NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings leading up to June's NHL Entry Draft. Four members of the Calgary Hitmen, three players and a goalie, have caught the attention of scouts.
North American Skaters Final Rankings
#64 HELGESEN, KENTON CALGARY WHL 6' 3.0" 186 D
#135 RISSLING, JAYNEN CALGARY WHL 6' 4.0" 223 D
#181 BRASSART, BRADY CALGARY WHL 6' 1.25" 189 RW
North American Goalies Final Rankings
#13 DRIEDGER, CHRIS CALGARY WHL 6' 2.75" 187
The 2012 NHL Entry Draft will be held at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from June 22nd to 23rd
The Hitmen Informant is written by Calgary Hitmen Play-by-Play Broadcaster Brad Curle.
Monday, 9 April 2012
Monday, 2 April 2012
Post series thoughts of Mike Williamson
The Calgary Hitmen cleaned out their lockers for another season on Saturday with many of the players saying their final goodbyes and hopping in their cars today for the drive back to their respective hometowns.
Ken Thrower and I had a chance to sit down with Hitmen Head Coach Mike Williamson to get his thoughts on the season and the playoff loss to the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Click here to listen
Photo Credit: Brad Watson
Ken Thrower and I had a chance to sit down with Hitmen Head Coach Mike Williamson to get his thoughts on the season and the playoff loss to the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Click here to listen
Photo Credit: Brad Watson
Friday, 30 March 2012
Brandon 3 Calgary 2 OT
The 2012 Calgary Hitmen playoff run is over, ending at the hands of the Brandon Wheat Kings Thursday night in Winnipeg.
Paul Ciarelli scored his scored goal of the game at 8:26 of overtime giving the Wheat Kings a 3-2 victory and lifting Brandon to a 4-1 series win.
After a scoreless first period Wheat Kings import Alessio Bertaggia scored the lone goal of the second period, tipping home a point shopping while jumping about a foot off the ice.
Calgary bounced back with a strong start to the third period getting goals from Alex Gogolev and Chase Clayton 33 second apart to give the Hitmen their first lead of the night at 2-1.
However the advantage was short lived as Ciarelli notched the tying goal less than three minutes later.
Sorry for the delay in posting this, but I didn't have any internet access until arriving back in Calgary this afternoon. I'll add some more post series reaction in the days ahead. But for now upon returning home I had a chance to catch up with the three graduating 20-year-olds, Collin Bowman, Jimmy Bubnick and Brock Sutherland.
Click here to listen to the interview
Calgary Hitmen 2 at Brandon Wheat Kings 3 (OT)Thursday, March 29, 2012 - MTS Centre - Winnipeg, MB
Calgary 0 0 2 0 - 2
Brandon 0 1 1 1 - 3
1st Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-No Penalties
2nd Period
1, Brandon, Bertaggia 3 (Roy, Sundher), 0:36.
Penalties-Kosterman Cal (tripping), 1:50; Cheek Cal (hooking), 11:39.
3rd Period
2, Calgary, Gogolev 3 (Bubnick, Bowman), 1:12.
3, Calgary, Clayton 1 (Macek, Cheek), 1:45.
4, Brandon, Ciarelli 1 (Dziurzynski, Meilleur), 4:14.
Penalties-No Penalties
OT Period
5, Brandon, Ciarelli 2 (Dziurzynski, Meilleur), 8:26.
Penalties-Kosterman Cal (tripping), 4:46.
Shots on Goal-Calgary 14-10-12-8-44. Brandon 9-15-17-2-43.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 0; Brandon 0 / 3.
Goalies-Calgary, Glover 1-1-1-0 (43 shots-40 saves). Brandon, Boes 4-1-0-0 (44 shots-42 saves).
A-4,002
Referees-Brett Montsion (54), Reagan Vetter (79).
Linesmen-Bryden Hutlet (114), Darrell Surminski (37).
Paul Ciarelli scored his scored goal of the game at 8:26 of overtime giving the Wheat Kings a 3-2 victory and lifting Brandon to a 4-1 series win.
After a scoreless first period Wheat Kings import Alessio Bertaggia scored the lone goal of the second period, tipping home a point shopping while jumping about a foot off the ice.
Calgary bounced back with a strong start to the third period getting goals from Alex Gogolev and Chase Clayton 33 second apart to give the Hitmen their first lead of the night at 2-1.
However the advantage was short lived as Ciarelli notched the tying goal less than three minutes later.
Sorry for the delay in posting this, but I didn't have any internet access until arriving back in Calgary this afternoon. I'll add some more post series reaction in the days ahead. But for now upon returning home I had a chance to catch up with the three graduating 20-year-olds, Collin Bowman, Jimmy Bubnick and Brock Sutherland.
Click here to listen to the interview
Calgary Hitmen 2 at Brandon Wheat Kings 3 (OT)Thursday, March 29, 2012 - MTS Centre - Winnipeg, MB
Calgary 0 0 2 0 - 2
Brandon 0 1 1 1 - 3
1st Period
No Scoring.
Penalties-No Penalties
2nd Period
1, Brandon, Bertaggia 3 (Roy, Sundher), 0:36.
Penalties-Kosterman Cal (tripping), 1:50; Cheek Cal (hooking), 11:39.
3rd Period
2, Calgary, Gogolev 3 (Bubnick, Bowman), 1:12.
3, Calgary, Clayton 1 (Macek, Cheek), 1:45.
4, Brandon, Ciarelli 1 (Dziurzynski, Meilleur), 4:14.
Penalties-No Penalties
OT Period
5, Brandon, Ciarelli 2 (Dziurzynski, Meilleur), 8:26.
Penalties-Kosterman Cal (tripping), 4:46.
Shots on Goal-Calgary 14-10-12-8-44. Brandon 9-15-17-2-43.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 0; Brandon 0 / 3.
