Thursday 27 March 2014

Ice even series with last minute goal

Jaedon Descheneau scored the game winning goal with 51.6 seconds remaining to give the Kootenay Ice a 5-4 win in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Quater-Final with the Calgary Hitmen.

The best-of-seven series is now tied 2-2.

Jake Virtanen, Ben Thomas, Greg Chase and Pavel Padakin all scored for the Hitmen who overcame deficits of 2-0 and 3-1 but couldn't hold onto a 4-3 second period lead.

The series now returns to Calgary for Game 5 Thursday night.  Game time is 7:00 p.m.

                                             Photo Credit:  Chris Pullen - Ice

Calgary Hitmen 4 at Kootenay Ice 5
Tuesday, March 25, 2014 - Western Financial Place - Cranbrook, BC

Calgary 2 2 0 - 4
Kootenay 3 1 1 - 5

1st Period
1, Kootenay, Philp 3 (Vetterl, Alfaro), 3:02.
2, Kootenay, Reinhart 4 (Franko, Peel), 6:35.
3, Calgary, Virtanen 1 (Thomas, Fazleev), 11:36 (PP).
4, Kootenay, Franko 4 (Descheneau, Dirk), 14:34 (PP).
5, Calgary, Thomas 1 (Chase, Rissling), 16:34.
Penalties-Tambellini Cal (slashing), 0:17; Valiev Ktn (slashing), 0:17; Descheneau Ktn (high sticking), 11:25; Lang Cal (charging), 13:06; Martin Ktn (interference), 16:55; Sanheim Cal (tripping), 17:09; served by Philp Ktn (too many men), 18:37.

2nd Period
6, Calgary, Chase 3   3:29.
7, Calgary, Padakin 1 (Peterson), 6:26 (SH).
8, Kootenay, Cable 1 (McPhee, Vetterl), 7:46. Penalties-Penner Cal (boarding), 5:28; Franko Ktn (slashing), 10:31; Lang Cal (holding), 16:59.

3rd Period
9, Kootenay, Descheneau 2 (Valiev), 19:08.
Penalties-Martin Ktn (checking to the head), 3:58; Thomas Cal (slashing), 7:13; Helgesen Cal (tripping), 9:11; Padakin Cal (inter. on goaltender), 9:28; Valiev Ktn (delay of game), 11:49.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 16-7-15-38. Kootenay 13-12-7-32.

Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 1 / 6; Kootenay 1 / 7.

Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 2-2-0-0 (32 shots-27 saves). Kootenay, Skapski 1-1-1-0 (18 shots-14 saves); Hoflin 1-0-0-0 (20 shots-20 saves).

A-2,102

Referees-Curtis Marouelli (86), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Jared Mackey (52), Michael Roberts (87).






Tuesday 25 March 2014

Hitmen grab 2-1 series lead with OT win

It took 13 goals to decide a winner in Game 3 Monday night in Cranbrook.

Greg Chase scored 5:05 into overtime lifting the Calgary Hitmen to a 7-6 victory over the Kootenay Ice and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Radel Fazleeev forced extra time for Calgary scoring with eight minutes remaining in regulation.  The goal was Fazleev’s second of the game.

Landon Welykholowa also scored twice for the Hitmen with Adam Tamellini and Travis Sanheim adding singles.

Fazleev finished the game with a team high four points (2g-2a) while Mike Winther had three (3a).  

The Hitmen opened the scoring and never trailed until the final minute of the second period then twice overcame one goal third period deficits to force sudden death.

                                                Photo Credit:  Chris Pullen - Ice

Calgary Hitmen 7 at Kootenay Ice 6 - OT
Monday, March 24, 2014 - Western Financial Place - Cranbrook, BC

Calgary 1 3 2 1 - 7
Kootenay 1 4 1 0 - 6

1st Period
1, Calgary, Welykholowa 3 (Tambellini, Harmsworth), 3:22.
2, Kootenay, Philp 2 (Descheneau, Reinhart), 9:09 (PP).
Penalties-Chase Cal (slashing), 8:19; Valiev Ktn (hooking), 14:37; Dirk Ktn (tripping), 16:05.

2nd Period
3, Calgary, Welykholowa 4 (Zipp, Fazleev), 2:15.
4, Kootenay, Franko 3 (Descheneau, Dirk), 3:46 (PP).
5, Calgary, Tambellini 2 (Padakin, Thomas), 4:43.
6, Kootenay, Reinhart 3 (Philp, Descheneau), 13:29 (PP).
7, Calgary, Fazleev 1 (Winther)   14:10.
8, Kootenay, Dirk 1 (Reinhart, Descheneau), 15:27.
9, Kootenay, Descheneau 1 (Reinhart, Dirk), 19:47 (PP).
Penalties-Sanheim Cal (roughing), 3:07; Thomas Cal (roughing), 3:07; Cable Ktn (roughing), 3:07; Valiev Ktn (high sticking), 6:09; Padakin Cal (hooking), 10:24; Roach Cal (tripping), 13:00; Roach Cal (hooking), 18:45.

