2008-09 Calgary Hitmen/WHL thread

[Da_Chief]

One of the best junior team ever?

the records will fall, right now there are 5 Hitmen in the top 10 scoring. That my friends is SICK.

Kisio might not be the best coach but he can sure put a team together and Lowry is a damn fine coach. Always his leadership.

[Flickered Flame]

I believe with the records the Hitmen set tonight that there have been more than 10 franchise records set this year. I believe they only need to score 20 goals in the last 8 games to set the record for most goals in one year as well. Paul Postma will probably set the +/- record as well. I believe he is now +62 and I believe the record is +68 set by Kenton Smith.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

One of the best junior team ever?

That is really stretching it. There have been some unbelievable teams in junior history. This year's Hitmen don't even deserve to be a part of that debate without a couple shiny trophies in their team photo.

Interesting game tonight, because Calgary could have stomped Red Deer flat if they wanted. The team really sat back after the first, and it cost them two goals. After that, they got in a good defensive rythym and just wore down the clock. Have to credit the Rebels for their effort though. They were working hard, but just aren't that good a team this year. I think Calgary didn't want to really embarrass them given the two teams play again tomorrow.

Kozun is going to be a name I will be watching at the draft. 101 points now, but he is in his 19-year old season, and his size really hurts him at the table. He went unclaimed last year, but after this season, someone is going to grab him. The question is, is he a late round pick, or will someone decide to spend a 3rd or 4th round selection on him?

[Resolute 14]

Also, I believe we have now clinched the Eastern Conference. Saskatoon can only tie us in points, tie us in wins, and we tied the season series. I believe Calgary has mathematically eliminated Saskatoon based on goal differential.

And, Vancouver is getting pounded by Kelowna tonight. Looking like they will have only one less loss than we do after tonight. 11,000 in Vancouver, and 15,000 in Calgary tonight. Kind of amazing when you think back to when the Hitmen were founded, and nobody thought junior hockey could work in an NHL market.

[johnnyluv]

+68 is the record, although it's held by Pavel Brendl. I think the record for a Hitmen defenseman is +65.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

One of the best junior team ever?

the records will fall, right now there are 5 Hitmen in the top 10 scoring. That my friends is SICK.

Kisio might not be the best coach but he can sure put a team together and Lowry is a damn fine coach. Always his leadership.

They aren't even the best team in the WHL this year so one of the best ever seems a little much.

There are some really stacked teams this year in the CHL (Van, Cal, Lon, Windsor) and with the Q getting 2 teams this year 2 good teams are going to be left out while 2 lesser teams get free passes in.

Once the play-offs and Mem Cup start it is going to be really interesting which of those 4 are able to make it through and win it all.

[johnnyluv]

As it stands, Calgary will take top spot in the WHL if they win all their remaining games. They certainly could be called the best team. The Calgary/Vancouver rematch should prove which team is better.

[604flames]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Vancouver is getting pounded by Kelowna tonight..

The Giants are a COMPLETELY different team without Jonathan Blum. Second night in a row I've noticed this, and thought so during the WJC as well. Full marks to the Rockets for taking advantage of sloppy defensive play and poor goaltending. I actually said to my buddy before the game (jokingly) that Sexsmith would let in 4 on 14 shots, and when the 4th Kelowna goal went in, I made a point of pointing at the scoreboard for some bragging rights.

Backlund: invisible some shifts, dominant others. Took good advantage of a Cody Almond (who had a great night) - created turnover at the Vancouver line for the eventual game-winner. At other times he kind of blended in. Rockets are much better with him though. I still think their weak (or unproven) spot is between the pipes. Guggenberger played well tonight, but wasn't really tested.

All that's left is to debate where to drive to on Sunday: Kent for Giants/T-Birds, or Chilliwack for Rockets/Bruins (which is on Sportsnet by the way).

[moon]

Originally Posted by johnnyluv

As it stands, Calgary will take top spot in the WHL if they win all their remaining games. They certainly could be called the best team. The Calgary/Vancouver rematch should prove which team is better.

