Monday 30 December 2013

Calgary beats Edmonton to retain Eastern Conference lead

The Calgary Hitmen scored four unanswered goals en-route to a 6-2 win over the Edmonton Oil Kings Saturday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

It was the first time in three tries this season the Hitmen beat the team that eliminated them from the WHL playoffs a year ago in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Elliott Peterson led the way with his first career hat trick, capping the performance with an empty net goal.  Peterson now has four goals in his last two games giving him eight on the season.

Jake Virtanen, Chase Lang and Pavel Padakin also scored for Calgary who got out-shot 36-16.

Chris Driedger made 34 saves in a second star performance behind Peterson.

Brady Brassart and Colby Harmsworth both had a pair of assists for the Hitmen who improved to 23-8-2-3.

Calgary has now played exactly half of their 72 game regular season schedule and are on pace for 46 wins and 102 points.

The Eastern Conference leading Hitmen will welcome the Kootenay Ice (19-17-2-1) to the Saddledome Monday night for a 7 o'clock start.

                                         Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Edmonton Oil Kings 2 at Calgary Hitmen 6
Saturday, December 28, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Edmonton 2 0 0 - 2
Calgary 2 2 2 - 6

1st Period
1, Calgary, Virtanen 19 (Jones), 0:59.
2, Calgary, Peterson 6 (Brassart, Chase), 8:52.
3, Edmonton, Eller 3 (Petryk, Samuelsson), 15:23.
4, Edmonton, Pollock 13 (Mayo, Samuelsson), 19:43 (PP).
Penalties-Petryk Edm (checking from behind), 2:14; Jarry Edm (roughing), 4:04; served by Babych Cal (too many men), 6:04; Virtanen Cal (hooking), 18:48.

2nd Period
5, Calgary, Peterson 7 (Brassart), 3:28.
6, Calgary, Lang 3 (Mahon, Helgesen), 16:19.
Penalties-Samuelsson Edm (interference), 13:59.

3rd Period
7, Calgary, Padakin 12 (Lang, Harmsworth), 13:49 (SH).
8, Calgary, Peterson 8 (Harmsworth), 18:17 (EN).
Penalties-Samuelsson Edm (slashing), 6:36; Brassart Cal (cross checking), 6:36; Padakin Cal (hooking), 10:51; Mayo Edm (holding), 11:07; Jones Cal (checking to the head), 13:03; Helgesen Cal (hooking), 14:31.

Shots on Goal
Edmonton 12-13-11-36. Calgary 6-4-6-16.
Power Play Opportunities
Edmonton 1 / 5; Calgary 0 / 4.
Goalies-Edmonton, Jarry 22-10-0-1 (15 shots-10 saves). Calgary, Driedger 15-7-2-3 (36 shots-34 saves).
A-9,909
Referees-Jonathan Spurgeon (7), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Reid Anderson (53), Sean Donnelly (109).




Hitmen swing a deal with PA to improve scoring depth

From the Hitmen Office:

Calgary, AB - Upon the conclusion of the WHL trade moratorium, the Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club announced they have acquired 19-year-old forward Mike Winther from the Prince Albert Raiders in exchange for 19-year-old forward Calder Brooks and a second round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.

Winther, a native of Trochu, Alberta, was drafted by Prince Albert in the first round, sixth overall, in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.  Over four seasons (2010-13) with the Raiders, he has recorded 66 goals and 64 assists for 130 points over 218 career games played. 

In 2012, the Dallas Stars selected the 6-0, 191-pound forward in second round, 54th overall, in the NHL Entry Draft.

“As difficult as it is to move a character player like Calder, we are very excited to acquire the goal-scoring and offensive attributes Mike (Winther) will bring to our lineup,” said Hitmen General Manager and Vice President, Business Operations Mike Moore. 

“Mike possesses terrific speed and will be a nice addition to our team.”

Winther is expected to play in early January following his recovery from an upper body injury.

Hitmen fall in Red Deer

In their first game following a nine day Christmas Break, the Calgary Hitmen dropped a 3-2 decision in Red Deer against the Rebels.

Heading in, Calgary had won the three previous meetings holding the Rebels in the process to a combined 58 shots but on this night the Rebels found a new gear firing 40 shots on goal.

Cole Chorney, Rhyse Dieno and Conner Bleackley scored for Red Deer who never trailed building leads of 1-0 and 3-1. 

