Loss to Broncos Ends Playoff Hopes
March 22, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Swift Current, SK - The Calgary Hitmen chase for a Western Hockey League playoff spot officially ended on the second last night of the regular season with a 7-6 loss to the Broncos in Swift Current.
The Friday night battle at InnovationPlex was tied 2-2 heading to the third period when the clubs combined for nine goals in the final 16:07. Swift Current built leads of 5-2 and 6-3 before the Hitmen cut the deficits to 6-5 and 7-6 on a pair of markers from Carson Wetsch to give him 25 goals on the season. Ethan Moore with his 18th, Brandon Gorzynski with his fourth, Reese Hamilton with his seventh and Carter Yakemchuk with his 29th also scored for Calgary. Yakemchuk added three assists for a team leading four points.
Rylan Gould paced the Broncos with two goals with singles from Ty Coupland, Clarke Caswell, and Connor Gabriel. It was Gabriel's tally into an empty net to make it 7-5 with 55.6 seconds remaining that turned out to be the game winner.
The two teams combined for 78 shots on goal with Calgary outshooting the Broncos 47-31.
Calgary now heads home for a rematch with Swift Current in the Hitmen regular season finale tomorrow, Saturday, Mar. 23. Game time is 6:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome featuring the on-ice Hitmen player awards prior to puck drop. It's also Fan Appreciation Night presented by the Egg Farmers of Alberta.
Western Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2024
- Wheat Kings Carry Winning Streak into Playoffs with Win over Pats - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Loss to Broncos Ends Playoff Hopes - Calgary Hitmen
- Raiders Fall 5-1 to Blades, But Clinch the Final Playoff Spot After Hitmen Loss in Swift Current - Prince Albert Raiders
- Ziemmer Makes Return; Cougars Battle Blazers in Final Weekend of Regular Season - Prince George Cougars
- 2023-24 BWK Year-End Awards Announced - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Playoff Battle Continues As Rockets Close Out Regular-Season, Fan Appreciation Night On Saturday - Kelowna Rockets
- Game Day Hub: March 22 at Tri-City - Portland Winterhawks
- Chiefs Look to Stay Hot Friday against Seattle - Spokane Chiefs
- Warriors Set to Host Games 1 & 2 of First Round Next Weekend - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Broncos Sign Yerex to Scholarship and Development Agreement - Swift Current Broncos
- Game Day Preview: Game 67 at Lethbridge - Medicine Hat Tigers
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