[Stephen Ave]

Calgary takes on Lethbridge tonight.

Go Hitmen Go!!

[Big Sky]

The Hitmen kicked butt 7-1.

My sister and her boyfriend went to the game tonight, they said it was good crowd.

[Surrealplaces]

Big win by the Hitmen :cheers:

[Calalb]

The Hitmen kicked butt 7-1.

My sister and her boyfriend went to the game tonight, they said it was good crowd.

Over 9200. Probably do even better tomorrow afternoon.

[Deepstar]

Go Hitmen!

[Surrealplaces]

2-1 for the Hitmen today. They're playing good defense, only 5 goals against in 6 games.

[Deepstar]

Hitmen take out Lethbridge 4-2 tonight and now lead 3-0. :tup:

First time so far in the playoffs they've allowed more than one goal.

[Tarsus]

The Hitmen won again tonight. 6-0 was the score. I think that's the end of Lethbridge.

[lubicon]

Round 3 starts tonight at the Dome vs. Brandon. This has the potential to be a very good series as the Wheaties are no slouches. Both teams are 8-0 in the playoffs so far and despite Calgary winning all 4 games vs Brandon this season the series was a lot closer than the record indicates. total goals, shots etc were virtually identical. Brandon was one of a very few teams that actually won in Calgary this year, and lit up the Hitmen for 7 goals on one occasion.

Winner gets the winner of Kelowna/Vancouver.

Shaw is carrying the Rockets / Giants series. Too bad they aren't carrying the Hitmen series but it is still good hockey to watch. Game 7 of the Spokane / Vancouver was probably one of best goaltending duels I have ever see and that included the NHL.

[Surrealplaces]

The Hitmen crushed Brandon 9-3 last night. I was expecting a much closer score, we'll see how the next game goes. I'm sure it'll tighter. So far the Hitmen have stream roll the opponent in their opening game of each round, and then faced a tougher time in game two.

[Distill3d]

did Brandon forget that they were playing last night?

[lubicon]

2-0 series lead for the Hitmen now. They won 5-4 yesterday (Sunday). Series shifts to Brandon for games 3 & 4.

Kelowna/Vancouver series is tied 1-1.

[frinkprof]

I wonder if we can pull the old switcheroo and send the Flames to Brandon to play the Wheat Kings, and keep the Hitmen in town to take on the Blackhawks.

[Deepstar]

The Hitmen crushed Brandon 9-3 last night. I was expecting a much closer score, we'll see how the next game goes. I'm sure it'll tighter. So far the Hitmen have stream roll the opponent in their opening game of each round, and then faced a tougher time in game two.

The Hitmen were true to form last night having a one goal game for game two of a series. I think Kelowna has a good chance of beating Vancouver. they're playing really well. Kelowna's run will be good experience for Mikael Backlund (Flames property)

[lubicon]

Kelowna worries me more than Vancouver does. I think Calgary was 2-0 against Vancouver and 0-2 vs. Kelowna this year. While Kelowna was 3-5 vs. Vancouver this season, they won their final 3 games in the series. The Rockets are a dangerous team.

[Surrealplaces]

^Agreed, I think Calgary can take out the Giants, but Kelowna would be difficult. Let's hope Vancouver and Kelowna go seven games with a bunch of overtime games like the Spokane series had. :)

Whatever happens with the Hitmen, I'm really impressed by their run so far. Just to give you an idea how they've played to this point....they are 10-0 and outscoring the opposition 49-14

16-3 over Edmonton
19-4 over Lethbridge
14-7 over Brandon (so far)

[lubicon]

The only concern I have at this point is the number of goals they have surrendered to Brandon. 7 goals against in the first 2 games, which is the same as they gave up in the first 2 series combined. Granted, Brandon is a much better team than Edmonton or Lethbridge but they need to get their defensive house in order to some extent.

[Stephen Ave]

^I was surprised by the amount they gave up, but they've also score more than they did in the earlier games. Must be fairly wide open hockey.

[Surrealplaces]

Hitmen won again last night, this time in O.T. It looks like they're going to take this series, just a matter of how many games.

[Urban_Genius]

I think Calgary will play Kelowna and win the Ed Chynoweth cup, just my feeling.

[Deepstar]

The Hitmen have been amazing this year. Kelowna or Vancouver will both be a big challenge, but I think the Hitmen are capable. I hope Vancouver and Kelowna go into triple overtime every game :)

[lubicon]

Kelowna beats vancouver in OT last night to win the series. A bit of a controversial goal too.

It's Calgary - Kelowna.

The Hitmen will be in for a challenge on this one.

[frinkprof]

Sonne and Kisio honoured.Sonne named WHL player of the year (http://www.calgaryherald.com/Sports/Sonne+named+player+year/1546751/story.html)


Calgary Herald
April 29, 2009



CALGARY- Calgary Hitmen forward Brett Sonne was today named the Western Hockey League's player of the year.

The 19-year-old St. Louis Blues prospect, who had 100 points and finished third in team scoring this year, was awarded the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy at the WHL Awards in Edmonton.