3rd Period
10, Calgary, Sanheim 1 (Brassart, Thomas), 5:17.
11, Kootenay, Dirk 2 (Reinhart, Descheneau), 11:23 (PP).
12, Calgary, Fazleev 2 (Winther, Padakin), 12:00.
Penalties-Roach Cal (slashing), 10:52.

OT Period
13, Calgary, Chase 2 (Winther, Fazleev), 5:05.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal
Calgary 11-9-8-2-30. Kootenay 6-15-7-3-31.

Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 3; Kootenay 5 / 6.

Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 2-1-0-0 (31 shots-25 saves). Kootenay, Skapski 1-1-1-0 (28 shots-21 saves); Hoflin 0-0-0-0 (2 shots-2 saves).

A-1,992

Referees-Brett Iverson (24), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Michael Boisvert (111), Jim Maniago (85).

Sunday 23 March 2014

Hitmen respond with Game 2 victory

Chris Driedger made 35 saves for his second career shutout as the Calgary Hitmen blanked the Kootenay Ice 5-0 Saturday night at Scotiabank Saddledome to even their best-of-seven opening round series with the Ice at one.

Landon Welykholowa scored twice for Calgary while Alex Roach, Adam Tambellini and Brady Brassart added singles.  Tambellini and Brassart also had two assists each to finish the game with three points.

Welykholowa drew into the line-up after a pair of Game 1 suspensions to Joe Mahon and Linden Penner and opened the scoring 6:29 into the first period tucking a rebound off the backboards into the net.

Chase Lang had a pair of assists for the Hitmen who added two more goals in the second and two more in the third to nail down the victory.

The series now shifts to Cranbrook for Games 3 and 4 Monday and Tuesday.

                                               Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Hitmen

Kootenay Ice 0 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Saturday, March 22, 2014 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Kootenay 0 0 0 - 0
Calgary 1 2 2 - 5

1st Period
1, Calgary, Welykholowa 1 (Sanheim, Lang), 6:29.
Penalties-O'Connor Ktn (roughing), 14:19; Brassart Cal (hooking), 15:25.

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Roach 1 (Brassart, Tambellini), 1:33.
3, Calgary, Tambellini 1 (Virtanen, Brassart), 17:32.
Penalties-Virtanen Cal (hooking), 5:07; Vetterl Ktn (hooking), 7:06; Dirk Ktn (roughing), 13:47; Winther Cal (roughing), 13:47; Zipp Cal (roughing), 13:47.

3rd Period
4, Calgary, Brassart 2 (Chase, Tambellini), 12:39 (PP).
5, Calgary, Welykholowa 2 (Lang, Zipp), 19:35.
Penalties-Lang Cal (cross checking), 4:38; Philp Ktn (inter. on goaltender), 10:54; Vetterl Ktn (roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 12:39; Brassart Cal (10-minute misconduct), 12:39; Chase Cal (10-minute misconduct), 12:39; Valiev Ktn (delay of game), 13:14; Zborosky Ktn (major-fighting), 15:45; Thomas Cal (boarding, major-fighting), 15:45.

Shots on Goal
Kootenay 4-15-16-35. Calgary 10-12-10-32.

Power Play Opportunities
Kootenay 0 / 5; Calgary 1 / 5.

Goalies
Kootenay, Skapski 1-1-0-0 (32 shots-27 saves). Calgary, Driedger 1-1-0-0 (35 shots-35 saves).

A-9,019

Referees-Chris Crich (20), Jon Stephenson (38).
Linesmen-Aidan Henderson (78), Cory Lundquist (128).

Kootenay wins series opener 5-2

Sam Reinhart and Zack Franco both scored twice as the Kootenay Ice drew first blood in their opening round best-of-seven playoff series with the Calgary Hitmen.

Greg Chase opened the scoring for Calgary, who was 36-5-0-2 when scoring first in the regular season, but the Ice responded with five unanswered goals en-route to victory.

The Hitmen fell into penalty problems and found themselves down a man seven times in the game which led to three Kootenay powerplay goals.

                                           Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Hitmen

Kootenay Ice 5 at Calgary Hitmen 2
Thursday, March 20, 2014 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Kootenay 1 2 2 - 5
Calgary 1 0 1 - 2

1st Period
1, Calgary, Chase 1 (Winther, Tambellini), 4:06.
2, Kootenay, Reinhart 1 (Philp, Descheneau), 10:28 (PP).
Penalties-Brassart Cal (boarding), 5:12; Brassart Cal (hooking), 8:24; Harmsworth Cal (hooking), 9:22.

2nd Period
3, Kootenay, Philp 1 (Reinhart, Dirk), 4:52 (PP).
4, Kootenay, Franko 1 (Dirk, Descheneau), 17:01.
Penalties-Lang Cal (inter. on goaltender), 4:18; Padakin Cal (high sticking), 6:36; Steenbergen Ktn (roughing), 10:51; Brassart Cal (roughing), 10:51.

