21 (Padakin), 8:04.
5, Kootenay, Cable 5   10:20.
Penalties-Samoridny Cal (delay of game), 2:09; Clayton Cal (interference), 15:29; Sylvester Cal (roughing), 16:38.

Shots on Goal-Calgary 15-10-7-32. Kootenay 13-8-16-37.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 3; Kootenay 0 / 7.
Goalies-Calgary, Shields 5-3-0-1 (37 shots-34 saves). Kootenay, Skapski 12-16-0-0 (32 shots-30 saves).
A-2,621
Referees-Clayton Hall (42), Curtis Marouelli (86).
Linesmen-Chris Carlson (92), Scott Sharun (103).