Sonne, who helped Canada win gold at the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championship, becomes the third Hitmen in four seasons to win the award after defenceman Karl Alzner (2007-08) and Justin Pogge (2005-06).

Hitmen general manager Kelly Kisio also captured the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy as Executive of the Year. It’s the second time in his career he’s received the award after also winning in the 2003-04 season.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

[Innersoul1]

I am going to the game tomorrow night. But I am wondering if they are actually going to have a Hitman Logo at Centre ice? Or does the Flames logo stay?

[Distill3d]

Flames logo stays as the Flames are the principle tenant of the Saddledome.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Is this game/series being broadcast anywhere?

[Big Sky]

Is this game/series being broadcast anywhere?

The game might be on Shaw channel 10. I've watched a few juniors games on that channel and they do a good job. Much better than I expected

also, for those that haven't been to the WHL website, it's a nice site to check out.
www.whl.ca

[Big Sky]

Sonne and Kisio honoured.

Good article. Of it can't be a newspaper article without at least one error. Sonne was actually second on team scoring, and third in the WHL

[freeweed]

Some Calgary Transit buses have replaced "GO FLAMES GO" with "GO HITMEN GO". Good for the drivers to do that, you don't see that kind of public support of the junior team that often, and considering how disappointing the Flames were this season, the younger kids really deserve it.

Now we can watch all the infantiles cry "bandwagon!" about this. :haha:

[mersar]

Yep, spotted that today on a few buses.

[Rusty van Reddick]

The game might be on Shaw channel 10.

OK, we have Bell but because we have a "business" (or whatever it's called) cable internet package we get basic cable TV for free and we still have a couple of Shaw outlets, so I hook up a TV and watch the game.

And they freaking lose. I'm cursed.

Great game though.

[freeweed]

Go support 'em live. Ticketmaster has a deal for $20 tickets, just enter the promo code "gohitmen".

These same $20 seats are 5-15x more expensive for the supposedly "better" Flames.

[Innersoul1]

OK, we have Bell but because we have a "business" (or whatever it's called) cable internet package we get basic cable TV for free and we still have a couple of Shaw outlets, so I hook up a TV and watch the game.

And they freaking lose. I'm cursed.

Great game though.

Went to the game last night, quite the atmosphere, quite the crowd. It was hard to see the Hitmen lose as they out shot the Rockets for much of the game. I know that shots mean really little but their goalie made some great saves. Big difference is that Kelowna came out hitting and controled the game physically at times. Calgary seemed tentative with the puck, passing on a number of occassions when they should have been shooting. Let's hope that they kick it up a notch tonight!


Let it be said that I think the Hitmen pre-game opening is FAR superior to the Flames'

[Calgarian]

Backlund is having a pretty good series for the Rockets, can't wait to see him in the flaming C next season, maybe he will help numb the loss of Cammallari.

[lubicon]

Backlund is having a pretty good series for the Rockets, can't wait to see him in the flaming C next season, maybe he will help numb the loss of Cammallari.

Hitmen are down 2 games to none. They may have been the best team wire to wire over the regular season but I believe Kelowna has the best record since the trade deadline. The Hitmen are in tough now.

The Flames must be in a bit of predicament. They own the Hitmen but it would do wonders for Backlund to go to the Memorial Cup.

[Calgarian]

Hitmen are down 2 games to none. They may have been the best team wire to wire over the regular season but I believe Kelowna has the best record since the trade deadline. The Hitmen are in tough now.

The Flames must be in a bit of predicament. They own the Hitmen but it would do wonders for Backlund to go to the Memorial Cup.

I'm sure the Flames want the Hitmen to win, but are really happy to see Backlund playing really well, he looked really nervous in the one game he played for the fire.

[lubicon]

Rockets win 2-0 last night to take a 3-0 stanglehold on the series. They absolutely have dominated the Hitmen this series. Very impressive to watch.

[frinkprof]

Hitmen won last night 6-2 to stay alive in the series. Backlund had both Kelowna goals to continue his strong playoff performance.

[freeweed]

Well, I guess those tickets I got for tonight are actually useful now. :haha:

I do kinda wanna see Kelowna win anyway. I can't afford a trip to Quebec to watch the Hitmen go any further, and I'd just as soon have Backlund get some great experience. If this kid isn't a starter in October then I'll be giving up in the Flames.

[lubicon]

The Hitmen dominated last night but it's may be too little too late. Hopefully not but the odds are against them. Backlund has now scored more goals in the playoffs than he did in the regular season, although he did come to the team late in the season.

[ST1]

Rockets win 2-0 last night to take a 3-0 stanglehold on the series. They absolutely have dominated the Hitmen this series. Very impressive to watch.

Did the Rockets actually dominate play though? I thought the Hitmen have played pretty well, and could just as easily be up 3 - 1 instead of down 3-1

[Calgarian]

Here's hoping the Hitmen can ring off another 3 wins, would be good to have another Championship in the city.