3rd Period
5, Kootenay, Reinhart 2 (Valiev), 8:21.
6, Kootenay, Franko 2 (Vetterl, Valiev), 16:17 (PP).
7, Calgary, Brassart 1 (Virtanen, Thomas), 19:00 (SH).
Penalties-Dirk Ktn (hooking), 4:51; Rissling Cal (roughing), 14:25; Descheneau Ktn (cross checking), 15:41; Sanheim Cal (cross checking), 15:41; Penner Cal (major-cross checking, game misconduct), 16:45; Martin Ktn (10-minute misconduct), 17:14; Philp Ktn (slashing), 17:14; Reinhart Ktn (10-minute misconduct), 17:14; Lang Cal (10-minute misconduct), 17:14; Padakin Cal (inter. on goaltender), 17:14; Rissling Cal (10-minute misconduct), 17:14; Brassart Cal (10-minute misconduct), 19:03; Dirk Ktn (major-fighting), 20:00; Harmsworth Cal (major-fighting), 20:00; Mahon Cal (game misconduct), 20:00.

Shots on Goal
Kootenay 12-14-9-35. Calgary 5-13-11-29.

Power Play Opportunities
Kootenay 3 / 7; Calgary 0 / 1.

Goalies
Kootenay, Skapski 1-1-0-0 (29 shots-27 saves). Calgary, Driedger 1-1-0-0 (35 shots-30 saves).

A-6,649

Referees-Fraser Lawrence (10), Steve Papp (17).
Linesmen-Reid Anderson (53), Justin Slimm (105).

Wednesday 19 March 2014

Hitmen vs. Ice in Round One of WHL Playoffs

The Calgary Hitmen will meet the Kootenay Ice in the opening round of the WHL Playoffs.  Their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Series will be a 2-2-1-1-1 format with the Hitmen having home ice advantage.

The two clubs split their eight game regular season series with each club winning four times.  Calgary finished the season with a record of 48-17-3-4 in third spot in the Eastern Conference with 103 points.  Kootenay was 39-28-2-3 in sixth place with 83 points.


Here is the complete series schedule

CALGARY VS. KOOTENAY
(Series C)

Game Visitor Home Date Time
1 Kootenay @ Calgary      Thursday, March 20    7:00 PM
2 Kootenay @ Calgary      Saturday, March 22    7:00 PM
3 Calgary @ Kootenay      Monday, March 24      7:00 PM
4 Calgary @ Kootenay      Tuesday, March 25     7:00 PM
5 Kootenay @ Calgary      Thursday, March 27    7:00 PM *
6 Calgary @ Kootenay      Saturday, March 29    7:00 PM *
7 Kootenay @ Calgary      Monday, March 31      7:00 PM*

*If Necessary

Hitmen fans can purchase a 16-game playoff package for as little as $7.44 per ticket.  Call 403-777-4646 or visit www.hitmenhockey.com for more details.  Individual game tickets, listed as Home Game A for Game 1 and Home Game B for Game 2, are also available at all Ticketmaster locations and the Scotiabank Saddledome box office.  Order online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

Kenton Helgesen named Player of the Year at Hitmen Awards Banquet

Sunday the Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club, in partnership with Petro-Canada, a Suncor Energy business, honoured their best at the 2013-14 Hitmen Awards Banquet at The Fairmont Palliser.  The afternoon featured a special address from Hitmen alumnus Brad Mehalko (1997-98).

The recipient of two awards, including the prestigious Suncor Energy Player of the Year award, was Anaheim Ducks prospect Kenton Helgesen.  The third-year player who skated as both a defenceman and forward this season set career highs in goals (10), assists (41), points (51) and plus-minus (31).  Past recipients of this honour include Cody Sylvester, Ryan Getzlaf and Brad Moran. 

“Kenton was asked to do it all this year by playing defence and forward along with leading the team and logging significant ice time,” said Mike Moore, Hitmen General Manager and Vice President, Business Operations. “He’s a well-rounded, versatile player who did what he was asked of him, played in many situations and has been a big influence on our hockey club and a large contributor to our success this season.” 

Playing in his final Western Hockey League season and third year with the Hitmen, Brady Brassart received three awards, including the Calgary Hitmen Leader Scorer award shared with fellow forward Greg Chase.  Brassart and Chase both finished the 2013-14 regular season with 35 goals and 50 assists for 85 points.  Chase was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round, 188 overall, in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, while Brassart recently signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild.  

“Right from the start, Brady and Greg were going to be important for our scoring,” commented Moore. “While we were fortunate to add some depth to our offence at the trade deadline, these two were consistent throughout the season and showed the strength of our scoring core by sharing this award.”