Elliott Peterson and Greg Chase replied for the Hitmen who saw their run of points in at least 10 games in a row (9-0-1) come to an end.

The Hitmen had thought they have opened the scoring in the first period, but after a lengthy review the goal was overturned with officials saying the puck was kicked in.

From @WHLHitmen Twitter Feed:  Pre-Game Warm-Up in RD 

Calgary Hitmen 2 at Red Deer Rebels 3
Friday, December 27, 2013 - Enmax Centrium - Red Deer, AB

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

1st Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Sutter R.d (hooking), 16:45; Jones Cal (tripping), 19:54.

2nd Period
1, Red Deer, Chorney 4 (Polei), 8:43.
2, Calgary, Peterson 5 (Brassart, Chase), 10:14.
Penalties-Penner Cal (hooking), 0:54; Fleury R.d (tripping), 13:25; Dixon R.d (cross checking), 15:30.

3rd Period
3, Red Deer, Bleackley 18 (Mpofu, Fleury), 5:34.
4, Red Deer, Dieno 12 (Mpofu, Fleury), 16:25.
5, Calgary, Chase 20 (Peterson, Brassart), 17:23.
Penalties-Helgesen Cal (tripping), 2:55; Fafard R.d (tripping), 10:18; Bartosak R.d (tripping), 12:28; Thomas Cal (delay of game), 17:36.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 10-12-11-33. Red Deer 13-16-11-40.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 5; Red Deer 0 / 4.
Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 15-7-2-3 (40 shots-37 saves). Red Deer, Bartosak 17-12-0-2 (33 shots-31 saves).
A-5,623
Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Chris Schlenker (90).
Linesmen-Chad Huseby (59), Cody Huseby (88).

Sunday 22 December 2013

Hitmen head into Christmas Break atop Eastern Conference

The Calgary Hitmen will have lots to celebrate during the Christmas Break as they will enjoy all nine days as leaders of the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference.

The Hitmen booked their ticket into the penthouse with a 6-3 win over the Regina Pats on Tuesday night.

Calgary jumped out to a 6-0 lead en-route to victory scoring twice on the powerplay and also twice shorthanded.

Greg Chase led the scoring parade with a pair of goals while Radel Fazleev had three assists.

The Hitmen have now picked up at least a point in 10 straight games (9-0-1) to improve their record to 22-7-2-3.

Calgary is back on WHL ice December 27th in Red Deer before hosting Edmonton on December 28th
                                       Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Regina Pats 3 at Calgary Hitmen 6 - Status
Tuesday, December 17, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

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

1st Period
1, Calgary, Thomas 3 (Sanheim, Lang), 2:57.
2, Calgary, Chase 18 (Padakin, Fazleev), 8:58 (PP).
3, Calgary, Virtanen 18 (Fazleev), 16:41 (SH).
Penalties-Zgraggen Reg (interference), 8:12; Brassart Cal (slashing), 14:53; Roach Cal (cross checking), 19:17.

2nd Period
4, Calgary, Roach 2 (Harmsworth), 12:08 (SH).
5, Calgary, Chase 19 (Fazleev, Roach), 14:26 (PP).
Penalties-Padakin Cal (tripping), 3:23; Williams Reg (interference), 4:06; Brooks Cal (delay of game), 7:05; Roach Cal (roughing), 8:06; served by Zimmer Reg (too many men), 10:02; Jones Cal (high sticking), 10:25; Reagan Reg (high sticking), 12:39.

3rd Period
6, Calgary, Penner 3 (Harmsworth, Thrower), 2:09.
7, Regina, Gay 7 (Hunt, Leier), 7:17 (PP).
8, Regina, Williams 3 (Wagner, Stephenson), 13:08.
9, Regina, Brooks 3 (Christoffer, Hunt), 13:57.
Penalties-Sanheim Cal (delay of game), 2:19; Thrower Cal (tripping), 6:25.

Shots on Goal
Regina 7-8-13-28. Calgary 11-5-9-25.
Power Play Opportunities
Regina 1 / 8; Calgary 2 / 4.
Goalies
Regina, MacAuley 16-9-2-0 (17 shots-14 saves); Schneider 2-2-0-2 (8 shots-5 saves). Calgary, Driedger 14-6-2-3 (28 shots-25 saves).
A-6,808
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Shaun Harris (43).
Linesmen-Jared Mackey (52), Scott Sharun (103).

