The Calgary Hitmen marked a special occasion, then made their mark on special teams during a Sunday to remember at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
With special guests on hand, the WHL club hosted its 30th anniversary season home opener against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The Hitmen debuted their 30th anniversary jerseys and welcomed former GM/head coach Kelly Kisio, alumnus Brad Moran and team namesake and wrestling legend Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart for a ceremonial puck-drop.
Strong special teams played a hand in Calgary’s dominant first win of the season in a 3-1 decision.
Ben Kindel opened the scoring just under five minutes into the game off a feed from 16-year-old Rylan Ng, who earned his first WHL point.
Calgary would later find success on the power play with Carson Wetsch finding the net to make it 2-0 heading into the second period. Oliver Tulk and newcomer Connor Hvidston had the helpers.
The second period remained scoreless despite the teams trading penalties.
In the third, the Hitmen struck again on the power play as Tulk’s netted his first of the season. Wetsch and Kindel recorded the assists.
With under 10 minutes left in regulation, Lethbridge put one on the board with a power-play goal from Leo Braillard. But the Hitmen were able to fend off a late push from the visitors.
Ethan Buenaventura made 19 saves for the Hitmen (1-1), while Harrison Meneghin turned aside 26 shots for the Hurricanes (3-1).
Wetsch was named the game’s first star; Kindel and Tulk earned second and third star honours, respectively.
The Hitmen were coming off a 4-1 loss to the host Edmonton Oil Kings in their season opener on Saturday.
Calgary is back on home ice Wednesday (7 p.m.) to welcome the Saskatoon Blades.