                                        Kenton Helgesen was named Player of the Year

2013-14 Calgary Hitmen Team Awards
Ed Williams Player of the Month for March-Greg Chase
Calgary Hitmen Leading Scorer Award-Brady Brassart and Greg Chase (co-winners)
Calgary Hitmen Booster Club Fan Favourite Award-Brady Brassart
NSD Sports & Fitness Club Players’ Choice Award-Elliott Peterson
ENMAX Humanitarian Award-Brady Brassart and Mack Shields (co-winners)
Chrysler Canada Inc. Scholastic Player Award-Ben Thomas
Rookie of the Year Award-Ben Thomas and Travis Sanheim (co-winners)
Husky Energy Top Defenceman Award-Alex Roach and Jaynen Rissling (co-winners)
RE/MAX Three Star Award-Jake Virtanen
TELUS Coaches Award-Kenton Helgesen
Suncor Energy Player of the Year Award-Kenton Helgesen

Hitmen 6 Ice 3

The Calgary Hitmen wrapped up the 2013-14 WHL regular season by completing a home-and-home sweep of Kootenay with a 6-3 win over the Ice Saturday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Edmonton Oilers prospect Greg Chase paced the Calgary scoring attack with two goals and two assists to finish in a tie for the team lead in scoring with Brady Brassart at 85 points.

Mike Winther and Pavel Padakin both had a goal and two assists for the Hitmen while Ben Thomas and Jake Virtanen also scored for Calgary.

The Hitmen finish the season with a record of 48-17-3-4, good for 103 points and the third seed in the Eastern Conference Standings.

                                                   Photo Credit:  Calgary Hitmen

Kootenay Ice 3 at Calgary Hitmen 6
Saturday, March 15, 2014 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Kootenay 1 0 2 - 3
Calgary 2 2 2 - 6

1st Period
1, Kootenay, Philp 31 (Reinhart, Descheneau), 11:36.
2, Calgary, Chase 34 (Padakin, Winther), 12:15.
3, Calgary, Chase 35 (Rissling), 13:39. Penalties-Tambellini Cal (tripping), 16:34.

2nd Period
4, Calgary, Thomas 7 (Penner, Chase), 1:36. 5, Calgary, Virtanen 45 (Helgesen, Tambellini), 8:09. Penalties-No Penalties

3rd Period
6, Calgary, Winther 7 (Chase, Padakin), 12:19.
7, Kootenay, Vetterl 12 (Martin, Philp), 13:56.
8, Calgary, Padakin 27 (Winther, Zipp), 16:46.
9, Kootenay, Descheneau 44 (Reinhart, Martin), 18:27 (PP).
Penalties-McPhee Ktn (roughing), 7:49; Roach Cal (roughing), 7:49; Valiev Ktn (major-fighting), 8:25; Virtanen Cal (major-fighting, 10-minute misconduct), 8:25; Welykholowa Cal (kneeing), 17:05.

Shots on Goal
Kootenay 9-12-11-32. Calgary 8-9-10-27.

Power Play Opportunities
Kootenay 1 / 2; Calgary 0 / 0.

Goalies
Kootenay, Skapski 28-20-2-2 (12 shots-8 saves); Hoflin 10-8-0-1 (15 shots-13 saves). Calgary, Driedger 28-14-3-4 (32 shots-29 saves).

A-14,070

Referees-Chris Schlenker (90), Colin Watt (72).
Linesmen-Reid Anderson (53), Sean Donnelly (109).

Hitmen 5 Ice 4 Shootout

Jake Virtanen scored once in regulation and the lone goal of the shootout in round six giving the Calgary Hitmen a 5-4 win over the Kootenay Ice Friday night at Western Financial Place.

Greg Chase forced overtime for Calgary scoring the tying goal with just under 12 minutes remaining in the third period.

Brady Brassart and Joe Mahon also scored for Calgary while Adam Tambellini had a pair of assists for the Hitmen who built a 3-0 second period lead only to see the Ice roar back with four unanswered goals.

Luke Philp had a pair of goals for Kootenay while Jagger Dirk and Sam Reinhart added singles.  Philp also chipped in two assists to finish with four points.

The win moves Calgary into a tie with the Edmonton Oil Kings for first place in the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference at 101 points.  The Oil Kings close out the regular season with a home-and-home series against the Red Deer Rebels with games Saturday and Sunday while the Hitmen will wrap up their campaign at home tomorrow in a rematch with Kootenay.

                                                  Photo Credit:  Chris Pullen

Calgary Hitmen 5 (SO) at Kootenay Ice 4
Friday, March 14, 2014 - Western Financial Place - Cranbrook, BC 

Calgary 2 1 1 0 - 5
Kootenay 0 2 2 0 - 4

1st Period
1, Calgary, Brassart 35 (Tambellini, Virtanen), 3:35. 
2, Calgary, Mahon 9   11:58. 
Penalties-Chase Cal (tripping), 7:00.

2nd Period
3, Calgary, Virtanen 44 (Tambellini, Brassart), 8:46. 
4, Kootenay, Reinhart 35 (Dirk, Philp), 13:46. 
5, Kootenay, Philp 29 (Dirk, Reinhart), 16:52 (PP). 
Penalties-King Ktn (slashing), 1:18; Rissling Cal (major-fighting), 10:23; Martin Ktn (instigator, major-fighting, 10-minute misconduct), 10:23; Chase Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 11:29; Vetterl Ktn (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 11:29; Chase Cal (high sticking, unsportsmanlike cnd.), 15:07; Harmsworth Cal (roughing), 15:46.

