Five Hitmen Named to NHL Central Scouting Preliminary Players to Watch List
Five Calgary Hitmen players were listed in the NHL Central Scouting preliminary rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft on Wednesday, tied with the Spokane Chiefs for the most of any team in the WHL. Reese Hamilton and forward Ben Kindel were listed as B-ranked Skaters, forward Brandon Gorzynski was listed as C-ranked and forwards Sawyer Mayes and Czech Import Robin Svancara were listed as W-ranked Skaters.
FULL LIST: 2024-25 NHL Central Scouting – Preliminary Players To Watch List (PDF)
Reese Hamilton – Defence
(B Ranked – 2nd/3rd Round)
Reese Hamilton came to the Hitmen after being drafted 4th overall by Calgary in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. The defenceman had a successful rookie season with the Hitmen, overcoming injury and finishing the season with 31 points (8G, 23A) in 42 games. Hailing from Whitewood, SK, Hamilton has represented Team Canada on three occasions, with Team Red at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Canada’s National Men’s U18 team at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he brought home gold. The defenceman was recently selected for the CHL USA Prospects Challenge taking place in November.
Ben Kindel – Forward
(B Ranked – 2nd/3rd Round)
Benjamin Kindel was drafted by Calgary in the 2022 WHL Prospects draft selected in the second round, 43rd overall. He had an impressive rookie season finishing third in team scoring with 60 points (15G, 45A) in 68 games in the 2023-24 season. Alongside teammate Reese Hamilton, Kindel brought home gold for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August. The forward is off to a good start this season, currently sitting second in team scoring with 11 points (4g, 7a) in nine games. Kindel was also selected for the CHL USA Prospects Challenge taking place in November.
Brandon Gorzynski – Forward
(C Ranked – 4th/5th Round)
Brandon Gorzynski was drafted by Calgary in the 2022 WHL U.S. Priority Draft selected 15th overall. The forward from Scottsdale, AZ enters his second season with the Calgary Hitmen. Gorzynski is off to a solid start in his sophomore year with 7 points (2g, 5a) through 9 games.
Sawyer Mayes – Forward
(W Ranked – 6th/7th Round)
Sawyers Mayes was selected by Calgary in the second round (44th overall) in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft and has appeared in 53 games with the club. Standing at stature of 6’4 centre from Salmon Arm, BC is projected to have breakout year with the Hitmen in his second full season in the league.
Robin Svancara – Forward
(W Ranked – 6th/7th Round)
Calgary used their first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2024 CHL Import Draft on Robin Svancara. Hailining from Czechia. Svancara played with HC Ocelari Trinec for the past three seasons before coming to the Calgary Hitmen. The forward brought home silver as a part of Team Czechia at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup back in August. The rookie forward has been dealing with injury and has yet to suit up for the Calgary Hitmen this season.