Goalies-Calgary, Glover 1-1-1-0 (43 shots-40 saves). Brandon, Boes 4-1-0-0 (44 shots-42 saves).
A-4,002
Referees-Brett Montsion (54), Reagan Vetter (79).
Linesmen-Bryden Hutlet (114), Darrell Surminski (37).
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Game 5: Calgary at Brandon
For the first time this season the Calgary Hitmen face a must win hockey game. Sure there have been other big games but none bigger than tonight. It's game 5 as the Hitmen meet the Brandon Wheat Kings trailing the Best-of-Seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Series 3-1. Game time is 6:00 p.m. (MDT) at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg. Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan also begins at six o'clock.
Photo Credit: Bruce Fedyck
SERIES RECAP: Brandon, leading the series 3-1, has outscored Calgary by a combined 13-8.
-Game 1: Brandon 6 Calgary 2. After Mark Stone snapped a 2-2 tie with less than four minutes remaining in the second period the Wheat Kings never looked back scoring four straight.
-Game 2: Calgary 4 Brandon 0. Trevor Cheek picked up his first career playoff hat-trick while Brandon Glover made 20 saves for hist first career post season shutout.
-Game 3: Brandon 4 Calgary 1. Michael Ferland broke a 1-1 second period tie just past the eight minute mark. Kevin Sundher 1g 1a.
-Game 4: Brandon 3 Calgary 1. Mark Stone had 1g 1a while Corbin Boes made 32 saves.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Shots on goal: Cal 137 Bdn 123 Powerplays: Cal 2-11 (18.2%) Bdn 2-14 (14.3%)
SERIES TRENDS: The team scoring first has won all four games....Neither team has given up the lead....Of the 240 minutes played, the Hitmen have only led for 58 minutes and 35 seconds....Brandon has outshot the Hitmen in seven of the 12 periods. However Calgary has outshot the Wheat Kings by a per game average of 34.3 to 30.8
PERIOD SCORING: Of Calgary's eight goals in the series they have scored three in the first period, two in the second and three in the third. Of Brandon's 14 goals in the series they have scored five in the first period, four in the second and four in the third period.
SCORING DEPTH: 17 Wheat Kings have at least one point in the series while Calgary has points from 11 different players.
IN NEED OF A STREAK: The Hitmen need a three game winning streak to avoid elimination from the 2012 WHL Playoffs. During the regular season seven times the Hitmen put together winning streaks of three games or more.
BOES BLOCKADE: Brandon goaltender Corbin Boes, who finished the regular season with the third best save percentage in the WHL, has turned in a strong performance this series. The 18-year-old from Saskatoon has stopped 129 of 137 shots for a .942 save percentage.
DID YOU REMEMBER? The last time the Hitmen faced a 3-1 series deficit was in the opening round against Moose Jaw in the 2010 WHL post season. The Hitmen rattled off three straight wins to take the series in seven.
PLAYOFF RECORD: Calgary has a lifetime playoff record of 109-77. The Hitmen have competed in 33 series prior to this one and have won 22 and lost 11. Calgary is 18-15 in post season overtime games.
TOP SCORERS:
Calgary
Collin Bowman 0g 4a 4pts
Trevor Cheek 3g 0a 3pts
Alex Gogolev 2g 1a 3pts
Alex Roach 1g 2a 3pts
Brandon
Alessio Bertaggia 2g 3a 5pts
Mark Stone 2g 3a 5pts
Michael Ferland 2g 1a 3pts
REMAINING SCHEDULE:
* Game 6 Apr 1 Brandon at Calgary 4:00 PM MDT
* Game 7 Apr 3 Brandon at Calgary 7:00 PM MDT
*If necessary
HITMEN ALUMNUS: Paul Postma who played parts of four seasons in Calgary (2007-08 to 2008-09) is in the AHL with the St. John's Ice Caps. The 24-year-old is currently third among AHL defencemen in scoring with 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points in 55 games.
Photo Credit: Bruce Fedyck
SERIES RECAP: Brandon, leading the series 3-1, has outscored Calgary by a combined 13-8.
-Game 1: Brandon 6 Calgary 2. After Mark Stone snapped a 2-2 tie with less than four minutes remaining in the second period the Wheat Kings never looked back scoring four straight.
-Game 2: Calgary 4 Brandon 0. Trevor Cheek picked up his first career playoff hat-trick while Brandon Glover made 20 saves for hist first career post season shutout.
-Game 3: Brandon 4 Calgary 1. Michael Ferland broke a 1-1 second period tie just past the eight minute mark. Kevin Sundher 1g 1a.
-Game 4: Brandon 3 Calgary 1. Mark Stone had 1g 1a while Corbin Boes made 32 saves.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Shots on goal: Cal 137 Bdn 123 Powerplays: Cal 2-11 (18.2%) Bdn 2-14 (14.3%)
SERIES TRENDS: The team scoring first has won all four games....Neither team has given up the lead....Of the 240 minutes played, the Hitmen have only led for 58 minutes and 35 seconds....Brandon has outshot the Hitmen in seven of the 12 periods. However Calgary has outshot the Wheat Kings by a per game average of 34.3 to 30.8
PERIOD SCORING: Of Calgary's eight goals in the series they have scored three in the first period, two in the second and three in the third. Of Brandon's 14 goals in the series they have scored five in the first period, four in the second and four in the third period.
SCORING DEPTH: 17 Wheat Kings have at least one point in the series while Calgary has points from 11 different players.
IN NEED OF A STREAK: The Hitmen need a three game winning streak to avoid elimination from the 2012 WHL Playoffs. During the regular season seven times the Hitmen put together winning streaks of three games or more.
