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With a median age of 17.8, the Calgary Hitmen have a vibrant future forward
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The Calgary Hitmen ended their season on a excessive word.
The crew completed the season and not using a playoff look however remained within the race till the very finish, sitting solely two factors behind the Prince Albert Raiders for the eighth and ultimate playoff spot within the Western Hockey League’s Japanese Convention.
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In a marketing campaign that was thought of extra of a developmental season, the younger crew confirmed that they might nonetheless compete for a playoff spot.
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The Hitmen confirmed nice resilience all year long, together with proper on the finish as they completed their season with a five-goal second interval to erase an early 2-0 deficit in path to defeating the Swift Present Broncos 6-3 at Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday.
“As we speak we have been simply speaking about being actually pleased with our season,” stated head coach Steve Hamilton.
The ultimate recreation had a few milestones connected to it as centre Oliver Tulk scored his fortieth purpose of the season, marking the primary time a Hitmen participant has achieved the milestone since Mark Kastelic achieved the feat within the 2018-2019 season. Tulk additionally added his fortieth help to cap off his spectacular marketing campaign.
Defenceman Carter Yakemchek, who earlier within the season secured the file for probably the most targets by a defenceman in Hitmen historical past, added to his complete, scoring his thirtieth of the 12 months to guide all rearguards in targets this season. Yakemchuk, who’s eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft, has a possibility to be a excessive choose.
Hamilton was impressed by his two stars this season.
“It was neat to see these guys get these milestones,” stated Hamilton, who believes the crew’s future was on full show this season. “Simply a whole lot of actually good contributions all year long from guys.”
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The Calgary-based crew is the youngest within the league, with a median age of solely 17.8. The Hitmen showcased all through the season that they will hold with a number of the high groups within the WHL regardless of their youth.
With promising rookies all through the lineup, the Hitmen look poised to indicate enchancment subsequent season.
With first-year gamers Ben Kindel, Reese Hamilton, Chase Valiant and Keets Fawcett displaying nice potential this season, the crew has constructed a younger core that may carry them into the long run. The vast majority of the crew can be anticipated to return subsequent season.
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The Hitmen will probably be shedding one participant as Tyson Greenway performed his ultimate WHL recreation.
“It’s a troublesome day on the ice clearly with my final profession Western League recreation,” stated the graduating ahead. “It’s superior to finish my profession within the season with a win.”
Greenway was acquired by the Hitmen in an October commerce with the Tri-Metropolis People for a 2026 second-round choose. After absorbing his ultimate moments with the Hitmen, Greenway hopes to proceed his hockey profession.
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“I type of bought to determine some college choices and simply type of hold my profession going,” stated Greenway.
Throughout his WHL profession, Greenway collected 99 factors in 259 video games. Hamilton praised the 21-year-old’s all-around recreation.
“I feel your legacy typically is greater than targets and assists,” stated the coach. “I feel Tyson did an incredible job right here.”
Greenway applauded the crew’s expertise, saying regardless of the younger squad having doubters, they proved they might battle it out with one of the best groups within the league.
Hamilton stated Greenway is a good particular person and teammate for sticking it out with the youthful crew.
Regardless of the coach not looking forward to subsequent season simply but, he is aware of the long run is vibrant for the Calgary Hitmen.
Kisio will get Alberta Hockey Corridor of Fame name
Kelly Kisio is heading to the Alberta Hockey Corridor of Fame.
Kisio performed 761 video games within the NHL, scoring 229 targets and 429 assists in his profession. The Purple Deer native then grew to become the overall supervisor of the Hitmen in 1998. In his 18 years with the crew, he led the Hitmen to 17 playoff appearances and two WHL championships.
Kisio, who’s at present a scout with the Vegas Golden Knights, joins Jarome Iginla, Craig MacTavish, Dave King, Billy Dea, Shannon Szabados and the 2000-2001 Purple Deer Rebels within the 2024 class.
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Earlier than the sport on Saturday, the Calgary Hitmen gave out the crew’s annual awards. Beneath are the winners of every award:
Participant of the Yr: Oliver TulkDefenceman of the Yr: Carter YakemchukRookie of the Yr: Ben KindelCalgary Hitmen Fan Favorite: Keets FawcettHumanitarian Award: Ethan Buenaventura and Carson WetschScholastic Award: Chase ValliantThree-Star Choice Award (awarded to the participant who acquired probably the most three-star picks this season): Oliver TulkLeading Scorer Award: Oliver TulkCoaches Award: Ethan BuenaventuraPlayers Selection Award: Ethan Buenaventura20-year-old Commencement Award: Tyson Greenway
mkaake@postmedia.com
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