3rd Period
6, Kootenay, Reinhart 36 (Valiev, Philp), 6:02. 
7, Kootenay, Philp 30 (Descheneau, Reinhart), 7:43. 
8, Calgary, Chase 33 (Winther, Harmsworth), 8:16. 
Penalties-No Penalties

OT Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-No Penalties

Shootout
Calgary 1 (Tambellini NG, Padakin NG, Chase NG, Winther NG, Brassart NG, Virtanen G), 
Kootenay 0 (Philp NG, Reinhart NG, Franko NG, Descheneau NG, Alfaro NG, Valiev NG). 

Shots on Goal
Calgary 13-7-11-2-1-34. Kootenay 10-12-15-4-0-41.

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

Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 28-14-3-4 (41 shots-37 saves). Kootenay, Skapski 28-20-2-2 (16 shots-13 saves); Hoflin 10-8-0-1 (17 shots-16 saves).

A-2,443

Referees-Curtis Marouelli (86), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Jeremi Del Campo (44), Cory Lundquist (128). 

Hitmen 5 Hurricanes 3

The Calgary Hitrmen completed a six game sweep of their regular season series with Lethbridge beating the Hurricanes 5-3 at Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Hitmen outscored the 'Canes by a combined 34-15 during the 2013-14 campaign.

Five different Hitmen scored on this day while Brady Brassart had three assists.

The game also saw the return of Hitmen forward Linden Penner after missing 22 games due to injury.

                                           Photo Credit:  Brad Watson - Hitmen

Lethbridge Hurricanes 3 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

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

1st Period
1, Lethbridge, Sheen 17   0:58.
2, Calgary, Sanheim 5   5:28.
3, Calgary, Roach 12 (Chase, Brassart), 6:32 (PP).
4, Lethbridge, Sheen 18 (Ramsay), 7:08.
Penalties-Cooper Let (high sticking), 6:08.

2nd Period
5, Calgary, Virtanen 43 (Padakin, Tambellini), 7:56.
6, Calgary, Helgesen 10 (Brassart, Chase), 17:55.
7, Lethbridge, Wong 17   18:16.
Penalties-No Penalties

3rd Period
8, Calgary, Tambellini 17 (Brassart, Roach), 8:08 (PP).
Penalties-Duke Let (high sticking), 3:59; Roach Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 3:59; Sayers Let (holding), 7:25; Tambellini Cal (slashing), 16:38.

Shots on Goal
Lethbridge 9-8-10-27. Calgary 11-20-13-44.

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

Goalies
Lethbridge, Skinner 0-3-0-0 (44 shots-39 saves). Calgary, Driedger 28-14-3-4 (27 shots-24 saves); Shields 20-3-0-0 (0 shots-0 saves).

A-8,572

Referees-Matt Cassidy (93), Fraser Lawrence (10).
Linesmen-Reid Anderson (53), Michael Roberts (87).

Hitmen 2 Blades 1

Chris Driedger made 43 saves, several of the outstanding variety, backstopping the Calgary Hitmen to a 2-1 win over the Saskatoon Blades Saturday night at Credit Union Centre.

The win moves Calgary into a tie with Edmonton for first place in the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference at 97 points.  The Oil Kings have four games left in the regular season, the Hitmen three.

Alex Roach and Colby Harmsworth both tallied goals for the Hitmen who played their fourth game in five nights.

Jordan Thomson scored the lone goal for Saskatoon who trailed 1-0 after the first period and 2-1 after 40 minutes.

The Blades outshot the Hitmen 44-32 and won the special teams battle going 1-5 on the powerplay while killing all six Calgary chances.

Greg Chase reached a personal milestone in the win for the Hitmen recording his 100th career regular season assist.

                                                  Photo Credit:  Rick Elvin

Calgary Hitmen 2 at Saskatoon Blades 1
Saturday, March 8, 2014 - Credit Union Centre - Saskatoon, SK

Calgary 1 1 0 - 2
Saskatoon 0 1 0 - 1

1st Period
1, Calgary, Roach 11 (Brassart, Chase), 13:35. 
Penalties-Lang Cal (hooking), 1:46; Kirichenko Sas (tripping), 3:19; Virtanen Cal (slashing), 3:38; Busenius Sas (interference), 4:26; Roach Cal (delay of game), 10:21.

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Harmsworth 4   12:21. 
3, Saskatoon, Thomson 1 (Scherbak, Busenius), 12:41 (PP). 
Penalties-Nemecek Sas (high sticking), 1:22; Lipon Sas (hooking), 9:04; Padakin Cal (interference), 12:32; Nemecek Sas (tripping), 14:20; Clayton Sas (slashing), 19:36.

3rd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (tripping), 4:47; Chase Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 8:38; Millette Sas (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 8:38; Trombley Sas (tripping), 10:01; Chase Cal (roughing), 15:38; Millette Sas (roughing), 15:38; Peterson Cal (slashing), 19:58.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 13-7-12-32. Saskatoon 15-16-13-44.

Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 6; Saskatoon 1 / 5.

Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 28-14-3-4 (44 shots-43 saves). Saskatoon, Trombley 9-30-1-2 (32 shots-30 saves).