Tuesday 17 December 2013

Hitmen extend streak to nine games

The Calgary Hitmen have now picked up points in nine straight games (8-0-1-0) following Sunday's 5-2 home ice win over the Swift Current Broncos.

Kenton Helgesen was named the first star topping all Hitmen with three points with a goal and two assists.  Helegesen was one of five different players to score for Calgary as Radel Fazleev, Travis Sanheim, Linden Penner, and Zane Jones also found the back of the net.

For Sanheim it was his first career goal in the Western Hockey League.

Calder Brooks had a pair of assists to continue his strong play of late extending his point streak to three games (4g 2a).

Chris Driedger made 24 saves to pick up the victory helping Calgary improve to 4-0 against the Broncos this season.

                                       Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Swift Current Broncos 2 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Sunday, December 15, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

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

1st Period
1, Calgary, Fazleev 5 (Chase, Helgesen), 7:15.
Penalties-Thrower Cal (interference), 16:35.

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Sanheim 1 (Padakin, Brooks), 0:42.
3, Swift Current, Mackay 7 (LeSann, Johnson), 9:24.
4, Calgary, Penner 2 (Brooks, Helgesen), 11:43.
5, Swift Current, Lernout 4 (Cave, Martin), 13:40.
Penalties-Bevan S.c (major-fighting), 14:57; Babych Cal (major-fighting), 14:57.

3rd Period
6, Calgary, Helgesen 5 (Brassart, Virtanen), 9:56 (PP).
7, Calgary, Jones 8 (Fazleev, Padakin), 17:37 (EN).
Penalties-Bevan S.c (tripping), 8:58; Thomas Cal (cross checking), 11:56.

Shots on Goal
Swift Current 9-11-6-26. Calgary 9-17-6-32.
Power Play Opportunities
Swift Current 0 / 2; Calgary 1 / 1.
Goalies
Swift Current, Bow 8-3-1-1 (31 shots-27 saves). Calgary, Driedger 13-6-2-3 (26 shots-24 saves).
A-8,823
Referees-Kevin Webinger (6), Chad Williams (60).
Linesmen-Sean Donnelly (109), Michael Roberts (87).

Virtanen and Thomas named to Top Prospects Game

From the Hitmen Office:

Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club would like to congratulate second-year forward Jake Virtanen and rookie defenceman Ben Thomas on being named to Team Orr for the 2014 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, held Wednesday, January 15 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.  With the addition of Virtanen and Thomas, the Hitmen have now been represented in this event by 26 players since 1996, a CHL-high.

“This is a great opportunity for Jake and Ben,” said Hitmen head coach Mike Williamson.  “Both players are playing big roles on our hockey team and we’re excited for them to be recognized. Being selected to play in the Top Prospects Game and having it right here in Calgary in front of our fans will be a great experience.”

Virtanen, a native of Abbotsford, British Columbia, was selected by Calgary first overall in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft.  He has appeared in 30 games this season, recording 15 goals and nine assists for 24 points over that span.  The 6-1, 210-pound forward was recently given an ‘A’ level rating by NHL Central Scouting in their November Players to Watch list. 

Thomas, a native of Calgary, Alberta, has recorded two goals and 13 assists for 15 points over 31 games played this season.  Calgary selected the 6-2, 193-pound defenceman in the third round, 45th overall, in the 2011 draft.  NHL Central Scouting rated Thomas as a ‘C’ level prospect in their Players to Watch list for November.

The CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports beginning at 7:00 p.m. MT, and is also available on the NHL Network in the United States and on Sportsnet 960 The FAN.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased for as little as $12.00 for a child ticket and $17.00 for an adult ticket (plus applicable fees) at all Ticketmaster locations and the Scotiabank Saddledome box office.  Order online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 1-855-985-5000.  Group ticket pricing is also available by calling 403-777-4646.




