The Calgary Hitmen are making big moves to further a push for the Western Hockey League championship.
Early Thursday, the Hitmen acquired 20 year-old goaltender Daniel Hauser — a local talent — from the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for 20 year-old forward Maxim Muranov, the rights to 2007-born forward Mason Moe and 2009-born goalie Mark Djomo.
In addition, the Wenatchee club will receive a third-round pick in 2026 and a second-round pick in the 2027 WHL Prospects Draft.
“Daniel is a high-quality goaltender who we believe will be an integral piece in our continued success through this second half of the season,” said Hitmen GM Garry Davidson. “His experience over the course of his tenure in the WHL is extensive, including vast playoff experience and success.”
It’s the second major move made by the Hitmen in a week after trading for 19 year-old forward Lukas Hansen from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for 2009 born prospect Adam Halat.
Hauser was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft by the Winnipeg Ice and went on to play parts of five seasons in the WHL.
The 5-foot-11, 166-lb. product of Chestermere, Alta., has appeared in 151 games posting a goals-against average of 2.69 and a save percentage of .908.
With the Ice organization, Hauser led the club to two East Division titles and a WHL championship appearance in the 2022-23 season. The veteran goaltender has appeared in the playoffs on three occasions, playing in 37 playoff games, recording 23 wins. Hauser’s regular-season stats include 8,694 minutes played, 108 career wins and 12 shutouts. The goaltender is committed the University of Wisconsin Badgers men’s hockey program in the NCAA for the 2025-26 season.
Muranov was drafted by the Hitmen in first round of the 2021 CHL Import Draft and went on to play 210 games across four seasons with the club, recording 116 points.
“Over the course of the last four seasons with the Hitmen, Max has contributed to our team and community with class and a work ethic that has been instrumental in the growth of our program,” added Davidson. “We have been privileged to have had Max in our organization since we drafted him and wish him the best as his finishes his junior career.”
— Postmedia Sports