A-6,135

Referees-Sean Raphael (28), Kevin Shmyr (22).
Linesmen-Derek Craig (63), Bob Schrader (126). 

Raiders 5 Hitmen 2

Leon Draisaitl had two goals and two assists powering the Prince Albert Raiders to a 5-2 win over the Calgary Hitmen Friday night at Art Hauser Centre.

Winnipeg Jets prospect Josh Morrissey had a goal and an assist for the Raiders who also got markers from Collin Valcourt and Mackenzie Stewart to pick up their third win a row.

Jake Virtanen scored both goals for Calgary, his team leading 41st and 42nd, as the Hitmen suffered their second loss in as many games.

Prince Albert jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead before Virtanen scored back-to-back goals 43 seconds apart early in the middle frame to pull the Hitmen even.

But a powerplay goal from Draisaitl with less than a minute remaining in the second period would give the Raiders a 3-2 lead they would not surrender.

Calgary outshot Prince Albert 34-28 but the Raiders won the special teams battle going 1-2 on the powerplay while killing all three Hitmen chances

Calgary Hitmen 2 at Prince Albert Raiders 5
Friday, March 7, 2014 - Art Hauser Centre - Prince Albert, SK

Calgary 0 2 0 - 2
Prince Albert 2 1 2 - 5

1st Period
1, Prince Albert, Morrissey 26 (Draisaitl, Perreaux), 2:31. 
2, Prince Albert, Valcourt 23 (Draisaitl, Lange), 11:52. 
Penalties-Mahon Cal (major-fighting), 1:31; Stewart P.a (major-fighting), 1:31; Morrissey P.a (interference), 13:03.

2nd Period
3, Calgary, Virtanen 41 (Helgesen, Brassart), 6:01. 
4, Calgary, Virtanen 42 (Tambellini, Peterson), 6:44. 
5, Prince Albert, Draisaitl 33 (Morrissey, Conroy), 19:08 (PP). 
Penalties-Peterson Cal (cross checking), 1:13; Chase Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 11:36; Rissling Cal (major-fighting), 11:36; Morrissey P.a (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 11:36; Valcourt P.a (major-fighting), 11:36; Chase Cal (slashing), 18:30.

3rd Period
6, Prince Albert, Stewart 5 (Hart, Gardiner), 8:41. 
7, Prince Albert, Draisaitl 34 (Lange), 18:45 (EN). 
Penalties-Conroy P.a (roughing), 10:26; Mahon Cal (major-fighting), 18:53; Stewart P.a (major-fighting), 18:53; Andrlik P.a (tripping), 19:32.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 13-11-10-34. Prince Albert 9-14-5-28.

Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 3; Prince Albert 1 / 2.

Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 28-14-3-4 (27 shots-23 saves). Prince Albert, McBride 12-7-1-1 (34 shots-32 saves).

A-2,696

Referees-Adam Byblow (23), Nathan Wieler (18).
Linesmen-Jason Bourdon (108), Troy Semenchuk (65). 

Warriors 6 Hitmen 1

Brayden Point had four points, scoring three times and setting up another, leading the Moose Jaw Warriors to a 6-1 win over the Calgary Hitmen Wednesday night at Mosaic Place.

Justin Paulic made 41 saves in the Moose Jaw net helping the Warriors snap Calgary’s 13 game point streak.  The Hitmen had gone 12-0-1-0 dating back to their February 5th win in Victoria.

Jack Rodewald also had four points for Moose Jaw with a goal and three assists while Tanner Eberle and Jesse Forsberg also scored.

Joe Mahon, with his ninth of the season, had the lone goal for Calgary who trailed 2-0 after the first period and 4-1 after 40 minutes.

Brady Brassart was held off the scoresheet for Calgary ending his career high 16 game point streak.

Coupled with Edmonton’s 5-2 win in Regina, the Hitmen and Oil Kings are once again tied for first place in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.  Edmonton has one game in hand as the end of the regular season draws near.  The Hitmen have six games remaining, the Oil Kings seven.

Calgary Hitmen 1 at Moose Jaw Warriors 6
Wednesday, March 5, 2014 - Mosaic Place - Moose Jaw, SK

Calgary 0 1 0 - 1
Moose Jaw 2 2 2 - 6

1st Period
1, Moose Jaw, Point 32 (Rodewald, Fioretti), 6:18 (PP). 
2, Moose Jaw, Eberle 19 (Fioretti, Uhrich), 13:18. 
Penalties-Zipp Cal (tripping), 5:58; Chase Cal (high sticking), 9:49; Jensen M.j (holding), 13:45; McCarthy M.j (high sticking), 17:24.

2nd Period
3, Moose Jaw, Point 33 (Duperreault, Rodewald), 0:49. 
4, Calgary, Mahon 8 (Lang), 10:33. 
5, Moose Jaw, Forsberg 8 (Point, Duperreault), 12:28. 
Penalties-Mahon Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 3:19; Forsberg M.j (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 3:19; Virtanen Cal (slashing), 15:50.

