2008-09 Calgary Hitmen/WHL thread

[Flickered Flame]

And imo the Blades probably match up best with the Hitmen in the East. I would think after both the Canes and Hitmen making big splashes that the Blades will follow.

[moon]

I don't know what management is thinking but I do know that a lot of Blades fans seem to think that next year is their "big year" and that this season is more of a bonus than anything else. They also say they don't want to screw with the chemistry especially if it hurts them for next year.

It may be the way to go for them but I would caution that this season was supposed to be the big year for Lethbridge with King, Bancks, Seviour, Boychuk all 19 and last year was just supposed to be average. This year isn't over yet, but I would say that you should take advantage when you have the chance because things can go off course in a hurry especially in a league like the WHL.

[604flames]

Couple more deals.. Regina gets Jesse Dudas from Swift, who in turn snag goalie Morgan Clark from Red Deer.

[Resolute 14]

The most interesting part of these deals, I think, is how they will affect chemistry. Saskatoon and Medicine Hat aside, every team at the top of the standings has made a significant deal.

Especially from the Hitmen perspective. We're succeeding right now because every single player has bought in, and the team is relentless. I'm not all that worried about Broda, however. If you can average near a goal a game on one of the worst teams in the league, I don't expect motivation and effort will be lacking.

[604flames]

John Negrin has been traded to Swift Current along with Michael Stickland.

Elsewhere, Ian Duval is now a Rocket. Deadline in ~ 15 mins.

[Flickered Flame]

The Ice end the Hitmen winning streak, beating the Hitmen 3-1 tonight in Cranbrook.

[Resolute 14]

Well, time to start another one tomorrow.

Based on the box score, looks like goaltending was the difference. Snyder finally lost one.

[FallingMeTook]

For anyone that happened to see the game last night, was the officiating as poor as the Fan960 broadcast made it out to be? It seemed that ever few minutes there was something that the ref was either missing completely, calls that made no sense, or just quick whistles all night.

[LockedOut]

Swift Current at Calgary on Sportsnet right now. John Negrin playing his second game for SC. Also Vancouver vs. Calgary on Friday is on Shaw TV.

[FallingMeTook]

After a slow start, falling behind 2-0 and 3-2, Calgary scored 5 unanswered and get big nights from Broda, with his first 4 points for the Hitmen, including his first goal, and Sonne, with two goals, to take the game over and come away with the 7-3 win over Swift Current.With the win, they run their home ice win streak to 17 games, and improving to 23 and 1 at home for the year.

[Flickered Flame]

And the Hitmen are still without Kyle Bortis, once he comes back Karpov will be moved down a line and the Hitmen have some good depth up front.

[Resolute 14]

Hitmen didn't show up at all for the first ten minutes last night, while Swift came out just flying. I almost had the sense that the Hitmen expected it would be easy... They've got the league leading goal scorer now, and Sonne was back last night. Good lesson for us from the Broncos: It's never easy. After that 2-0 goal, the Hitmen just dominated.

Broda must be loving having linemates that don't suck. 3 assists last night to go with his goal. I couldn't believe that Karpov had scored only 5 goals now after that move last night. He was also flying out there. He'll be a great fit with this team.

[Flickered Flame]

The Ice knock off the Hitmen again last night 4-3 in OT. I hope it was a case of the Hitmen looking past the Ice to tonights game vs the Giants. Should be a real good game, hopefully the Hitmen are ready to play and compete for 60 minutes.

[604flames]

Giants/Hitmen tonight, should be a beaut!! Very very glad Shaw is picking this one up. Haven't had a chance to see Ross and Rodgers in Vancouver silks, interested to see how they are fitting in too.

[Resolute 14]

The Hitmen have struggled somewhat the last few games. They are going to have to be on tonight. Should be a great matchup though.

[604flames]

^^ Giants have been so-so since the break... Looked a bit out of sync without Kane and Blum in the lineup during the homestand at the end of Dec., but they both played last night in Edmonton so hopefully they will bring their A-game.

[Charcot]

Great game and 14,00 fans tonight made for an exciting game at the Saddledome. The first two periods were pretty even. In the third, the game burst open and the Hitmen took control. The Schultz, McMillan, Broda line looks very strong.

[Resolute 14]

Bouma's ridiculous cheap shot aside, that was a fantastic game. I didn't think the Hitmen would be able to pull one of their third period domination jobs on the Giants, but there it was. Hopefully someone from the league will ask the refs why Plante got an instigator for responding to a cheap hit from behind, yet Schira didn't get one for responding to a clean hit.

Anyway, 14,000 fans saw a fantastic game. I really hope these two make it to the finals. It would be an unbelievable series.

[604flames]

Giants looked WAY too tentative tonight, at times they couldn't string a pass together, and Sexsmith let them down a touch.. Kane and Pierro-Zabotel were also disappointing. Great crowd tonight you guys in Calgary should be proud.

About the hits:

At first it seemed the Schira one was in response to McMillan sticking his knee out, but after looking at it we could tell it was for the second hit closer to the bench. I think the refs were hesitant to give him the automatic 10-minute misconduct which is why Lowry was on them so much at the time.

The Bouma hit: first of all, I'll be the first to tell anyone that Bouma has taken lots of runs at guys this season especially, but this one wasn't as bad as it looked. He started to let up a bit (I thought), and Stone was falling (lost edge I'm guessing) as he cut behind the net. Still worth 5 and a game though, and surely the automatic game suspension should mean he won't play tomorrow night in Red Deer.

I had only seen the Hitmen play twice this year before tonight, but I have to say I'm impressed with their depth. Nice additions in Broda and Karpov (who's a chippy little s.o.b.), and the D is top-drawer.

Looking forward to March 6, hopefully we can pack 'em in to the Coliseum like you guys did tonight!

[Jagger]

Aw crap. The Rebels are in for a long night tomorrow now. (Well they were anyway but it might be worse now!)

On the positive side we're on a one game winning streak....