BOES BLOCKADE: Brandon goaltender Corbin Boes, who finished the regular season with the third best save percentage in the WHL, has turned in a strong performance this series. The 18-year-old from Saskatoon has stopped 129 of 137 shots for a .942 save percentage.
DID YOU REMEMBER? The last time the Hitmen faced a 3-1 series deficit was in the opening round against Moose Jaw in the 2010 WHL post season. The Hitmen rattled off three straight wins to take the series in seven.
PLAYOFF RECORD: Calgary has a lifetime playoff record of 109-77. The Hitmen have competed in 33 series prior to this one and have won 22 and lost 11. Calgary is 18-15 in post season overtime games.
TOP SCORERS:
Calgary
Collin Bowman 0g 4a 4pts
Trevor Cheek 3g 0a 3pts
Alex Gogolev 2g 1a 3pts
Alex Roach 1g 2a 3pts
Brandon
Alessio Bertaggia 2g 3a 5pts
Mark Stone 2g 3a 5pts
Michael Ferland 2g 1a 3pts
REMAINING SCHEDULE:
* Game 6 Apr 1 Brandon at Calgary 4:00 PM MDT
* Game 7 Apr 3 Brandon at Calgary 7:00 PM MDT
*If necessary
HITMEN ALUMNUS: Paul Postma who played parts of four seasons in Calgary (2007-08 to 2008-09) is in the AHL with the St. John's Ice Caps. The 24-year-old is currently third among AHL defencemen in scoring with 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points in 55 games.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Brandon 3 Calgary 1
A third period push fell short as the Calgary Hitmen dropped a 3-1 decision to the Brandon Wheat Kings Tuesday night at MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
The loss pushes the Hitmen to the brink of elimination as they now trail the Best-of-Seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Series 3-1.
Ryan Pulock on the powerplay and Mark Stone even strength scored first period goals to give Brandon a 2-0 lead after the opening period.
Stone's goal was a thing of beauty and brought back memories of Mario Lemieux's playoff goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Minnesota North Stars in the 1991 Stanley Cup Final. The only difference for Stone was he finished shooting high glove side instead of a deek.
Alessio Bertaggia extended the lead to 3-0 early in the second period spelling the end of the night for Hitmen starter Chris Driedger who stopped 13 of 16 shots.
Alex Gogolev scored the lone Hitmen goal in the third period, a frame where they out shot the Wheat Kings 13-3 and also got a goal post from Collin Bowman.
The series resumes Thursday night in Winnipeg with Game 5.
Click here to listen to the post game thoughts of Hitmen forward Danny Gayle
Calgary Hitmen 1 at Brandon Wheat Kings 3
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - MTS Centre - Winnipeg, MB
Calgary 0 0 1 - 1
Brandon 2 1 0 - 3
1st Period
1, Brandon, Pulock 1 (Walker, Stone), 10:53 (PP).
2, Brandon, Stone 2 (Pulock, Melnychuk), 15:25.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (hooking), 10:18; Virtanen Cal (roughing), 13:41; Seaman Bdn (roughing), 13:41.
2nd Period
3, Brandon, Bertaggia 2 1:53.
Penalties-Humphries Cal (cross checking), 3:58; Dziurzynski Bdn (boarding), 4:43; Meilleur Bdn (boarding), 10:48; Bowman Cal (hooking), 13:13; Miller Bdn (roughing), 18:02; Gayle Cal (high sticking), 19:13.
3rd Period
4, Calgary, Gogolev 2 (Gayle, Clayton), 8:22. Penalties-Miller Bdn (tripping), 12:35; Roach Cal (cross checking), 19:56.
Shots on Goal-Calgary 9-11-13-33. Brandon 13-13-3-29.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 4; Brandon 1 / 5.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 0-2-0-0 (16 shots-13 saves); Glover 1-1-0-0 (13 shots-13 saves). Brandon, Boes 3-1-0-0 (33 shots-32 saves).
A-3,563
Referees-Chris Crich (80), Jeff Ingram (82).
Linesmen-Kelsey Mahoney (138), Darrell Surminski (37).
The loss pushes the Hitmen to the brink of elimination as they now trail the Best-of-Seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Series 3-1.
Ryan Pulock on the powerplay and Mark Stone even strength scored first period goals to give Brandon a 2-0 lead after the opening period.
Stone's goal was a thing of beauty and brought back memories of Mario Lemieux's playoff goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Minnesota North Stars in the 1991 Stanley Cup Final. The only difference for Stone was he finished shooting high glove side instead of a deek.
Alessio Bertaggia extended the lead to 3-0 early in the second period spelling the end of the night for Hitmen starter Chris Driedger who stopped 13 of 16 shots.
Alex Gogolev scored the lone Hitmen goal in the third period, a frame where they out shot the Wheat Kings 13-3 and also got a goal post from Collin Bowman.
The series resumes Thursday night in Winnipeg with Game 5.
Click here to listen to the post game thoughts of Hitmen forward Danny Gayle
Calgary Hitmen 1 at Brandon Wheat Kings 3
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - MTS Centre - Winnipeg, MB
Calgary 0 0 1 - 1
Brandon 2 1 0 - 3
1st Period
1, Brandon, Pulock 1 (Walker, Stone), 10:53 (PP).
2, Brandon, Stone 2 (Pulock, Melnychuk), 15:25.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (hooking), 10:18; Virtanen Cal (roughing), 13:41; Seaman Bdn (roughing), 13:41.
2nd Period
3, Brandon, Bertaggia 2 1:53.
Penalties-Humphries Cal (cross checking), 3:58; Dziurzynski Bdn (boarding), 4:43; Meilleur Bdn (boarding), 10:48; Bowman Cal (hooking), 13:13; Miller Bdn (roughing), 18:02; Gayle Cal (high sticking), 19:13.
