RECAP: Hitmen Close Out Weekend With a 4-3 Overtime Win
Edmonton, AB – The Calgary Hitmen wrapped up the Western Hockey League’s opening weekend in dramatic fashion Sunday afternoon, earning a 4-3 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings at Rogers Place. With the win, Calgary finished the opening weekend with four points.
Calgary opened the scoring midway through the first period when Brennan Brown found the back of the net for his second goal of the weekend. Hunter Aura then doubled the Hitmen’s lead with his first of the season, scoring with just 50 seconds remaining in the opening frame.
Edmonton answered in the dying seconds, with Dylan Dean scoring on the power play with just 0.8 seconds remaining to cut Calgary’s lead to 2-1. The Oil Kings carried the momentum into the second period, with Noa T’amu tying the game at 8:39.
Calgary regained the lead in the third period following a beautiful passing play between Charlie Kresl and Caine Wilke, setting up Artem Katsuro for his first Western Hockey League goal.
The Oil Kings would respond once again, with Jonas Nanicek scoring to tie the game and force overtime.
In the extra frame, Kayden Stroeder was assessed a tripping penalty, sending the Hitmen to the power play. Aura then delivered the game-winner, burying his second goal of the night to secure the 4-3 victory for Calgary.
Katsuro recorded a goal and an assist earning third star, while Aura finished with two goals and first star honours.
The Hitmen return home Friday, Sept. 25 to host the Oil Kings in the lone game of the weekend, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Following Friday’s game, Calgary will be idle until Saturday, Oct. 3, when the Hitmen travel to Lethbridge to take on the Hurricanes at 6:00 p.m. MT.
Tickets are available at HitmenHockey.com/Tickets.