Here are both rosters:

Team Orr:
Goaltenders:
 Julio Billia (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
 Mason McDonald (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)

Defencemen:
 Aaron Ekblad (Barrie Colts)
 Aaron Haydon (Niagara IceDogs)
 Julius Honka (Swift Current Broncos)
 Brycen Martin (Swift Current Broncos)
 Alex Peters (Plymouth Whalers)
 Ben Thomas (Calgary Hitmen)

Forwards:
 Sam Bennett (Kingston Frontenacs)
 Clark Bishop (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)
 Blake Clarke (North Bay Battalion)
 Eric Cornel (Peterborough Petes)
 Leon Draisaitl (Prince Albert Raiders)
 Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax Mooseheads)
 Josh Ho-Sang (Windsor Spitfires)
 Brendan Lemieux (Barrie Colts)
 Jared McCann (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
 Brendan Perlini (Niagara IceDogs)
 Jake Virtanen (Calgary Hitmen)
 Spencer Watson (Kingston Frontenacs)

Staff:
 Lanny McDonald – Head Coach
 Mike Vernon – Assistant Coach
 Joel Otto – Assistant Coach
 Will McMillan – Athletic Therapist
 Jason Monnery – Equipment Manager

Team Cherry:
Goaltenders:
 Ty Edmonds (Prince George Cougars)
 Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth Whalers)

Defencemen:
 Anthony DeAngelo (Sarnia Sting)
 Haydn Fleury (Red Deer Rebels)
 Aaron Irving (Edmonton Oil Kings)
 Roland McKeown (Kingston Frontenacs)
 Nelson Nogier (Saskatoon Blades)
 Alexis Vanier (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Forwards:
 Daniel Audette (Sherbrooke Phoenix)
 Ivan Barbashev (Moncton Wildcats)
 Conner Bleackley (Red Deer Rebels)
 Michael Dal Colle (Oshawa Generals)
 Chase De Leo (Portland Winterhawks)
 Robby Fabbri (Guelph Storm)
 Nikolay Goldobin (Sarnia Sting)
 Ryan MacInnis (Kitchener Rangers)
 Matt Mistele (Plymouth Whalers)
 Sam Reinhart (Kootenay Ice)
 Nick Ritchie (Peterborough Petes)
 Nikita Scherbak (Saskatoon Blades)

Staff:
 Jim Peplinski – Head Coach
 Paul Reinhart – Assistant Coach
 Tim Hunter – Assistant Coach
 Brian Cheeseman – Athletic Therapist
 Rogan Dean – Equipment Manager

Hitmen rout Tigers

Friday the 13th was anything but bad luck for the Calgary Hitmen as they thumped the Medicine Hat Tigers 7-0 at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Brady Brassart led the way with his first WHL regular season hat trick while Jake Virtanen and Calder Brooks both scored twice to round out the scoring.

Greg Chase had three assists setting up all three Brassart goals while Cal Babych recorded his first career WHL point drawing an assist on the first Brooks goal.

Chris Driedger made 29 saves to record his second shutout of the season and seventh of his career.

It was 1-0 after the opening period and 2-0 after 40 minutes before Calgary blew the game open with five third period goals.

                                       Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Medicine Hat Tigers 0 at Calgary Hitmen 7
Friday, December 13, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Medicine Hat 0 0 0 - 0
Calgary 1 1 5 - 7

1st Period
1, Calgary, Brassart 11 (Chase, Helgesen), 19:03. Penalties-No Penalties

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Brassart 12 (Chase), 6:42.
Penalties-Stanton M.h (interference), 8:45; Labelle M.h (major-fighting), 11:04; Thrower Cal (major-fighting), 11:04.

3rd Period
3, Calgary, Brooks 7 (Babych, Padakin), 10:03.
4, Calgary, Brassart 13 (Chase), 13:15.
5, Calgary, Virtanen 16 (Fazleev), 14:07.
6, Calgary, Virtanen 17   17:32 (PP).
7, Calgary, Brooks 8 (Peterson, Thomas), 18:19.
Penalties-Harmsworth Cal (holding), 5:19; Doty M.h (instigator, major-fighting, 10-minute misconduct), 15:59; Thrower Cal (major-fighting), 15:59.

Shots on Goal-
Medicine Hat 11-10-8-29. Calgary 8-12-16-36.
Power Play Opportunities
Medicine Hat 0 / 1; Calgary 1 / 2.
Goalies
Medicine Hat, Wapple 12-6-1-0 (29 shots-24 saves); Tai 1-2-0-0 (7 shots-5 saves). Calgary, Driedger 13-6-2-3 (29 shots-29 saves).
A-6,956
Referees-Colin Watt (72), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Scott Sharun (103), Justin Slimm (105).
 
                 


Thursday 12 December 2013

Calgary wraps up road trip with a win in Lethbridge

Calder Brooks scored a pair of goals leading the Calgary Hitmen to a 5-3 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes Wednesday night at Enmax Centre.