3rd Period
4, Calgary, Gogolev 2 (Gayle, Clayton), 8:22. Penalties-Miller Bdn (tripping), 12:35; Roach Cal (cross checking), 19:56.
Shots on Goal-Calgary 9-11-13-33. Brandon 13-13-3-29.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 4; Brandon 1 / 5.
Goalies-Calgary, Driedger 0-2-0-0 (16 shots-13 saves); Glover 1-1-0-0 (13 shots-13 saves). Brandon, Boes 3-1-0-0 (33 shots-32 saves).
A-3,563
Referees-Chris Crich (80), Jeff Ingram (82).
Linesmen-Kelsey Mahoney (138), Darrell Surminski (37).
Game 4: Calgary at Brandon
The Calgary Hitmen meet the Brandon Wheat Kings in Winnipeg tonight for Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Series. The Wheat Kings lead the Best-of-Seven 2-1 after a 4-1 win in Game 3 Sunday evening.
Radio Broadcast tonight on Sportsnet 960 The Fan starts at 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time).
Photo Credit: Bruce Fedyck
SERIES RECAP: Brandon, leading the series 2-1, has outscored Calgary by a combined 10-7.
-Game 1: Brandon 6 Calgary 2. After Mark Stone snapped a 2-2 tie with less than four minutes remaining in the second period the Wheat Kings never looked back scoring four straight.
-Game 2: Calgary 4 Brandon 0. Trevor Cheek picked up his first career playoff hat-trick while Brandon Glover made 20 saves for hist first career post season shutout.
-Game 3: Brandon 4 Calgary 1. Michael Ferland broke a 1-1 second period tie just past the eight minute mark. Kevin Sundher 1g 1a.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Shots on goal: Cal 104 Bdn 94 Powerplays: Cal 2-7 (28.6%) Bdn 1-9 (11.1%)
SERIES TRENDS: The team scoring first has won all three games....Neither team has given up the lead....Of Calgary's seven goals in the series they have scored three in the first period, two in the second and two in the third. Of Brandon's 11 goals in the series they have scored three in the first period, three in the second and four in the third period.
PLAYOFF RECORD: Calgary has a lifetime playoff record of 109-76. The Hitmen have competed in 33 series prior to this one and have won 22 and lost 11. Calgary is 18-15 in post season overtime games.
QUOTEABLE:
-Brandon forward Mark Stone on Game 4 - "We know that Calgary's going to have a huge push, they are going to be a desperate hockey team and we need to match that desperate play"
-Calgary defenceman Brock Sutherland on Game 4 - "It's a crucial game for us, we want to even up the series. We feel that in the two games we lost we didn't play our best so we'll give our selves a better chance if we come out and play our best tonight."
TOP SCORERS:
Calgary:
Collin Bowman 0g 4a 4pts
Trevor Cheek 3g 0a 3pts
Alex Roach 1g 2a 3pts
Brandon:
Alessio Bertaggia 1g 3a 4pts
Michael Ferland 2g 1a 3pts
Mark Stone 1g 2a 3pts
REMAINING SCHEDULE:
Game 5 Mar 29 Calgary vs. Brandon at Winnipeg 7:00 PM CDT
* Game 6 Apr 1 Brandon at Calgary 4:00 PM MDT
* Game 7 Apr 3 Brandon at Calgary 7:00 PM MDT
*If necessary
Radio Broadcast tonight on Sportsnet 960 The Fan starts at 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time).
Photo Credit: Bruce Fedyck
SERIES RECAP: Brandon, leading the series 2-1, has outscored Calgary by a combined 10-7.
-Game 1: Brandon 6 Calgary 2. After Mark Stone snapped a 2-2 tie with less than four minutes remaining in the second period the Wheat Kings never looked back scoring four straight.
-Game 2: Calgary 4 Brandon 0. Trevor Cheek picked up his first career playoff hat-trick while Brandon Glover made 20 saves for hist first career post season shutout.
-Game 3: Brandon 4 Calgary 1. Michael Ferland broke a 1-1 second period tie just past the eight minute mark. Kevin Sundher 1g 1a.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Shots on goal: Cal 104 Bdn 94 Powerplays: Cal 2-7 (28.6%) Bdn 1-9 (11.1%)
SERIES TRENDS: The team scoring first has won all three games....Neither team has given up the lead....Of Calgary's seven goals in the series they have scored three in the first period, two in the second and two in the third. Of Brandon's 11 goals in the series they have scored three in the first period, three in the second and four in the third period.
PLAYOFF RECORD: Calgary has a lifetime playoff record of 109-76. The Hitmen have competed in 33 series prior to this one and have won 22 and lost 11. Calgary is 18-15 in post season overtime games.
QUOTEABLE:
-Brandon forward Mark Stone on Game 4 - "We know that Calgary's going to have a huge push, they are going to be a desperate hockey team and we need to match that desperate play"
-Calgary defenceman Brock Sutherland on Game 4 - "It's a crucial game for us, we want to even up the series. We feel that in the two games we lost we didn't play our best so we'll give our selves a better chance if we come out and play our best tonight."
TOP SCORERS:
Calgary:
Collin Bowman 0g 4a 4pts
Trevor Cheek 3g 0a 3pts
Alex Roach 1g 2a 3pts
Brandon:
Alessio Bertaggia 1g 3a 4pts
Michael Ferland 2g 1a 3pts
Mark Stone 1g 2a 3pts
REMAINING SCHEDULE:
Game 5 Mar 29 Calgary vs. Brandon at Winnipeg 7:00 PM CDT
* Game 6 Apr 1 Brandon at Calgary 4:00 PM MDT
* Game 7 Apr 3 Brandon at Calgary 7:00 PM MDT
*If necessary
Monday, 26 March 2012
Brandon 4 Calgary 1
Kevin Sundher scored once and set up another as the Brandon Wheat Kings beat the Calgary Hitmen Sunday evening at MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
The win gives Brandon a 2-1 lead in their Best-of-Seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Final series.
