The Calgary Hitmen had a week of ups and downs as they finished off their homestand and began a lengthy eastern swing. They aren’t out of the woods yet, but they managed to get into the win column a couple times.

Some good news and some bad news for the local junior squad this week.

On the good side, defenseman Luke Prokop was named to Team Canada’s roster for the upcoming Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Canada brings three rosters’ worth of players and carves out three teams for the event. The tournament runs Nov. 3-10 in Saint John and Quispamis, New Brunswick.

The bad news is that forward Tristen Nielsen has requested a trade and didn’t accompany the Hitmen on their eastern road trip. Nielsen has zero points in five games this season (and missed three games due to a suspension).

Three-point nights from Mark Kastelic (two goals, one assist), Jake Kryski (one goal, two assists) and Predators pick Vladislav Yeryomenko (three assists) powered the Hitmen to their first win of the 2018-19 season. Backup goalie Jack McNaughton picked up the win in his first WHL start. The Hitmen led 6-2 at one point, but the Hurricanes nearly tied it up late. 2019 NHL Draft prospect Logan Barlage had two goals for Lethbridge.

Regina’s Nick Henry and Jake Lyschyshyn each had a goal and two assists as the Hitmen blew three leads (1-0, 2-1 and 3-2) and lost in overtime. Riley Stotts, Kryski and Kaden Elder scored in the loss for the Hitmen.

Brett Leason had two goals and two assists to lead the way for the Raiders in their second big win over the Hitmen in as many weeks. Luke Coleman, Zach Huber, Dakota Krebs and Kastelic scored for Calgary in the loss. McNaughton got his second start of the season and was kept in for all eight goals against.

The Hitmen doubled their season win total, powered by a three-point game from Josh Prokop (two goals, including the game winner, and one assist) and markers from Elder, Stotts and Riley Fiddler-Schultz. The Hitmen led 4-2 at one point but the Blades powered back to force overtime. Saskatoon got multi-point games from Dawson Davidson (one goal, two assists), top 2019 NHL Draft prospect Kirby Dach (two assists) and Kristian Roykas-Martinesen (one goal, one assist). Carl Stankowski made 36 saves for his first win with the Hitmen.

The Hitmen (2-5-2) continue their lengthy trek out east before returning back to Alberta at the end of the week. They’re in Moose Jaw on Friday and Brandon on Saturday before visiting Red Deer on Tuesday night.