[lubicon]

Did the Rockets actually dominate play though? I thought the Hitmen have played pretty well, and could just as easily be up 3 - 1 instead of down 3-1

In my opinion, yes they have dominated the series thus far. Yes the Hitmen did have some rust from the long layoff but Kelowna has been absolutely ferocious in their forechecking and backchecking. Every time a Hitman gets the puck there is a Rocket right in their face, not allowing them to get anythign going. Last night was a little different.

[freeweed]

Wow, the Hitmen might as well have been the only team on the ice tonight. Backlund had a nice breakaway but didn't score - but wow, is that kid talented. He's clearly playing well above the WHL right now. This should sure help his confidence, although the transition to the NHL will be rough.

Game 7 at the 'Dome would be nice.

[frinkprof]

I'd just as soon have Backlund get some great experience. If this kid isn't a starter in October then I'll be giving up in the Flames.Good to see Backlund get as much opportunity to develop, but I don't know if we'll see him full-time with the Flames next season. We're fairly set at centre, especially on the top 2 lines. Not sure if Backlund is cut out for 3rd or 4th line duty in the NHL at this point. So that leaves two possibilities, injury fill-in (hope not) or switch him to the wing. At any rate, I'd say that, barring disaster, he'll be a fixture in a couple years. Next year though, I wouldn't be surprised to see him play in the AHL and be an injury call-up.

----------

Back on topic, Hitmen with a convincing win tonight bring the series to 3-2.

[BFHeadstone]

Heres hoping that the Hitmen can carry mo into Kelowna and bring the series back home for the closing game. The commentators yesterday were commenting on how tired the Kelowna players are looking compared the the Hitmen. They have had 2 series go 7 games prior to this one and both were quite physical. That and their top player Jamie Benn being out.

[Calgarian]

Well, congrats to the Rockets, the hitmen put up a good fight, but Kelowna was just too good in that last series. I think Calgary started to get a little cocky after winning 12 straight games.

[freeweed]

Good to see Backlund get as much opportunity to develop, but I don't know if we'll see him full-time with the Flames next season. We're fairly set at centre, especially on the top 2 lines.

Err, beyond Langkow, I'd say the kid has a hell of a good chance to break in this year. Conroy is rapidly aging out of a top 6 spot, and Jokinen.. well, I've been asking for 2 months to be proven wrong about him.

This team's been struggling at centre for years, and I don't see anything really changed at this point. An up-and-coming youngster who actually TRIES every night should easily be able to set himself up.

Man, this is a brutal year for hockey. Flames gone in April, Hitmen done prematurely. And the NHL in general looks to be a big snoozefest in the coming rounds. Hooray, maybe we'll see Detroit vs Carolina in the final.

[Cowtown_Tim]

Man, this is a brutal year for hockey. Flames gone in April, Hitmen done prematurely. And the NHL in general looks to be a big snoozefest in the coming rounds. Hooray, maybe we'll see Detroit vs Carolina in the final.

It all depends on how you look at it. The flames were a disappointment, but at least they made the playoffs. At the beginning of last year the Edmonton media practically had them winning the cup. And for the Hitmen, well, don't forget it was supposed to be a rebuilding year, and making it to the WHL final is pretty darn good. They had a good run.

[freeweed]

Fair enough. I just want one more year like '04, where there's something to cheer past Victoria Day.

Heck, I'd root for the Canucks but I think they're done.

[Distill3d]

New RBK Edge jersey's were revealed today across the CHL. Here's Calgary's:

http://chl.ca/images/edge/jerseys/whl_Calgary-Hitmen_HOME.jpg

http://chl.ca/images/edge/jerseys/whl_Calgary-Hitmen_AWAY.jpg

[Ayreonaut]

On the white jersey, is that the logo they used on the grey (what was it, 10th anniversary?) ones a few years back ('05 I think)?

[Distill3d]

^yeah, it was the logo they used on the 3rd jersey for the last couple years.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j155/starfcuk/04-05CalgaryHitmenTomanekfrt.jpg

[You Need A Thneed]

Enough with the removal of bottom stripes! Old jerseys were much better. These look too much like practice jerseys.

[Ayreonaut]

Hitmen and Tigers in OT right now. I really should watch this league more often, it's some of the best hockey out there.

[Ayreonaut]

And just as the Flames did not long ago, the Hitmen are going to a shootout.

[freeweed]

Err, beyond Langkow, I'd say the kid has a hell of a good chance to break in this year. Conroy is rapidly aging out of a top 6 spot, and Jokinen.. well, I've been asking for 2 months to be proven wrong about him.

Heh. Watching Conroy slow down so much this year, and Jokinen having a whopping 2 goals and 9 points in 17 games...

I love seeing old comments come back to haunt me.

Jokinen's so bad this year that his shooting percentage is the lowest on the team, except for a couple of defensive defencemen, and Conroy.

Pleasant surprises from a bunch of developing kids though. Boyd especially I could see being a solid 2nd line Centre if he played with the right guys. Well, and we stopped insisting that Jokinen has any talent.