Hitmen Edged by Saskatoon in Defensive Battle
December 10, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Saskatoon, SK - The Calgary Hitmen gave the Canadian Hockey League's number-six ranked team all they could handle but, in the end, fell 2-1 to the Saskatoon Blades on Sunday afternoon at SaskTel Centre.
The Blades did all their scoring in the opening period, getting markers from Rowan Calvert and Egor Sidorov. The Sidorov strike was a huge momentum goal for Saskatoon, finding the back of the net with just 4.5 seconds remaining.
After a scoreless middle frame, the Hitmen pulled to within a goal with 63 seconds left in regulation when Oliver Tulk slammed home a rebound off a Carter Yakemchuk point shot. The Tulk tally was his team-leading 19th goal of the season and extended his goal scoring streak to six games. Despite a surge in the final minute, the Hitmen could get no closer.
Both goaltenders were named stars as Calgary's Ethan Buenaventura made 33 saves while Saskatoon's Austin Elliott finished with 31 stops.
The game also saw the Western Hockey League debut of Hitmen prospect Connor Bear. The 16-year-old forward was the club's sixth-round pick in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.
The Hitmen head home for their final three games before the holiday break beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 13 against the Red Deer Rebels. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary will then welcome Medicine Hat on Friday, Dec. 15 before hosting Swift Current on Sunday, Dec. 17. Friday is a 7:00 p.m. start in the 'Dome before Sunday's 2:00 p.m. faceoff.
Western Hockey League Stories from December 10, 2023
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- Blades Claim First in WHL with Win over Hitmen - Saskatoon Blades
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