Greg Chase, with his first career playoff goal, had the lone marker for the Hitmen who were tied 1-1 after one, but trailed 3-1 after forty minutes.
Brandon out shot the Hitmen 42-27.
Photo Credit: Bruce Fedyck
Click to listen to Brandon forward and Flames prospect Michael Ferland
Click to listen to Hitmen goaltending coach Darcy Wakaluk
Calgary Hitmen 1 at Brandon Wheat Kings 4
Sunday, March 25, 2012 - MTS Centre - Winnipeg, MB
Calgary 1 0 0 - 1
Brandon 1 2 1 - 4
1st Period
1, Brandon, Mraz 1 (Bertaggia, Sundher), 4:32.
2, Calgary, Chase 1 (Kosterman), 19:09.
Penalties-Chase Cal (tripping), 7:51; served by Macek Cal (too many men), 13:03; Brassart Cal (roughing), 20:00.
2nd Period
3, Brandon, Ferland 2 (Walker, Stone), 8:01 (PP).
4, Brandon, Roy 1 (Swyripa, Seaman), 19:41.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (tripping), 7:53.
3rd Period
5, Brandon, Sundher 1 (Bertaggia, Nikkel), 4:56.
Penalties-Ciarelli Bdn (tripping), 2:01; Chase Cal (holding), 6:41; Seaman Bdn (roughing), 6:41; Cheek Cal (slashing), 7:52; Cheek Cal (10-minute misconduct), 15:19; Roy Bdn (10-minute misconduct), 15:19; Trzonkowski Cal (roughing), 17:41; Melnychuk Bdn (roughing), 17:41.
Shots on Goal-Calgary 9-5-13-27. Brandon 12-15-15-42.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 1; Brandon 1 / 5.
Goalies-Calgary, Glover 1-1-0-0 (42 shots-38 saves). Brandon, Boes 2-1-0-0 (27 shots-26 saves).
A-3,578
Referees-Trevor Hanson (19), Pat Smith (12).
Linesmen-Bryden Hutlet (114), Kelsey Mahoney (138).
The win gives Brandon a 2-1 lead in their Best-of-Seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Final series.
Greg Chase, with his first career playoff goal, had the lone marker for the Hitmen who were tied 1-1 after one, but trailed 3-1 after forty minutes.
Brandon out shot the Hitmen 42-27.
Photo Credit: Bruce Fedyck
Click to listen to Brandon forward and Flames prospect Michael Ferland
Click to listen to Hitmen goaltending coach Darcy Wakaluk
Calgary Hitmen 1 at Brandon Wheat Kings 4
Sunday, March 25, 2012 - MTS Centre - Winnipeg, MB
Calgary 1 0 0 - 1
Brandon 1 2 1 - 4
1st Period
1, Brandon, Mraz 1 (Bertaggia, Sundher), 4:32.
2, Calgary, Chase 1 (Kosterman), 19:09.
Penalties-Chase Cal (tripping), 7:51; served by Macek Cal (too many men), 13:03; Brassart Cal (roughing), 20:00.
2nd Period
3, Brandon, Ferland 2 (Walker, Stone), 8:01 (PP).
4, Brandon, Roy 1 (Swyripa, Seaman), 19:41.
Penalties-Brassart Cal (tripping), 7:53.
3rd Period
5, Brandon, Sundher 1 (Bertaggia, Nikkel), 4:56.
Penalties-Ciarelli Bdn (tripping), 2:01; Chase Cal (holding), 6:41; Seaman Bdn (roughing), 6:41; Cheek Cal (slashing), 7:52; Cheek Cal (10-minute misconduct), 15:19; Roy Bdn (10-minute misconduct), 15:19; Trzonkowski Cal (roughing), 17:41; Melnychuk Bdn (roughing), 17:41.
Shots on Goal-Calgary 9-5-13-27. Brandon 12-15-15-42.
Power Play Opportunities-Calgary 0 / 1; Brandon 1 / 5.
Goalies-Calgary, Glover 1-1-0-0 (42 shots-38 saves). Brandon, Boes 2-1-0-0 (27 shots-26 saves).
A-3,578
Referees-Trevor Hanson (19), Pat Smith (12).
Linesmen-Bryden Hutlet (114), Kelsey Mahoney (138).
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Game 3: Calgary at Brandon
The scene has shifted from Southern Alberta to Southern Manitoba as the Calgary Hitmen meet the Brandon Wheat Kings on Sunday for Game 3 of their Best-of-Seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Series. Radio Broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan starts at 4:00 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time) with a one hour pre-game show.
After a 6-2 win by Brandon in Game 1, Calgary responded with a 4-0 victory in Game 2 to essentially turn this into a best of five.
Game 3 goes today in Winnipeg at the MTS Centre due to a building conflict in Brandon. "The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair", one of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events and the largest annual event in Brandon has taken over the home of the Wheat Kings, Westman Place. So all home games this series for Brandon will be played in the home of the NHL's Jets.
The MST Centre (Photo by Tucker Photography)
SERIES RECAP: Through two games the best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 while both teams have scored six goals each.
-Game 1: Brandon 6 Calgary 2. After Mark Stone snapped a 2-2 tie with less than four minutes remaining in the second period the Wheat Kings never looked back scoring four straight.
-Game 2: Calgary 4 Brandon 0. Trevor Cheek picked up his first career playoff hat-trick while Brandon Glover made 20 saves for hist first career post season shutout.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Shots on goal: Cal 77 Bdn 52 Powerplays: Cal 2-6 (33.3%) Bdn 0-4 (0%)
SERIES TRENDS: The team scoring first has won both games....Neither team has given up the lead....Brandon has dressed the same line-up in both games.
