RECAP: Hitmen Return to the Win Column with 5-2 Win over Broncos
Swift Current, SK – The Calgary Hitmen returned to the win column on Monday night after two consecutive losses during their six-game East Division road trip. Despite missing defensive stalwart Axel Hurtig due to injury and forward Ben Kindel serving a two-game suspension, the Hitmen didn’t miss a step securing a 5-2 victory over the Swift Current Broncos.
Connor Hvidston opened the scoring against his former team, capitalizing on a beautiful backdoor feed from Oliver Tulk in the final two minutes of the first period. Swift Current responded early in the second, with Clarke Caswell netting the tying goal at 3:20. Calgary quickly regained the lead as Oliver Tulk finished a two-on-one pass from Sawyer Mynio to make it 2-1. The Hitmen extended their lead with Brandon Gorzynski’s 11th of the season, lifting Calgary to a 3-1 lead heading into the third period.
🎥HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT🎥
Little Family Day gift for Connor Hvidston on the doorstep from Oliver Tulk.@WHLHitmen | #WHLHoN pic.twitter.com/KYVsacTgP0
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) February 18, 2025
In the final frame, Ethan Merner sealed the deal with an insurance marker, converting on a breakaway for his second of the season. Swift Current’s Caswell answered back with his second goal with just over three minutes remaining. With Reid Dyck pulled for the extra attacker, Ethan Moore capitalized on the empty net, securing the 5-2 victory.
Oliver Tulk was named the game’s first star, recording two points. The veteran forward leads the Hitmen in scoring with 86 points (33 goals, 53 assists). Goaltender Daniel Hauser was stellar, stopping 20 shots.
The Hitmen are currently third in the Eastern Conference, five points behind the Medicine Hat Tigers for first place, with three games in hand. Calgary’s season record stands at 34-18-2-1.
Calgary’s six games in nine nights tour across the East Division continues Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Regina against the Pats. The swing will also take the Hitmen to Regina (Feb. 19), Brandon (Feb. 21) and Moose Jaw (Feb. 22).
