Hitmen Fall to Royals 5-4 in Overtime
January 1, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Victoria, BC - The Calgary Hitmen were in Victoria for a New Years Day matinee this afternoon against the Victoria Royals. Calgary was unable to hold on to a two-goal lead heading into the final five minutes of regulation ultimately falling to Victoria 5-4 in overtime.
It was Victoria who opened up the scoring just 1:20 into the first period taking an early lead. Oliver Tulk scored his 22nd of the season to tie it up at the halfway mark of the first but the lead was quickly regained ten seconds later courtesy of Ben Riche. Calgary would tie the game in the last minute of the period with Chase Valliant scoring his second in as many games off a highlight reel pass from Carter Yakemchuk.
Valliant would net his second of the game in the second period to give Calgary their first lead. That would be the lone goal of the period. Carson Wetsch was able to extend Calgary's lead in the third, making it 4-2. With four minutes left in the game, Teydon Trembecky and Dawson Pasternak scored back-to-back forcing the game to extra minutes. Justin Kipkie was the hero for Victoria, scoring 1:30 into overtime.
Chase Valliant earned second star with his two-goal night, while Carson Wetsch had a three point night with a goal and two assists. Recent acquisition Connor Dale made his Hitmen debut in today's contest.
Calgary outshot Victoria 37-24, picking up their first point of their B.C. Division road trip.
Next up for Calgary is a trip to Langley to meet the Vancouver Giants (Jan. 3) before wrapping in Kamloops (Jan. 5). Calgary will then open a seven-game homestand on Sunday, Jan. 7 against the Edmonton Oil Kings. Game time is 2:00 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Western Hockey League Stories from January 1, 2024
- Warriors Upend Pats in Overtime on New Year's Day - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Hitmen Fall to Royals 5-4 in Overtime - Calgary Hitmen
- Pats Battle Back to Salvage a Point - Regina Pats
- Elliott Picks up Second Shutout, Blades Blank Wheat Kings 4-0 - Saskatoon Blades
- Special Teams the Difference as Wheat Kings Fall to Blades - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Oil Kings Pull out Last-Second 6-5 Win over Silvertips - Everett Silvertips
- Nash's Late Game Heroics Propels Oil Kings to Win in Everett - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Warriors Ring in New Year in Regina - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Preview: Oil Kings at Everett Silvertips - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Hawks Win Third Straight With 3-0 Win Over Vancouver - Portland Winterhawks
- Chiefs Ring in the New Year in Style with Season-High 11 Goals - Spokane Chiefs
- Mirwald Outstanding for Giants in Loss to Winterhawks - Vancouver Giants
- Wild Offense Provides Fireworks Sunday in Year-Ending 5-1 Win Over Seattle - Wenatchee Wild
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