Hitmen Report: A bad week for the locals

The Calgary Hitmen played twice this week. Unfortunately for them, they lost both games. That circumstance has made their playoff position a little bit dicey as they head into a busy stretch.

Edmonton’s Carter Souch (a 2020 NHL Draft prospect) had a goal and an assist to pace the Oil Kings to a tight win. Hitmen captain Mark Kastelic had a pair of penalties that resulted in Oil Kings power play goals, and that ultimately swung the game. Luke Coleman and Carson Focht responded for Calgary. Dylan Myskiw got the win for Edmonton, Jack McNaughton took the loss for the Hitmen.

Red Deer’s Brandon Hagel scored 1:49 into the first period and added an assist in a game the Rebels never trailed in – Hagel’s been red hot against Calgary, averaging two points a game against the Hitmen this season. Coleman had a shorthanded goal to break Byron Fancy’s shutout bid, but that was all the Hitmen got. McNaughton took the loss.

The Hitmen are clinging onto the last Eastern Conference wildcard playoff spot, but just barely. They’re two points up on Brandon, but the Wheaties have a game in hand.

The Hitmen have a busy week ahead, with four games. They host the Prince George Cougars on Friday and the Kootenay ICE on Sunday. Then they hit the road for games Tuesday in Regina and Wednesday in Saskatoon.