3rd Period
6, Moose Jaw, Point 34 (Rodewald, Duperreault), 1:12. 
7, Moose Jaw, Rodewald 23 (Eberle, Jensen), 17:25 (EN). 
Penalties-Padakin Cal (roughing), 1:53; Mahon Cal (roughing, unsportsmanlike cnd.), 18:44; Uhrich M.j (roughing), 18:44.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 12-15-15-42. Moose Jaw 12-12-8-32.

Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 0 / 2; Moose Jaw 1 / 5.

Goalies
Calgary, Shields 20-3-0-0 (18 shots-14 saves); Driedger 28-14-3-4 (13 shots-12 saves). Moose Jaw, Paulic 12-29-3-5 (42 shots-41 saves).

A-3,344

Referees-Chris Crich (20), Chris Schlenker (90).
Linesmen-Ian Schafer (56), Shane Smith (123). 

Hitmen 5 Wheat Kings 1

Ben Thomas and Brady Brassart both had a goal and an assist as the Calgary Hitmen beat the Brandon Wheat Kings 5-1 Tuesday night at Westman Place.

Connor Rankin, Greg Chase and Pavel Padakin also scored for the Hitmen who have now picked up points in 13 straight games going 12-0-1-0.

Adam Tambellini and Alex Roach both had a pair of assists for Calgary who built period leads of 1-0 and 4-0.

The Hitmen powerplay turned in another strong performance going 2-4.  It has now scored in every game of their current 13 game streak while the penalty kill was perfect killing all three Wheat Kings chances.

The Hitmen outshot the Brandon 40-24 with Chris Driedger making 23 saves to record the win.

Rihards Bukarts had the lone goal for the Wheat Kings who lost all four meetings in the season series for the second straight season.

Coupled with the Edmonton Oil Kings 4-3 loss in Swift Current, Calgary now leads the Western Hockey League’s Eastern Conference by two points over their provincial rivals, although the Oil Kings have a game in hand.

Calgary Hitmen 5 at Brandon Wheat Kings 1
Tuesday, March 4, 2014 - Westman Place - Brandon, MB

Calgary 1 3 1 - 5
Brandon 0 0 1 - 1

1st Period
1, Calgary, Thomas 6 (Tambellini, Brassart), 13:46. 
Penalties-Rissling Cal (roughing), 7:57; Bukarts Bdn (roughing), 7:57; Waltz Bdn (elbowing), 15:44; Brassart Cal (slashing), 16:29.

2nd Period
2, Calgary, Rankin 20 (Thomas, Virtanen), 3:46 (PP). 
3, Calgary, Chase 32   5:45. 
4, Calgary, Brassart 34 (Tambellini, Roach), 18:13 (PP). 
Penalties-Green Bdn (high sticking), 2:20; Lang Cal (boarding), 12:34; Gabrielle Bdn (charging), 16:58.

3rd Period
5, Calgary, Padakin 26 (Welykholowa, Roach), 16:52. 
6, Brandon, Bukarts 24 (Pilon, McGauley), 18:31. 
Penalties-Draude Cal (major-fighting, game misconduct), 11:39; Helgesen Cal (major-fighting), 11:39; Gabrielle Bdn (major-fighting, game misconduct), 11:39; Quenneville Bdn (boarding, major-fighting), 11:39; Thomas Cal (cross checking), 13:11.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 18-10-12-40. Brandon 9-11-4-24.

Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 2 / 4; Brandon 0 / 3.

Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 28-14-3-4 (24 shots-23 saves). Brandon, Papirny 22-15-4-3 (40 shots-35 saves).

A-2,858

Referees-Chris Crich (20), Brett Iverson (24).
Linesmen-Warren Birch (110), Bryden Hutlet (114). 

Brassart signs with Minnesota Wild

From the Hitmen Office

The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club would like to congratulate Brady Brassart on signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild, starting in the 2014-15 season.

“It is very exciting for me to have a plan for next season,” commented Brassart.  “It is hard as an over-age player dealing with the uncertainty of not knowing what will happen after the ’Dub.  It is an honour to be part of the Minnesota Wild organization and have a plan for the years ahead.”

Brassart, who is playing in his fifth Western Hockey League season, is tied for the team lead in scoring with 76 points, including 33 goals, in 63 games played this year.  The 20-year-old forward is on pace to set career highs in goals, assists and points, and is currently on a career-high 15-game point streak (13 goals, 17 assists).

                                                   Photo Credit:  Andy Devlin

“It is truly an amazing feeling.  I am very grateful to share my excitement with my family and friends who have helped me immensely along the way.  I couldn’t have done it without my parents, sister and amazing billet family,” added Brassart.  “I cannot thank the Hitmen coaching staff and teammates I’ve played with over the past three seasons enough for helping me grow my game and develop off the ice.”

A native of Vernon, British Columbia, Brassart was acquired from the Spokane Chiefs in August 2011 and has appeared in 198 games with the Hitmen, recording 93 goals and 120 assists for 213 points (ninth among all franchise players) over that span.  In November 2012, Brassart participated in the SUBWAY Super Series, representing the WHL in games five and six against Team Russia.

