Hitmen begin East Division Road Trip

The Calgary Hitmen have arrived in Prince Albert as the team gets set to kick-off their longest road swing of the season Tuesday night at the Art Hauser Centre.  Between now and next Tuesday, the team bus will make a stop in every East Division city along the way.  When the dust settles the Hitmen will have played six games in eight nights.  The schedule breaks down as follows:
-November 1st in PA, 2nd in Saskatoon, 4th in Brandon, 5th in Regina, 6th in Moose Jaw and 8th in Swift Current.

After starting the season 0-3 on the road, the Hitmen have won two straight in enemy buildings.  They hit the road with a 23 man roster as 17-year-old Luke Gordon was recently re-assigned to the BHCL's Nanaimo Clippers.  He scored in his Clippers debut Friday night.

Plante sent back to the AHL

The Alex Plante stay with the Edmonton Oilers was a short one.  Despite playing over 12 minutes, finishing the game +1 with one assist, the former Hitmen defenceman has been returned to the American Hockey League.  Here is the Oilers news release.

Hitmen grad heads to NHL

Former Calgary Hitmen defenceman Alex Plante has been called up by Edmonton and is in the Oilers line-up tonight against the St. Louis Blues.  Plante played parts of five seasons with the Hitmen (2004-05 to 2008-09).  Tonight marks this eighth career game in the NHL.  Plante finished the night +1 and also had one assist setting up Ryan Smyth.  He finished the game with 12:04 of ice time. 

Calgary 2 Everett 1

Silvertips goalie Kent Simpson, a second round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, did his best to try and steal a road win for the visitors making 39 saves, but in the end the Calgary Hitmen skated to a 3-1 victory at Scotiabank Saddledome.  The Hitmen struck for a goal in each period with their first getting a little help from lady luck.  Cody Sylvester's shot sailed over the net, but bounced off the back glass then off Simpson's back and in.  Trevor Cheek scored the game winner in the second period shorthanded breaking a 1-1 tie.  Jimmy Bubnick then added an insurance goal in the final frame.  The Hitmen are now 5-6-0-1 and will open a six game East Division road trip Tuesday night in Prince Albert.

Click here to see game pictures Special thanks to photographer Linda Coward.

Everett Silvertips 1 at Calgary Hitmen 3

Saturday, October 29, 2011 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Everett 1 0 0 - 1
Calgary 1 1 1 - 3

1st Period
1, Calgary, Sylvester 3 (Humphries, Kosterman), 3:48.
2, Everett, Erricson 2 (Yadlowski, Boyd), 7:15.
Penalties-Grayson Evt (tripping), 9:54; Morden Evt (hooking), 17:18.

2nd Period
3, Calgary, Cheek 4 (Humphries, Brooks), 19:33 (SH).
Penalties-Walters Evt (roughing), 1:28; Grayson Evt (cross checking), 3:29; Mychan Evt (major-fighting), 8:32; Humphries Cal (major-fighting), 8:32; Morden Evt (hooking), 8:52; Sylvester Cal (inter. on goaltender), 17:41.

3rd Period
4, Calgary, Bubnick 2 (Rissling, Kornelsen), 10:19.
Penalties-Winquist Evt (hooking), 1:41; Yadlowski Evt (holding), 6:14; Bowman Cal (interference), 6:27; Cheek Cal (hooking), 14:09.

Shots on Goal
Everett 4-5-7-16. Calgary 17-13-12-42.
Power Play Opportunities
Everett 0 / 3; Calgary 0 / 7.
Goalies
Everett, Simpson 4-8-0-1 (42 shots-39 saves). Calgary, Driedger 4-2-0-1 (16 shots-15 saves).
A-7,297
Referees-Steve Papp (17), Colin Watt (72).
Linesmen-Chris Carlson (92), Michael Roberts (87).

Everett at Calgary

The Calgary Hitmen 4-6-0-1 are back in Scotiabank Saddledome tonight as they wrap up a three game home stand against the U-S Division's Everett Silvertips (4-9-0-2).  Game time is 7:00 p.m.  The Hitmen are coming off Tuesday's 7-1 home ice loss to the Portland Winterhawks while Everett produced a 3-2 shootout win last night in Red Deer.

