RECAP: Hitmen Defeat Oil Kings in Thrilling Overtime Fashion
The Calgary Hitmen are now tied for first in the Eastern Conference after a thrilling overtime victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings on Friday night.
The scoring started with Axel Hurtig, who netted an unassisted goal just over five minutes into the first period. Edmonton wouldn’t respond until the second period, with Gavin Hodnett scoring a shorthanded goal to even the score heading into the final frame.
Brandon Gorzynski would return Calgary’s lead in the third, scoring his 10th goal of the season, assisted by Connor Hvidston and Axel Hurtig. The Hitmen added a third goal late in the period, with Carson Wetsch tipping in a shot from Sawyer Mynio with under two minutes remaining. Up by two heading into the final minute, Gavin Hodnett would record a hat trick, scoring back to back forcing overtime.
In overtime, Sawyer Mynio delivered a goal-of-the-year candidate, scoring three minutes in to secure a 4-3 win. Oliver Tulk earned the assist, extending his point streak to 10 games. Mynio (1g,1a) was named the game’s third star, while Axel Hurtig (1g,1a) earned first-star honors. Hurtig’s impressive +32 plus/minus leads the team.
Calgary is now tied with the Medicine Hat Tigers for first in the Eastern Conference, with two games in hand, boasting an overall record of 32-13-3-2.
Calgary will wrap up this four-game homestand on Tuesday, Feb. 11 against Lethbridge in another 7:00 p.m. start at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Hitmen then face six games in nine nights as part of an East Division tour beginning on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14 in Saskatoon. The swing will also take Calgary to Prince Albert (Feb. 15), Swift Current (Feb. 17), Regina (Feb. 19), Brandon (Feb. 21) and Moose Jaw (Feb. 22).