I think that a 7 game series at the end of the play-offs will determine which is the better team, but the rematch will help determine who wins the regular season title.

If it makes Hitmen fans feel better I will say it is debatable whether they are the best team in the WHL and to me that still makes it tough to call them one the best teams ever. Unless this is a year in which the WHL has two of the best teams ever and that is extremely unlikely.

[Resolute 14]

Which is why I say they need to win it all to be in the argument.

If they take home the Ed Chynoweth Cup, then I believe they could press an argument for being one of the best in WHL history. Perhaps not the most talented ever, but certainly among the best. Junior history though? Even with a Memorial Cup that would be a tough argument.

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by moon

They aren't even the best team in the WHL this year so one of the best ever seems a little much.

You think the Giants are better than the Hitmen?

[Da_Chief]

Originally Posted by moon

They aren't even the best team in the WHL this year so one of the best ever seems a little much.

There are some really stacked teams this year in the CHL (Van, Cal, Lon, Windsor) and with the Q getting 2 teams this year 2 good teams are going to be left out while 2 lesser teams get free passes in.

Once the play-offs and Mem Cup start it is going to be really interesting which of those 4 are able to make it through and win it all.

Originally Posted by Ducay

You think the Giants are better than the Hitmen?

I think hes sad due to Hurricanes crapping the bed. Hitmen are better than Giants. Thank you!

[moon]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

I think hes sad due to Hurricanes crapping the bed. Hitmen are better than Giants. Thank you!

you're right the only reason that I could think that a team with a better winning % and less losses is the better team is because I am bitter that my team while suffering through a lot of injuries and key guys missing games is 6th in the conference and looks to be a very tough out in the first round.

Sure couldn't be because the Giants are a very good team who at the very least are as good as Calgary.

I remember last year when the mighty Hitmen were on their march to the Memorial Cup. That sure went well for them.

[Resolute 14]

Vancouver has exactly one less loss, and are in tough against Kelowna tonight (though they just scored two quick ones to take the lead). Should they go on to lose, Calgary will have the better winning percentage. Will you then wake up tomorrow proclaiming the Hitmen to be the better team?

Chances are that you wont, and lets face facts. The reason you wont is because the Hitmen are one of your bigger rivals. Same reason why we rarely want to give the Canucks or Oilers much credit is why you won't give the Hitmen any credit. It's not rational or based on any kind of logical argument. It's completely emotional. And that's fair, as that's part and parcel with being a fan.

I remember last year when Lethbridge didn't suck for the first time in god knows how long. Then I looked at the calendar and remembered that it isn't last year anymore.

At any rate, based on the box score, doesn't sound like the Hitmen played a good game tonight, but Jones appears to have absolutely stonewalled Red Deer, stopping 40 of 41 shots to help Calgary to a 2-1 shootout win.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Vancouver has exactly one less loss, and are in tough against Kelowna tonight (though they just scored two quick ones to take the lead). Should they go on to lose, Calgary will have the better winning percentage. Will you then wake up tomorrow proclaiming the Hitmen to be the better team?

Chances are that you wont, and lets face facts. The reason you wont is because the Hitmen are one of your bigger rivals. Same reason why we rarely want to give the Canucks or Oilers much credit is why you won't give the Hitmen any credit. It's not rational or based on any kind of logical argument. It's completely emotional. And that's fair, as that's part and parcel with being a fan.

I remember last year when Lethbridge didn't suck for the first time in god knows how long. Then I looked at the calendar and remembered that it isn't last year anymore.

At any rate, based on the box score, doesn't sound like the Hitmen played a good game tonight, but Jones appears to have absolutely stonewalled Red Deer, stopping 40 of 41 shots to help Calgary to a 2-1 shootout win.

If Vancouver drops to below Calgary in win % I will say what I say now that likely they are about equal but personally I think the Giants are better.

I actually dislike the Giants more than the Hitmen and have said so in this thread.

