Hitmen Power past Royals, 6-3

January 1, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release

Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen improved to 2-0 in their four-game homestand with a 6-3 win over the Victoria Royals on New Year's Day at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Hitmen powerplay led the way scoring three times, including twice on a 5-on-3, to open up a 5-1 second period lead.

Carson Focht netted a pair of goals with James Malm, Mark Kastelic, Luke Coleman and Kaden Elder adding singles. Riley Stotts and Vladislav Yeryomenko both chipped in a pair of assists.

Kaid Oliver, Brandon Cutler and Dante Hannoun replied for the Royals.

The Hitmen outshot Victoria 33-26 with goaltender Jack McNaughton making 23 saves including a first period penalty shot to record the win.

The victory moves Calgary two points ahead of Brandon and into sole possession of the final Eastern Conference Wildcard spot.

The Hitmen will now get set to play in back-to-back home games this weekend. On Friday, Jan. 4, they welcome the Red Deer Rebels to the "Dome in a 7:00 p.m. start. It's RE/MAX Chuck-A-Puck where four lucky participants will win a hot air balloon ride courtesy of RE/MAX.

Then on Saturday, Jan. 5, Calgary will take on the Medicine Hat Tigers in a 1:30 p.m. matinee for Wizarding Day. Fans are encouraged to wear their best wizard inspired costumes, try butter brew and take photos on platform 9 ¾.

Tickets can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location or the Scotiabank Saddledome Box Office.

Western Hockey League Stories from January 1, 2019

• Pats Stopped by Raiders to Open 2019 - Regina Pats
• T-Birds Acquire Keltie Jeri-Leon, Michael Horon and Draft Pick from Hurricanes - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Hurricanes Acquire Hughes from Thunderbirds - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Blades Defeat Broncos in New Years Day Matinee - Swift Current Broncos
• Blades Open 2019 with a Bang - Saskatoon Blades
• Giants Fall 3-1 in Edmonton to Kick off 2019 - Vancouver Giants
• Raiders Open 2019 With A Win In Regina - Prince Albert Raiders
• Hitmen Power past Royals, 6-3 - Calgary Hitmen
• Royals Tripped up by Hitmen - Victoria Royals
• No Time Like the Present for the Rebels to Get Back in Gear - Red Deer Rebels
• Silvertips Acquire 27-Goal Scorer and Left Wing Zack Andrusiak from the Seattle Thunderbirds - Everett Silvertips
• T-Birds Acquire Sean Richards, Prospect Forward, and 3 Draft Picks from Everett - Seattle Thunderbirds
• T-Birds Sign Goalie Roddy Ross - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Preview: Blades Host Broncos in New Year's Matinee - Saskatoon Blades
• Calgary Hitmen Game Preview - Tuesday, January 1 vs. Victoria - Calgary Hitmen
• Game Day Preview: Pats Kick off 2019 at Home to Prince Albert New Years Day - Regina Pats
• Hawks Ring in 2019 with a Win - Portland Winterhawks
• Ams Ring in New Year with Dominate 6-1 Win over Chiefs - Tri-City Americans
• Winterhawks Down T-Birds in Annual New Year's Eve Game - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Jesse Makaj Named December's Player of the Month Presented by Jewels on Ninth - Kootenay Ice
• Penny Coyle Named December's Community Member of the Month Presented by Spring Honda - Kootenay Ice
• Royals Ring in New Year with OT Victory over ICE - Kootenay Ice

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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