Top Scorers Both Teams:

Calgary
Victor Rask 7g 5a 12pts
Brooks Macek 4g 6a 10pts
Cody Sylvester 2g 8a 10pts

Everett
Josh Birkholz 8g 7a 15pts
Tyler Maxwell 8g 3a 11pts
Cody Fowlie 3g 6a 9pts

Hitmen Hockey Hour on Sportsnet 960-The Fan

New this season is the Hitmen Hockey Hour on Sportsnet 960-The Fan.  This weeks show is from 6 to 7pm.

Here is the complete guest lineup for October 29th.
-Voice of the Moose Jaw Warriors James Gallo to talk about the Hitmen/Warriors trade this week
-We'll hear from the newest Hitmen and former Warriors Collin Bowman and Joey Kornelsen
-Calgary Flames first round pick Sven Bartschi joins the program along with Flames free agent signing and current Red Deer Rebel Turner Elson
- Colorado Avalanche scout Don Paarup talks about the five WHL defenceman who are all expected to be first round NHL picks in 2012.

Numbers Assigned

Newly acquired Hitmen Joey Kornelsen and Collin Bowman have picked their numbers here in Calgary.  Kornelsen keeps the same number he wore in Moose Jaw in #12 while Bowman will wear #28.  He was #10 in Moose Jaw, a number currently held by Alex Gogolev.

Both new additions are expected in the line-up Saturday when the Hitmen host Everett.

Hitmen blanked

For the first time in recent memory the Calgary Hitmen have been blanked when it comes to Team WHL invites for the SUBWAY Super Series.  However two Calgary products are on the list, Matthew Dumba of the Red Deer Rebels and Adam Lowry of the Swift Current Broncos.

Here is the official release...

CALGARY, AB – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the Western Hockey League and the Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats Hockey Clubs today announced the rosters for Team WHL that will compete against Team Russia in the 2011 SUBWAY® Super Series.

The 2011 SUBWAY® Super Series will take place November 7 – 17 and marks the ninth straight year that teams of CHL All-Stars have competed against Team Russia in preparation for the World Junior Hockey Championships.  The SUBWAY® Super Series is an integral part of the evaluation process prior to Team Canada’s final selection camp in December.  This season, Canada will be competing for their 14^th straight medal at the 2012 tournament in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.

Team WHL will face Team Russia in games five and six of the series played Wednesday, November 16 in Regina, SK, and on Thursday, November 17 in Moose Jaw, SK.  The first two games of the series are hosted by the QMJHL with the OHL hosting games three and four.

Team WHL was selected by a special committee of WHL General Managers along with Kevin Prendergast, Hockey Canada’s Head Scout for the Canadian National Junior Team, as part of the selection process for the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships. 

Team WHL Roster – Regina, SK – November 16, 2011

No.	Player	Position	Year	Club	Hometown
15	Sissons, Colton	Forward	1993	Kelowna Rockets	North Vancouver, BC
23	Reinhart, Max*	Forward	1992	Kootenay Ice	Vancouver, BC
8	Rattie, Ty	Forward	1993	Portland Winterhawks	Airdrie, AB
18	Ross, Brad	Forward	1992	Portland Winterhawks	Lethbridge, AB
22	Kambeitz, Adam	Forward	1992	Red Deer Rebels	Coaldale, AB
19	Weal, Jordan*	Forward	1992	Regina Pats	North Vancouver, BC
20	Nicholls, Josh*	Forward	1992	Saskatoon Blades	Tsawwassen, BC
11	Gallagher, Brendan	Forward	1992	Vancouver Giants	Delta, BC
9	Sundher, Kevin	Forward	1992	Victoria Royals	Surrey, BC
27	Murray, Ryan	Defenceman	1993	Everett Silvertips	White City, SK
7	Morrow, Joe	Defenceman	1992	Portland Winterhawks	Sherwood Park, AB
24	Dumba, Matt	Defenceman	1994	Red Deer Rebels	Calgary, AB
6	Petrovic, Alex	Defenceman	1992	Red Deer Rebels	Edmonton, AB
5	Siemens, Duncan*	Defenceman	1993	Saskatoon Blades	Sherwood Park, AB
4	Kichton, Brenden	Defenceman	1992	Spokane Chiefs	Spruce Grove, AB
30	Bunz, Tyler*	Goaltender	1992	Medicine Hat Tigers	St. Albert, AB
1	Pickard, Calvin*	Goaltender	1992	Seattle Thunderbirds	Winnipeg, MB

