Hitmen clinch a playoff spot for the fifth straight season
Published on February 27, 2016 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Swift Current, SK - The Calgary Hitmen punched their ticket to the 2016 Western Hockey League playoffs with a 4-3 win over the Swift Current Broncos Saturday night at Credit Union i-Plex.
The Hitmen, who captured league titles in 1999 and 2010, have now made the post-season in each of the last five seasons and have missed the playoffs only once since 1998.
Jake Bean led the Calgary scoring attack with three assists while four different players netted goals for the visitors; Pavel Karnaukhov, Mark Kastelic, Tyler Mrkonjic and Jackson Houck.
The Hitmen outshot the Broncos 45-24 and scored three times on the powerplay while completing one of their busiest stretches of the season that saw the club play seven times in 11 days. They picked of nine of a possible 14 points during that span while posting a record of 4-2-1-0.
Tyler Steenbergen scored twice for Swift Current while Jamal Watson rounded out the scoring.
The Hitmen, 36-23-2-2, will now get ready to open a home and home series against the Rebels in Red Deer on Friday, Mar. 4 (Sportsnet 960-TheFan).
The return match in Calgary at the Scotiabank Saddledome is set for Sunday, Mar. 6 at 4:00 p.m. Not only is it Multicultural Night but also Sunday Funday presented by Booster Juice and McKnight 24 Hour Veterinary Hospital. The day features face painters and a post-game family skate. All participants under 18 are required to wear a helmet. A special kids ticket price of $7.50 (plus applicable fees) for children 12 and under is available for Sunday home games.
Single game tickets are available at Ticketmaster locations and the Scotiabank Saddledome box office. Order online at HitmenHockey.com or by phone at 1-855-985-5000. For more ticket information, contact customer service at 403-777-4646.
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