Chase Lang, Jake Virtanen and Brady Brassart into an empty net also scored for Calgary.

Kenton Helgesen and Colby Harmsworth both had two assists for the Hitmen who built period leads of 2-0 and 4-2.

Mack Shields made 32 saves to record the victory as Lethbridge outshot Calgary 34-33.

The Hitmen won the special teams battle going 1-3 on the powerplay while killing all five Hurricanes chances including a 5-on-3 for 55 seconds.

Calgary has now picked up points in seven straight games going 6-0-1-0 in that span.

At 43 points, they sit tied with the Edmonton Oil Kings for top spot in the WHL’s Eastern Conference Standings.

The Hitmen now return home for their final three games prior to the Christmas Break starting Friday against the Medicine Hat Tigers.  A reminder the December 13th contest at Scotiabank Saddledome originally scheduled to begin at 7 o’clock is now a 7:30 start.

                                                      Photo Credit:  CanesCast

Calgary Hitmen 5 at Lethbridge Hurricanes 3
Wednesday, December 11, 2013 - Enmax Centre - Lethbridge, AB

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

1st Period
1, Calgary, Lang 2 (Jones, Thomas), 8:59.
2, Calgary, Brooks 5 (Harmsworth, Virtanen), 18:55.
Penalties-Jensen Let (hooking), 4:16; Penner Cal (roughing), 12:25; Peterson Cal (hooking), 19:28; Olynek Let (hooking), 19:51.

2nd Period
3, Lethbridge, Derko 8 (Watson, Erkamps), 3:46.
4, Calgary, Brooks 6 (Rissling, Harmsworth), 5:33.
5, Calgary, Virtanen 15 (Helgesen, Brassart), 10:01 (PP).
6, Lethbridge, Watson 9 (Erkamps, Olynek), 17:44.
Penalties-Derko Let (high sticking), 8:25; Jones Cal (hooking), 11:02; Roach Cal (tripping), 18:20; served by Jones Cal (too many men), 19:24.

3rd Period
7, Lethbridge, Duke 4 (Wong, Cooper), 3:42.
8, Calgary, Brassart 10 (Helgesen, Chase), 19:38 (EN). Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal
Calgary 13-13-7-33. Lethbridge 13-10-11-34.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 1 / 3; Lethbridge 0 / 5.
Goalies
Calgary, Shields 8-1-0-0 (34 shots-31 saves). Lethbridge, Sacher 2-3-0-0 (32 shots-28 saves).
A-2,615
Referees-Matt Cassidy (93), Chris Crich (20).
Linesmen-Michael Roberts (87), Justin Slimm (105).

Hitmen deal Oleksyn to Victoria

From the Hitmen Office:

The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club announced today that they have acquired 17-year-old forward Landon Welykholowa (“well-uh-call-uh-wa”) from the Victoria Royals in exchange for 17-year-old forward Braden Oleksyn.

Welykholowa, a native of Calgary, Alberta, has recorded one goal along with four penalty minutes over 18 games played with the Royals. 

The rookie forward was originally selected by the Prince Albert Raiders in the third round (58th overall) in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. 

He appeared in 34 games with the Calgary Buffaloes of the AMHL last season, tallying 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) along with 78 penalty minutes over that span.

                                                                Braden Olesksyn

Tigers need OT to top Hitmen

Logan McVeigh scored 27 seconds into overtime lifting the Medicine Hat Tigers to a 1-0 win over the Calgary Hitmen Tuesday night at The Arena.

Daniel Wapple made 39 saves for the Tigers to record his second shutout of the season in a first star performance.

Hitmen goaltender Chris Driedger was named second star after making 33 saves.

Both teams hit two goal posts each with Medicine Hat going 0-2 with the extra attack on the games only two powerplay chances.

The loss snaps Calgary’s season high five game winning streak dropping their record to 18-7-2-3.

At 41 points, the Hitmen now sit in a four-way tie for top spot in the WHL’s Eastern Conference with Medicine Hat, Edmonton and Swift Current.

                                                  Photo Credit:  Eugene Erick

Calgary Hitmen 0 at Medicine Hat Tigers 1 (OT)
Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - Medicine Hat Arena

Calgary 0 0 0 0 - 0
Medicine Hat 0 0 0 1 - 1

1st Period
No Scoring.Penalties-Harmsworth Cal (tripping), 9:34; Brooks Cal (inter. on goaltender), 14:21.