Team WHL Roster – Moose Jaw, SK – November 17, 2011

No.	Player	Position	Year	Club	Hometown
16	Stone, Mark	Forward	1992	Brandon Wheat Kings	Winnipeg, MB
27	Ferland, Michael	Forward	1992	Brandon Wheat Kings	Brandon, MB
23	Reinhart, Max*	Forward	1992	Kootenay Ice	Vancouver, BC
21	Howden, Quinton	Forward	1992	Moose Jaw Warriors	Oakbank, MB
9	McNeill, Mark	Forward	1993	Prince Albert Raiders	Edmonton, AB
19	Weal, Jordan*	Forward	1992	Regina Pats	North Vancouver, BC
20	Nicholls, Josh*	Forward	1992	Saskatoon Blades	Tsawwassen, BC
17	Lowry, Adam	Forward	1993	Swift Current Broncos	Calgary, AB
41	Holland, Patrick	Forward	1992	Tri-City Americans	Lethbridge, AB
22	Feser, Justin	Forward	1992	Tri-City Americans	Red Deer, AB
6	Fransoo, Jordan	Defenceman	1993	Brandon Wheat Kings	North Battleford, SK
3	Pysyk, Mark	Defenceman	1992	Edmonton Oil Kings	Sherwood Park, AB
8	McIlrath, Dylan	Defenceman	1992	Moose Jaw Warriors	Winnipeg, MB
4	Rielly, Morgan	Defenceman	1994	Moose Jaw Warriors	W. Vancouver, BC
5	Siemens, Duncan*	Defenceman	1993	Saskatoon Blades	Sherwood Park, AB
10	Yuen, Zachary	Defenceman	1993	Tri-City Americans	Vancouver, BC
30	Bunz, Tyler*	Goaltender	1992	Medicine Hat Tigers	St. Albert, AB
1	Pickard, Calvin*	Goaltender	1992	Seattle Thunderbirds	Winnipeg, MB

*Players competing in both games
Team WHL Staff:
Don Hay, Head Coach (Vancouver Giants)
Ryan Huska, Assistant Coach (Kelowna Rockets)
Lorne Molleken, Assistant Coach (Saskatoon Blades)

Team WHL Training Staff:
Greg Mayer (Regina Pats)
Curtis Amiot (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Jamie LeBlanc (Swift Current Broncos)

2011 SUBWAY® Super Series Schedule of Games:
 Game 1 – Monday November 7 at Victoriaville, QC
Game 2 – Wednesday November 9 at Quebec City, QC
Game 3 – Thursday November 10 at Ottawa, ON
Game 4 – Monday November 14 at Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Game 5 – Wednesday November 16 at Regina, SK
Game 6 – Thursday November 17 at Moose Jaw, SK

Hitmen and Warriors Deal

The Calgary Hitmen have made a move to add some scoring to their blueline, while at the same time creating some playing time for the youngsters up front.  The deal sees two older forwards moved out while a younger centre, veteran powerplay d-man and a draft pick are on their way in.  Here is the official trade release....

Calgary, AB - Calgary Hitmen General Manager, Executive VP and Alternate Governor Kelly Kisio announced today the team has acquired 18-year-old center Joey Kornelsen, 20-year-old defenceman Collin Bowman and a fourth round pick in 2012 in exchange for 19-year-old forward Justin Kirsch and 20-year-old center Kenton Miller.

“We needed a puck-moving defenceman for our powerplay and to add young talent up front,” said Kisio.  “This deal accomplishes both of those needs.  We would like to thank Justin and Kenton for their time in Calgary and wish them success with the Warriors.”

Kirsch joined the Hitmen in 2009 and over three seasons of play registered 55 points (30g 25a) in 110 games.  The 6’2” 173lbs. forward earned 25 of his 30 career goals last season.

After three campaigns with the Spokane Chiefs, the Hitmen claimed Miller off waivers during the 2011-12 offseason.  The 6’0” 191lbs. center recorded three goals in 11 games played for Calgary.

Since his 2008 WHL debut, Kornelsen had played his entire career with Moose Jaw, scoring 15 goals and recording 22 assists in 118 regular season games played.

Last season, Bowman appeared in 72 regular season games and earned 49 points (11g 38a) with the Warriors.  The 6’2” 200lbs. defenceman has earned five points (4g 1a) in seven games played this season.