“We’re very proud of Brady on signing a pro contract,” said Hitmen Head Coach Mike Williamson.  “He has been an integral part of our team and has shown tremendous growth since joining the organization.  We’re excited to know his hockey career will continue after his final WHL season.”

Hitmen 3 Oil Kings 2

In a battle for sole possession of first place in the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference the Calgary Hitmen beat the Edmonton Oil Kings 3-2 Saturday afternoon at Rexall Place.

Greg Chase led the Calgary scoring attack setting up three goals as the Hitmen move two points ahead of Edmonton for top spot.

The Hitmen have seven regular season games remaining, the Oil Kings nine.

Elliott Peterson and Connor Rankin both scored in the opening period helping Calgary jump out to a 2-0 lead.

Edgars Kudla for Edmonton and Kenton Helgesen for Calgary exchanged second period goals with Helgesen’s coming on the powerplay as the eventual game winner.

The Oil Kings carried the play in the third period outshooting Calgary 23-9 but could only beat Chris Driedger once on a goal from Mitchell Moroz.  Driedger finished the game with 38 saves to pick up the win.

Brady Brassart had a second period assist to extend this career high point scoring streak to 15 games.

The Hitmen went 1-5 on the powerplay while killing all four Edmonton chances.

                                              Photo Credit:  Andy Devlin

Calgary Hitmen 3 at Edmonton Oil Kings 2
Saturday, March 1, 2014 - Rexall Place - Edmonton, AB

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

1st Period
1, Calgary, Peterson 11 (Chase, Thomas), 2:26.
2, Calgary, Rankin 19 (Chase, Peterson), 7:37.
Penalties-Mahon Cal (elbowing), 9:40; Petryk Edm (boarding), 11:22; Reinhart Edm (roughing), 19:25.

2nd Period
3, Edmonton, Kulda 26 (Samuelsson, Pollock), 1:50.
4, Calgary, Helgesen 9 (Brassart, Chase), 12:31 (PP).
Penalties-Rissling Cal (roughing), 5:06; Kieser Edm (slashing), 5:06; Moroz Edm (cross checking), 9:54; Jarry Edm (delay of game), 11:25; Rissling Cal (roughing), 13:26; Moroz Edm (tripping), 13:26; Samuelsson Edm (roughing), 13:26; Chase Cal (high sticking), 17:14.

3rd Period
5, Edmonton, Moroz 32 (Samuelsson), 13:46.
Penalties-Peterson Cal (holding), 5:17; Padakin Cal (slashing), 8:14.

Shots on Goal
Calgary 9-16-9-34. Edmonton 7-10-23-40.

Power Play Opportunities
Calgary 1 / 5; Edmonton 0 / 4.

Goalies
Calgary, Driedger 28-14-3-4 (40 shots-38 saves). Edmonton, Jarry 44-14-2-1 (34 shots-31 saves).

A-8,543

Referees-Jason Cramer (57), Ryan Benbow (62).
Linesmen-Greg Chornohus (127), Scott Fulmer (32).

Hitmen 5 Blazers 1

Brady Brassart scored twice and set up another leading the Calgary Hitmen to a 5-1 win over the Kamloops Blazers.

Adam Tambellini had a goal and an assist in the victory helping the Hitmen improve to 10-0-0-1 in their last 11 games.

Alex Roach and Pavel Padakin, on a penalty shot, also scored for Calgary who swept both meetings with the Blazers this season.

Kamloops Blazers 1 at Calgary Hitmen 5
Friday, February 28, 2014 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Kamloops 0 1 0 - 1
Calgary 0 2 3 - 5

1st Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-Tambellini Cal (tripping), 2:50; Clouston Kam (hooking), 5:33; Helgesen Cal (inter. on goaltender), 13:01; Souto Kam (slashing), 19:00; Chase Cal (inter. on goaltender), 19:30.

2nd Period
1, Calgary, Tambellini 16 (Roach, Virtanen), 0:31.
2, Kamloops, Bellerive 16 (Revel, Ully), 4:00.
3, Calgary, Brassart 32 (Tambellini, Shields), 14:25 (PP).
Penalties-Grist Kam (major-fighting), 3:31; Rissling Cal (major-fighting), 3:31; Chase Cal (interference), 11:09; Kornelsen Kam (cross checking), 13:16.

3rd Period
4, Calgary, Roach 10 (Rissling, Brassart), 2:50.
5, Calgary, Padakin 25   8:17 (PS).
6, Calgary, Brassart 33 (Sanheim, Helgesen), 19:53.
Penalties-Thomas Kam (major-fighting), 5:37; Zipp Cal (major-fighting), 5:37; Kornelsen Kam (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 10:43; Rehill Kam (delay of game), 13:53.

Shots on Goal
Kamloops 6-12-8-26. Calgary 16-10-16-42.

Power Play Opportunities
Kamloops 0 / 4; Calgary 1 / 5.

Goalies
Kamloops, Pouliot 8-30-0-2 (42 shots-37 saves). Calgary, Shields 20-3-0-0 (26 shots-25 saves).

A-14,109

Referees-Chris Crich (20), Matt Kirk (4).
Linesmen-Cory Lundquist (128), Jared Mackey (52).