2nd Period
No Scoring.Penalties-No Penalties

3rd Period
No Scoring.Penalties-No Penalties

OT Period
1, Medicine Hat, McVeigh 5 (Valk, Bredo), 0:27. Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal
Calgary 17-8-14-0-39. Medicine Hat 15-10-8-1-34.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 0; Medicine Hat 0 / 2.
Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 11-6-2-3 (34 shots-33 saves). Medicine Hat, Wapple 10-5-1-0 (39 shots-39 saves).
A-4,006
Referees-Jason Cramer (57), Fraser Lawrence (10).
Linesmen-Darren Holeha (47), Matthew Sanders (70).

Friday 6 December 2013

Hitmen move December 13th tilt with Tigers to 7:30

From the Hitmen Office:

The Calgary Hitmen have announced the start time for their Friday, December 13th home game against the Medicine Hat Tigers has been moved to 7:30 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The contest, originally scheduled for 7:00 p.m., will now air live on Sportsnet West, Pacific and ONE as well as Sportsnet 960 The FAN.

                                            Photo Credit: Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Hitmen score five unanswered to beat Red Deer

The Calgary Hitmen ran their winning streak to three games with a come-from-behind 5-2 win over the Red Deer Rebels Tuesday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Rebels jumped out to a 2-0 lead, just 67 seconds in scoring twice on a 5-on-3 powerplay.

But it was all Calgary after that.

Linden Penner and Chase Lang both scored their first goals of the season for the Hitmen while Pavel Padakin, Radel Fazleev and Jake Virtanen also found the back of the net.

For Penner it was his first career goal in the Western Hockey League while Lang and Padakin both added an assist to lead the Hitmen with two points each.

Calgary dominated on the shot clock 40-18 in winning their third straight meeting with the Rebels this season.

The Hitmen, 16-7-1-3, will now host Lethbridge Saturday at 7pm and Portland on Sunday at 4 o'clock.

                                          Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Red Deer Rebels 2 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

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

1st Period
1, Red Deer, Dieno 11 (Fleury, Bleackley), 0:52 (PP).
2, Red Deer, Volek 13 (Gaudet), 1:07 (PP).
3, Calgary, Penner 1 (Lang, Mahon), 7:51.
4, Calgary, Padakin 8 (Chase, Helgesen), 13:40 (PP).
Penalties-Thrower Cal (tripping), 0:36; Roach Cal (delay of game), 0:39; Fafard R.d (roughing), 2:42; Penner Cal (roughing), 2:42; Jones Cal (cross checking), 10:49; Gaudet R.d (hooking), 11:48; Fafard R.d (checking from behind, roughing), 14:24; Virtanen Cal (roughing), 14:24; Roach Cal (holding), 18:58.

2nd Period
5, Calgary, Lang 1 (Roach, Peterson), 5:54.
Penalties-Jones Cal (hooking), 10:03; Doetzel R.d (holding), 13:32.

3rd Period
6, Calgary, Fazleev 3 (Thomas, Padakin), 1:12.
7, Calgary, Virtanen 12 (Brooks, Sanheim), 15:52.
Penalties-Fafard R.d (major-fighting), 2:31; Penner Cal (major-fighting), 2:31; Sutter R.d (roughing), 4:02; Virtanen Cal (high sticking), 4:02; Fleury R.d (high sticking), 5:29; Dixon R.d (10-minute misconduct), 12:16; Doetzel R.d (roughing), 12:16; Mahon Cal (10-minute misconduct), 12:16; Fafard R.d (roughing), 20:00; Rissling Cal (roughing, roughing), 20:00.

Shots on Goal
Red Deer 7-8-3-18. Calgary 13-15-12-40.
Power Play Opportunities
Red Deer 2 / 5; Calgary 1 / 5.
Goalies
Red Deer, Bartosak 12-11-0-2 (31 shots-27 saves); Burman 2-3-0-0 (9 shots-8 saves).
Calgary, Driedger 10-6-1-3 (18 shots-16 saves); Shields 6-1-0-0 (0 shots-0 saves).
A-5,707

Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Chris Schlenker (90).
Linesmen-Sean Donnelly (109), Michael Roberts (87).

Monday 2 December 2013

Hitmen produce a win in 19th annual Petro-Canada Teddy Bear Toss

It was a case of deja vu Sunday at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.