PUCKS TO THE NET: Trevor Cheek led the Hitmen with eight shots on goal in Game 2. He tops Calgary with 15 shots in the series. Jimmy Bubnick and Alex Roach are next with seven. Dominick Favreau had three shots for Brandon in Game 2 to lead all Wheat Kings. In the series Alessio Bertaggia sits on top with eight.
AN INJECTION OF YOUTH: Jake Virtanen has played both games for Calgary. He's the first 15 year-old to appear in the playoffs for the Hitmen since Alex Plante patrolled the blueline in the 2005 post season.
BOWMAN'S IMPACT: Collin Bowman leads all WHL defencemen in scoring with four points (4a) during the 2012 post season. He's also tied for eighth overall in playoff scoring. The 20-year-old was named Calgary's Top Defenceman during the regular season and was an October trade acquisition from the Moose Jaw Warriors. Tonight's Game 3 will be Bowman's 50th career playoff game.
STREAKIN': Three Hitmen have points in back-to-back games to start the series: Collin Bowman (4a), Alex Roach (1g 2a) and Alex Gogolev (1g 1a).
PLAYOFF RECORD: Calgary has a lifetime playoff record of 109-75. The Hitmen have competed in 33 series prior to this one and have won 22 and lost 11. Calgary is 18-15 in post season overtime games.
PRE-GAME CEREMONIES: There will be a special ceremonial puck drop prior to Game 3 tonight involving Jets captain and former Calgary Hitmen sniper Andrew Ladd along with former Wheat King and current Jets forward Eric Fehr.
REMAINING SCHEDULE:
Game 4 Mar 27 Calgary vs. Brandon at Winnipeg 7:00 PM CDT
Game 5 Mar 29 Calgary vs. Brandon at Winnipeg 7:00 PM CDT
* Game 6 Apr 1 Brandon at Calgary 4:00 PM MDT
* Game 7 Apr 3 Brandon at Calgary 7:00 PM MDT
*If necessary
After a 6-2 win by Brandon in Game 1, Calgary responded with a 4-0 victory in Game 2 to essentially turn this into a best of five.
Game 3 goes today in Winnipeg at the MTS Centre due to a building conflict in Brandon. "The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair", one of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events and the largest annual event in Brandon has taken over the home of the Wheat Kings, Westman Place. So all home games this series for Brandon will be played in the home of the NHL's Jets.
The MST Centre (Photo by Tucker Photography)
SERIES RECAP: Through two games the best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 while both teams have scored six goals each.
-Game 1: Brandon 6 Calgary 2. After Mark Stone snapped a 2-2 tie with less than four minutes remaining in the second period the Wheat Kings never looked back scoring four straight.
-Game 2: Calgary 4 Brandon 0. Trevor Cheek picked up his first career playoff hat-trick while Brandon Glover made 20 saves for hist first career post season shutout.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Shots on goal: Cal 77 Bdn 52 Powerplays: Cal 2-6 (33.3%) Bdn 0-4 (0%)
SERIES TRENDS: The team scoring first has won both games....Neither team has given up the lead....Brandon has dressed the same line-up in both games.
PUCKS TO THE NET: Trevor Cheek led the Hitmen with eight shots on goal in Game 2. He tops Calgary with 15 shots in the series. Jimmy Bubnick and Alex Roach are next with seven. Dominick Favreau had three shots for Brandon in Game 2 to lead all Wheat Kings. In the series Alessio Bertaggia sits on top with eight.
AN INJECTION OF YOUTH: Jake Virtanen has played both games for Calgary. He's the first 15 year-old to appear in the playoffs for the Hitmen since Alex Plante patrolled the blueline in the 2005 post season.
BOWMAN'S IMPACT: Collin Bowman leads all WHL defencemen in scoring with four points (4a) during the 2012 post season. He's also tied for eighth overall in playoff scoring. The 20-year-old was named Calgary's Top Defenceman during the regular season and was an October trade acquisition from the Moose Jaw Warriors. Tonight's Game 3 will be Bowman's 50th career playoff game.
STREAKIN': Three Hitmen have points in back-to-back games to start the series: Collin Bowman (4a), Alex Roach (1g 2a) and Alex Gogolev (1g 1a).
PLAYOFF RECORD: Calgary has a lifetime playoff record of 109-75. The Hitmen have competed in 33 series prior to this one and have won 22 and lost 11. Calgary is 18-15 in post season overtime games.
PRE-GAME CEREMONIES: There will be a special ceremonial puck drop prior to Game 3 tonight involving Jets captain and former Calgary Hitmen sniper Andrew Ladd along with former Wheat King and current Jets forward Eric Fehr.
REMAINING SCHEDULE:
Game 4 Mar 27 Calgary vs. Brandon at Winnipeg 7:00 PM CDT
Game 5 Mar 29 Calgary vs. Brandon at Winnipeg 7:00 PM CDT
* Game 6 Apr 1 Brandon at Calgary 4:00 PM MDT
* Game 7 Apr 3 Brandon at Calgary 7:00 PM MDT
*If necessary
Friday, 23 March 2012
Calgary 4 Brandon 0
It was a night of firsts for the Calgary Hitmen Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Trevor Cheek recorded his first career hat-trick, Brandon Glover made 20 saves for his first career WHL playoff shutout and the Calgary Hitmen picked up their first win of the series in a 4-0 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings to even their Best-of-Seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final series 1-1.
Trevor Cheek fired a hat-trick (Photo Credit: Brad Watson)
Alex Roach opened the scoring for Calgary just 1:25 into the opening period as the Hitmen grabbed their first lead of the playoffs.
