Calgary Hitmen build confidence and rise in the standings

The Calgary Hitmen are back from a very successful road trip to the United States.

Despite playing six games in nine days, the Hitmen managed to come away with nine out of a possible twelve points.

Forward Max Muranov capped the trip by scoring the overtime winner against Wenatchee on Saturday night.

He says it made the trip even more special.

“It’s the best feeling to come off the road with the win in extra time. The bus made a lot of noise,” he said.

Team bonding

The Hitmen are now tied for second place in the Central Division with the Medicine Hat Tigers.

They are just one point behind the first-place Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Goalkeeper Eric Tu says the trip to the US has brought the team closer together.

“It was great for our team’s confidence and for us to become more of a team,” the 16-year-old said.

“Obviously winning some hockey games was surreal. It was great for our team culture and also helped us in the standings, so that’s huge.”

Light schedule

After that grueling journey, the Hitmen get a much-needed break in the schedule.

Head coach Paul McFarland says his team must build on their successful US road trip.

“Those results gave us extra confidence, and now it is up to us to maintain that,” he said.

“Obviously we have a break in our schedule with only one match in the next twelve days, so it’s a good opportunity for us to practice and get back to some of the basics and details of our match, but also to maintain trust.” and the faith we were able to build during the journey.”

Hitmen acquire an experienced defender

The Hitmen bolstered their lineup by acquiring 20-year-old defenseman Kalem Parker from the Moose Jaw Warriors for Nathan Gardiner for 2009, a second-round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft and a third- and seventh-round pick in 2027.

Parker was surprised he was traded but is happy to be in Calgary, although he says the drive here from Moose Jaw was a bit sketchy.

“I got to Brooks last night and my dad called and said Highway 1 was closed after Brooks, so I spent the night there in Brooks,” the veteran defenseman said.

“This morning, after about forty minutes of driving, I slid into the ditch and luckily a man came with a big truck and pulled me out.

“After that it wasn’t so bad, but the roads were icy and I was doing 60 on the highway, but I made it and that’s all that matters.”

Adding an experienced voice is important

Parker was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

He will bring much-needed veteran leadership to a young Hitmen team and believes he can help them reach the next level.

“I think I can add experience,” he said.

“I’ve been in this league for five years now, so hopefully I can help the young guys improve and hopefully I can help this team win.”

The next game for the Hitmen is Friday night against the Victoria Cougars at the Scotiabank Saddledome.