For the second year in a row, import Pavel Padakin scored the goal that brought the teddy bears down onto the ice, helping the Calgary Hitmen beat the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-1 in the 19th annual Petro-Canada Teddy Bear Toss.

Padakin proceeded to celebrate the big goal by making snow angels on the ice among the raining teddy bears.

Greg Chase scored a pair of goals in the win while Joe Mahon added his first as a Hitmen.

Steven Owre broke Chris Driedger's shutout bid with 4:29 remaining.

The goal was the lone blemish on what otherwise was a brilliant performance by Driedger who made 39 saves in a second star performance.

The victory was a big one for the Hitmen, moving them to within three points of the Eastern Conference co-leading Tigers and Swift Current Broncos.  Calgary also has a pair of games in hand on Medicine Hat and five games in hand on Swift Current.

The Hitmen will host Red Deer Tuesday night at the 'Dome in a 7 o'clock start.

TEDDY BEAR TALLY:  A total of 25,921 stuffed toys were collected after Padakin's goal 3:42 into the second period.  Those teddy bears will now be shared among over 50 local charities.

                                           Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Calgary Hitmen

Medicine Hat Tigers 1 at Calgary Hitmen 4
Sunday, December 1, 2013 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

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

1st Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Doty M.h (major-fighting), 12:43; Rissling Cal (major-fighting), 12:43; Becker M.h (roughing), 18:34; Padakin Cal (roughing), 18:34; Rissling Cal (interference), 18:47.

2nd Period
1, Calgary, Padakin 7 (Fazleev, Roach), 3:42.
2, Calgary, Mahon 1 (Lang, Draude), 16:03.
3, Calgary, Chase 15 (Harmsworth, Thomas), 19:55.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (roughing), 13:01.

3rd Period
4, Calgary, Chase 16 (Brassart, Roach), 3:07 (PP).
5, Medicine Hat, Owre 8 (Butcher, Becker), 15:31.
Penalties-Shinkaruk M.h (high sticking), 1:09; Thomas Cal (interference), 1:16; McVeigh M.h (high sticking), 2:09; Lewington M.h (major-fighting), 8:53; Mahon Cal (major-fighting), 8:53; Chase Cal (interference), 9:27; Padakin Cal (major-slashing, game misconduct), 20:00.

Shots on Goal
Medicine Hat 13-12-15-40. Calgary 12-11-6-29.
Power Play Opportunities
Medicine Hat 0 / 3; Calgary 1 / 2.
Goalies
Medicine Hat, Wapple 8-4-1-0 (29 shots-25 saves). Calgary, Driedger 9-6-1-3 (40 shots-39 saves).
A-17,199
Referees-Derek Zalaski (8), Jason Cramer (57).
Linesmen-Jared Mackey (52), Justin Slimm (105).

Hitmen 3 Broncos 1

Brady Brassart and Jake Virtanen scored third period goals to break a 1-1 tie leading the Calgary Hitmen to a 3-1 win over the Swift Current Broncos Friday night at Credit Union iPlex.

Colby Harmsworth also scored for the Hitmen who have now won all three regular season meetings against Swift Current this season.

Calgary outshot the Broncos 40-23, including 9-3 in the third period, to improve to 14-7-1-3 good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 32 points.

Glenn Gawdin had the lone goal for Swift Current.


Calgary Hitmen 3 at Swift Current Broncos 1
Friday, November 29, 2013 - Credit Union i-plex - Swift Current, SK

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

1st Period
1, Calgary, Harmsworth 2 (Peterson, Virtanen), 15:13.
2, Swift Current, Gawdin 3 (Cave, Leth), 18:10. Penalties-No Penalties

2nd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-LeSann S.c (cross checking), 0:00; Helgesen Cal (major-fighting), 0:10; LeSann S.c (major-fighting), 0:10; Padakin Cal (tripping), 6:45.

3rd Period
3, Calgary, Brassart 9 (Helgesen, Thomas), 10:18 (PP).
4, Calgary, Virtanen 11 (Rissling), 11:19.
Penalties-Lernout S.c (slashing), 10:06.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 16-15-12-43. Swift Current 12-8-18-38.
Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 1 / 1; Swift Current 0 / 1.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 9-6-1-3 (38 shots-37 saves). Swift Current, Laurikainen 9-9-0-2 (43 shots-40 saves).
A-2,006
Referees-Jeff Ingram (82), Jon Stephenson (38).
Linesmen-Curtis Funk (117), Ian Schafer (56).