Trevor Cheek then started his natural hat-trick scoring in the final minute of the second period to send the home team to the dressing room with a 2-0 lead after forty minutes.
Cheek then completed his trio in the third period with a pair of goals as the Hitmen dominated the frame outshooting the Wheat Kings 20-3.
Both teams now begin the long journey to Winnipeg, Manitoba for Game 3 Sunday.
We'll have more on this series Saturday between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. during the Hitmen Hockey Hour on Sportsnet 960 The Fan.
Brandon Wheat Kings 0 at Calgary Hitmen 4
Friday, March 23, 2012 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB
Brandon 0 0 0 - 0
Calgary 1 1 2 - 4
1st Period
1, Calgary, Roach 1 (Chase, Kornelsen), 1:25.
Penalties-Clayton Cal (slashing), 15:32.
2nd Period
2, Calgary, Cheek 1 (Bubnick, Bowman), 19:26.
Penalties-Miller Bdn (10-minute misconduct), 8:13; Roy Bdn (roughing), 8:13; Sundher Bdn (major-fighting), 8:13; Clayton Cal (major-fighting), 8:13; Virtanen Cal (roughing), 8:13; Dziurzynski Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 8:44; Chase Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 8:44; Kosterman Cal (tripping), 11:13; Ciarelli Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 14:29; Gogolev Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 14:29.
3rd Period
3, Calgary, Cheek 2 (Gogolev, Bubnick), 7:54.
4, Calgary, Cheek 3 (Roach, Bowman), 19:14 (PP).
Penalties-Dziurzynski Bdn (kneeing), 1:39; Ferland Bdn (roughing), 9:44; Melnychuk Bdn (cross checking), 11:30; Nikkel Bdn (tripping), 17:42; Stone Bdn (roughing), 17:48; Sundher Bdn (tripping), 18:48; Trzonkowski Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 18:48; Dziurzynski Bdn (roughing, roughing), 19:46; Roy Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd., major-fighting, game misconduct), 19:46; Bowman Cal (roughing), 19:46; Chase Cal (major-fighting), 19:46; Helgesen Cal (roughing), 19:46.
Shots on Goal-Brandon 10-7-3-20. Calgary 6-15-20-41.
Power Play Opportunities-Brandon 0 / 2; Calgary 1 / 4.
Goalies-Brandon, Boes 1-1-0-0 (41 shots-37 saves). Calgary, Glover 1-0-0-0 (20 shots-20 saves).
A-10,497
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Michael Roberts (87), Scott Sharun (103).
Trevor Cheek recorded his first career hat-trick, Brandon Glover made 20 saves for his first career WHL playoff shutout and the Calgary Hitmen picked up their first win of the series in a 4-0 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings to even their Best-of-Seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final series 1-1.
Trevor Cheek fired a hat-trick (Photo Credit: Brad Watson)
Alex Roach opened the scoring for Calgary just 1:25 into the opening period as the Hitmen grabbed their first lead of the playoffs.
Trevor Cheek then started his natural hat-trick scoring in the final minute of the second period to send the home team to the dressing room with a 2-0 lead after forty minutes.
Cheek then completed his trio in the third period with a pair of goals as the Hitmen dominated the frame outshooting the Wheat Kings 20-3.
Both teams now begin the long journey to Winnipeg, Manitoba for Game 3 Sunday.
We'll have more on this series Saturday between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. during the Hitmen Hockey Hour on Sportsnet 960 The Fan.
Brandon Wheat Kings 0 at Calgary Hitmen 4
Friday, March 23, 2012 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB
Brandon 0 0 0 - 0
Calgary 1 1 2 - 4
1st Period
1, Calgary, Roach 1 (Chase, Kornelsen), 1:25.
Penalties-Clayton Cal (slashing), 15:32.
2nd Period
2, Calgary, Cheek 1 (Bubnick, Bowman), 19:26.
Penalties-Miller Bdn (10-minute misconduct), 8:13; Roy Bdn (roughing), 8:13; Sundher Bdn (major-fighting), 8:13; Clayton Cal (major-fighting), 8:13; Virtanen Cal (roughing), 8:13; Dziurzynski Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 8:44; Chase Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 8:44; Kosterman Cal (tripping), 11:13; Ciarelli Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 14:29; Gogolev Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 14:29.
3rd Period
3, Calgary, Cheek 2 (Gogolev, Bubnick), 7:54.
4, Calgary, Cheek 3 (Roach, Bowman), 19:14 (PP).
Penalties-Dziurzynski Bdn (kneeing), 1:39; Ferland Bdn (roughing), 9:44; Melnychuk Bdn (cross checking), 11:30; Nikkel Bdn (tripping), 17:42; Stone Bdn (roughing), 17:48; Sundher Bdn (tripping), 18:48; Trzonkowski Cal (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 18:48; Dziurzynski Bdn (roughing, roughing), 19:46; Roy Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd., major-fighting, game misconduct), 19:46; Bowman Cal (roughing), 19:46; Chase Cal (major-fighting), 19:46; Helgesen Cal (roughing), 19:46.
Shots on Goal-Brandon 10-7-3-20. Calgary 6-15-20-41.
Power Play Opportunities-Brandon 0 / 2; Calgary 1 / 4.
Goalies-Brandon, Boes 1-1-0-0 (41 shots-37 saves). Calgary, Glover 1-0-0-0 (20 shots-20 saves).
A-10,497
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Michael Roberts (87), Scott Sharun (103).
Game 2: Brandon at Calgary
The Calgary Hitmen host the Brandon Wheat Kings tonight just one day after dropping the opener of their Best-of-Seven Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Series 6-2. Tonight's Game 2 is a 7:00 p.m. start at Scotiabank Saddledome and can be heard on Sportsnet 960 The Fan starting with a 60 minute pre-game show at six o'clock.