As "bad" as the Hurricanes have been they have as many Memorial Cups as the mighty Hitmen and as many trips to the Memorial Cup. The Hitmen have had a couple of nice seasons but lets not act as though they have some sort of storied history themselves.

I really find it funny how Hitmen fans get so defensive at the idea that they might not be the greatest team ever.

Do you really think it is that clear cut that they are better than the Giants that my suggesting that the teams might be equal, and perhaps the Giants a little bit ahead, really gets you that defensive?

[Resolute 14]

Moon, I had been arguing from post one that Vancouver was probably the better team. And like you, I've been just as mystified as to how this team has done what it has. However, that being said, with the season virtually over, the two teams are .002 apart in terms of points percentage. At this point, the only argument that really exists to say that one team is better than the other is emotional.

And, very obviously, I've not even entertained the thought of this team being the best in junior history, best in WHL history or even best in franchise history at this point. We need some hardware before that debate has merit.

At the same time, however, any time someone starts talking about the Hitmen being a damn good team, you are right there to piss in their corn flakes. And you frequently bring up last year. Of the two of us, one of us is being quite defensive. And I gotta tell you, it aint me. We all get that Lethbridge absolutely owned Calgary last year. However, as I said, it isn't last year anymore. The Hurricanes return to mediocrity has been nothing short of stunning. Like most everyone else, they were my pre-season pick to get to the Memorial Cup this year.

[moon]

[quote=Resolute 14;1675863]

And, very obviously, I've not even entertained the thought of this team being the best in junior history, best in WHL history or even best in franchise history at this point. We need some hardware before that debate has merit.

At the same time, however, any time someone starts talking about the Hitmen being a damn good team, you are right there to piss in their corn flakes. And you frequently bring up last year.

My main issue is when people have started to get a bit crazy with their assessment of the Hitmen. There are tons of posts talking about the Hitmen being great that I have ignored.

I obviously don't think the Hitmen are as good as their fans do but there are obviously one of the top two teams in the league this year.

My issue with them is that I am consistently surprised at how they do it with the "talent" they have. (which I believe you have agreed with in the past.)

But there is no denying they are a top team in the league.

Of the two of us, one of us is being quite defensive. And I gotta tell you, it aint me. We all get that Lethbridge absolutely owned Calgary last year.

I will have to read my posts again but I sure don't remember talking about how the Canes won last season more than once or twice.

However, as I said, it isn't last year anymore. The Hurricanes return to mediocrity has been nothing short of stunning. Like most everyone else, they were my pre-season pick to get to the Memorial Cup this year.

They have more talent but play less like a team. Pretty much a reverse of the Hitmen.

[Flickered Flame]

Having Rebel season tix I get to see the Rebels regularly and this was by far their best performance of the season. Marty was very good tonight and allowed the Hitmen to get 2 points. The bad news is early in the first Paul Postma was on his way back to a loose puck behind the Hitmen net, he caught a rut and went awkwardly into the boards, he barely got to his skates and immediately went to the dressing room. He did not come back. Hopefully his injury is not serious.

[Berger]

They have more talent but play less like a team. Pretty much a reverse of the Hitmen.

Where do u get that from? the hitmen have just as many if not more talented players than the canes. As for Postma i hopehes ok that would be a HUGE loss...

[Resolute 14]

Heading into the season, there was no doubt the Canes had more talent. We, of course, did not have Broda, while the Canes were expecting a few guys back who didn't return, instead sticking with the NHL. Sbisa being the big one, and whom was finally returned last month.

The thing about the Hitmen is that nobody expected the talent to develop the way it has. Kozun reaching 100 points? The kid went undrafted last year. Postma is a 7th round pick, I believe. Jones went undrafted, and has come out of nowhere to not only get an NHL contract, but become one of the best goalies in the league. Hell, even Foucault has come out of nowhere. He was playing in the AJHL when the Hitmen acquired him, and he's been nearly a ppg player.

Nobody on earth would have anticipated this kind of season from any of these players.