RECAP: Hitmen Win Season Opener In 3-2 Shootout Win Over Rebels
Calgary, AB – The Calgary Hitmen opened their 32nd season in the Western Hockey League on Friday night, kicking off the club’s Farewell Season at the Scotiabank Saddledome with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Red Deer Rebels.
Calgary came out strong in the opening frame, building a two-goal lead through the first 20 minutes. Newly signed 20-year-old forward Charlie Kresl opened the scoring with his first WHL goal, before Brennan Brown doubled the lead with a power-play marker, his first goal as a Hitmen.
Welcome to the Calgary Hitmen Charlie! First WHL Goal! pic.twitter.com/yckOyFTZdQ
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) September 19, 2026
The Hitmen carried the 2-0 advantage into the third period after a scoreless middle frame, but the Rebels battled back with a pair of goals to even the score. Cameron Kuzma scored unassisted before Kohen Lodge converted on the power play to force overtime. Neither team could find the back of the net during extra minutes, sending the season opener to a shootout.
New Russian import Artem Katsuro opened the shootout for Calgary, scoring the lone goal the shootout to give the Hitmen the victory. Goaltender Eric Tu turned aside 35 shots, including all three Red Deer attempts in the shootout, securing the win for Calgary and earning first star.
The Hitmen finish out the opening weekend in Edmonton on Sunday, Sept. 20 in a tilt with the Oil Kings. Puck drop is set for 4:00 p.m. MT. Fans can stream the game for free on the Western Hockey League YouTube Channel.