Photo Credit: Brad Watson
If history has taut us anything between these two clubs its to not put too much stock in the winner of Game 1. In their five previous meetings, the team recording a Game 1 victory has only gone on to win two series. Take 2005 for example where the Hitmen posted a massive 10-1 victory in the opener, yet went on to drop the series in seven games. Or even 2007 when Brandon grabbed a 2-0 series lead but then proceeded to drop four straight. I know there are no remaining players from either 2005 or even 2007 on the ice in this 2012 meeting, but the point is to remember its a series and over the course of up to seven games anything can happen and has in the past.
BOUNCE BACK ABILITY: In games following a loss in the regular season Calgary was 16-11-1-0.
PUCKS TO THE NET: Calgary’s 36 shots in Game 1 came from 13 different players. Trevor Cheek led the way with seven while Brooks Macek and Danny Gayle both had four. The Wheat Kings 31 shots came from 14 different players. Alessio Bertaggia had six to lead the charge while Darian Dziurzynski recorded five. Brandon sniper Mark Stone was held to just one shot on goal, but scored.
PLAYOFF RECORD: Calgary has a lifetime playoff record of 108-75. The Hitmen have competed in 33 series prior to this one and have won 22 and lost 11. Calgary is 18-15 in post season overtime games.
BACK AGAIN: After missing the playoffs last season, this is Calgary's 14th trip to the post season in their 17 year franchise history.
ICE BREAKER: Nine Hitmen played their first WHL playoff game last night: Kenton Helgesen, Alex Roach, Alex Gogolev, Chase Clayton, Jake Virtanen, Calder Brooks, Greg Chase, Trevor Cheek and Chris Driedger.
THE ROLLING STONE: As if Brandon right winger Mark Stone's 123 point regular season wasn't impressive enough if you include his tournament play at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship for Team Canada along with last night's Game 1 performance the Ottawa Senators prospect now has a remarkable 135 points in 73 meaningful games this season. It breaks down as follows.
Brandon Regular Season 66GP 41G 82A 123PTS
Team Canada 6GP 7G 3A 10PTS
Brandon Playoffs 1GP 1G 1A 2PTS
PRE-GAME EATS: The Avison Young Club Dining Room at Scotiabank Saddledome will open two hours prior to all Hitmen Playoff games. For Reservations, please call Brenda at 403-571-9733
* The Reservation Line is open Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Here is tonight's menu and pricing.
Slow Roasted Alberta AAA Beef Sirloin with a Merlot Demi Glaze
Coca Cola Barbecued Chicken Legs
Beer Battered Cod Filet
Oven Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Chef’s Selection of Seasonal Vegetables
Calgary Flames Caesar Salad with Herb Croutons
Traditional Coleslaw
Tomato and Bocconcini Salad with a Basil Vinaigrette
Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Chef’s Selection of Desserts
$18.95 (Adults)
$10.95 (Children 11 and under)
Photo Credit: Brad Watson
If history has taut us anything between these two clubs its to not put too much stock in the winner of Game 1. In their five previous meetings, the team recording a Game 1 victory has only gone on to win two series. Take 2005 for example where the Hitmen posted a massive 10-1 victory in the opener, yet went on to drop the series in seven games. Or even 2007 when Brandon grabbed a 2-0 series lead but then proceeded to drop four straight. I know there are no remaining players from either 2005 or even 2007 on the ice in this 2012 meeting, but the point is to remember its a series and over the course of up to seven games anything can happen and has in the past.
BOUNCE BACK ABILITY: In games following a loss in the regular season Calgary was 16-11-1-0.
PUCKS TO THE NET: Calgary’s 36 shots in Game 1 came from 13 different players. Trevor Cheek led the way with seven while Brooks Macek and Danny Gayle both had four. The Wheat Kings 31 shots came from 14 different players. Alessio Bertaggia had six to lead the charge while Darian Dziurzynski recorded five. Brandon sniper Mark Stone was held to just one shot on goal, but scored.
PLAYOFF RECORD: Calgary has a lifetime playoff record of 108-75. The Hitmen have competed in 33 series prior to this one and have won 22 and lost 11. Calgary is 18-15 in post season overtime games.
BACK AGAIN: After missing the playoffs last season, this is Calgary's 14th trip to the post season in their 17 year franchise history.
ICE BREAKER: Nine Hitmen played their first WHL playoff game last night: Kenton Helgesen, Alex Roach, Alex Gogolev, Chase Clayton, Jake Virtanen, Calder Brooks, Greg Chase, Trevor Cheek and Chris Driedger.
THE ROLLING STONE: As if Brandon right winger Mark Stone's 123 point regular season wasn't impressive enough if you include his tournament play at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship for Team Canada along with last night's Game 1 performance the Ottawa Senators prospect now has a remarkable 135 points in 73 meaningful games this season. It breaks down as follows.
Brandon Regular Season 66GP 41G 82A 123PTS
Team Canada 6GP 7G 3A 10PTS
Brandon Playoffs 1GP 1G 1A 2PTS
PRE-GAME EATS: The Avison Young Club Dining Room at Scotiabank Saddledome will open two hours prior to all Hitmen Playoff games. For Reservations, please call Brenda at 403-571-9733
* The Reservation Line is open Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Here is tonight's menu and pricing.
Slow Roasted Alberta AAA Beef Sirloin with a Merlot Demi Glaze
Coca Cola Barbecued Chicken Legs
Beer Battered Cod Filet
Oven Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Chef’s Selection of Seasonal Vegetables
Calgary Flames Caesar Salad with Herb Croutons
Traditional Coleslaw
Tomato and Bocconcini Salad with a Basil Vinaigrette
Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Chef’s Selection of Desserts
$18.95 (Adults)
$10.95 (Children 11 and under)
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