Hitmen Report: Three in three

The Calgary Hitmen only played on the weekend this week. But they played a lot, playing three games in three nights against divisional opponents. The results were, uh, mixed.

In his first game with the club after a trade from Vancouver, newcomer James Malm had an assist and scored the game-winning goal in this track meet. Captain Mark Kastelic (two goals, one assist) and Jake Kryski (one goal, two assists) each had three-point nights. Tye Carriere, Vladislav Yeryomenko and Egor Zamula had the other Hitmen goals, and Carl Stankowski made 27 saves for win. Medicine Hat got goals from five different players, plus backup goaltender Mads Sogaard made 33 saves in the loss. 2019 NHL Draft prospect Josh Williams had a pair of assists.

After a track meet the night before, the Hitmen and Rebels had a goaltender’s duel on Saturday afternoon. Red Deer’s Ethan Anders (a 2019 NHL Draft eligible prospect) made 34 saves, Calgary’s Jack McNaughton made 16 saves and Jeff de Wit’s power play redirection in the first period stood as the game winner.

The Tigers held on for a narrow win, powered by Linus Nassen’s two goals and an assist. Netminder Jordan Hollett made 36 saves for the victory. Kaden Elder had a pair of goals for the Hitmen, who also got a goal from 2019 NHL Draft prospect Cael Zimmerman. Jack McNaughton made 23 saves in the loss. (If you’re wondering why he got the start over Stankowski, it was likely due to him not being overly busy against the Rebels).

The Hitmen head into this coming week with a 5-11-2 record, sitting five points outside of the last Eastern Conference wild card playoff spot.

It’s another lean week ahead, as the Hitmen play just twice this coming week. Once again, they play weekend games against Central Division foes. They visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Friday and host the Kootenay ICE on Sunday at the Saddledome.