Calgary wraps up a three-game home stand on Saturday, October 29 when they host the Everett Silvertips for the Hockey Mums Fight Breast Cancer game.  Puck drop is 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.

All Calgarians are invited to join the Calgary Hitmen with community partner TELUS in supporting the Hockey Mums Fight Breast Cancer campaign.  Fans can bid now on game worn third jerseys and pink helmets by visiting www.elevateauctions.com/hitmenhockey.  Net proceeds go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) Prairies/NWT Region.

The online auction closes Thursday, October 27 at 9:00 p.m. MST.  Fans with the winning auction bids will be presented with their signed jersey and helmet following Saturday’s game. 

Fans can also support the campaign through on-site donations and the purchase of CBCF promotional items. In addition, 50/50 proceeds from the October 29 matchup will support the cause.

For information on ticket packages including Flex Packs, Group Tickets or Season Tickets, call Customer Service at 403-777-4646.

Portland 7 Calgary 1

Mac Carruth made 37 saves to backstop the Portland Winterhawks to a 7-1 win over the Calgary Hitmen Tuesday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Winterhawks built period leads of 1-0 and 2-0 before blowing the game open with a pair of goals in the first two minutes of the third period.

Victor Rask was the lone Hitmen to beat Carruth, scoring on a two man advantage just past the midway mark of the final frame.

The loss drops the Hitmen record to 4-6-0-1 while Portland improves to 7-5-1-1.

Flames first round pic Sven Bartschi sat out the game with an injury but he will be a guest on the Hitmen Hockey Hour this Saturday from 1-2pm on Sportsnet960 The Fan.

Check out some game pics here! Special thanks to photographer Linda Coward.


Portland Winterhawks 7 at Calgary Hitmen 1
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Portland 1 1 5 - 7
Calgary 0 0 1 - 1

1st Period
1, Portland, Swenson 1 (Rutkowski, Morrow), 19:08.
Penalties-Peters Por (interference), 4:56; Petan Por (delay of game), 12:01; Rattie Por (embellishment), 16:25; Sylvester Cal (cross checking), 16:25.

2nd Period
2, Portland, Trott 3 (Wrenn), 3:31.
Penalties-Humphries Cal (interference), 8:28; Bubnick Cal (slashing), 15:36.

3rd Period
3, Portland, Leier 2 (Peters), 0:51.
4, Portland, Leipsic 5 (De Leo), 1:18.
5, Portland, Ross 8 (Rattie), 8:48 (PP).
6, Calgary, Rask 7 (Sylvester, Clayton), 12:48 (PP).
7, Portland, Trott 4 (Swenson, Pouliot), 18:44 (PP).
8, Portland, Wrenn 1 (Trott), 19:52.
Penalties-Parker Por (major-fighting), 4:25; Kirsch Cal (major-fighting), 4:25; Rissling Cal (tripping), 4:43; Brassart Cal (inter. on goaltender), 8:33; Morrow Por (tripping), 11:09; Ross Por (roughing, roughing), 11:09; Brassart Cal (roughing), 11:09; Rattie Por (interference), 16:08; Rissling Cal (holding), 16:08; Ross Por (major-fighting), 16:10; Sutherland Cal (major-fighting), 16:10; Lubin Cal (inter. on goaltender), 18:01; Trott Por (major-fighting), 19:56; Sylvester Cal (slashing, major-fighting), 19:56.

Shots on Goal
Portland 8-15-13-36. Calgary 18-10-9-37.

Power Play Opportunities

Portland 2 / 6; Calgary 1 / 4.

Goalies

Portland, Carruth 6-5-1-0 (37 shots-36 saves). Calgary, Glover 1-3-0-0 (10 shots-7 saves); Driedger 3-2-0-1 (26 shots-22 saves).

A-7,120

Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Jon Stephenson (38).
Linesmen-Chris Carlson (92), Justin Slimm (105).

My Post Game Highlights:

1st period
-Winterhawks sniper Brad Ross was stopped on a break-away by Chris Driedger
-The Hitmen had 17 shots on goal through the first 17 minutes

2nd period
-Hitmen Kenton Miller it a goal post
-Hitmen Brooks Macek was stopped on a break-away by Mac Carruth

3rd period
-Portland's two goals 27 seconds apart in the first two minutes of the third period not only shocked the Hitmen, but also took the crowd out of the game.
-Hitmen Justin Kirsch hit a goal post