Brown was selected 52nd overall by the Broncos in the second round of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. The 19-year-old skated in 61 games during his rookie WHL season in 2025-26, recording 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists).

The 2029 fourth-round selection acquired by Calgary will upgrade to a third-round pick if certain conditions are met.

BRENNAN BROWN – FORWARD

HOMETOWN: Milestone, SK

DOB: February 26, 2007

HEIGHT:  6’3

WEIGHT: 185 lbs

SHOOTS: Left

The Calgary Hitmen will kick off the Farewell Season at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday, September 18 for their Home Opener vs the Red Deer Rebels. For more information visit HitmenHockey.com.

Leander was selected by the Calgary Hitmen with the 48th overall pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft.

The 6-foot-4 defenceman was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the seventh round (208th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. A native of Jönköping, Sweden, Leander spent the past three seasons developing in the HV71 program. During the 2025–26 season, the 18-year-old recorded 12 points (2G, 10A) in 36 games with HV71's U20 team.

JAKOB LEANDER  – DEFENCE

HOMETOWN: Jönköping, Sweden

DOB:  March 1, 2008

HEIGHT: 6’4”

WEIGHT: 209 lbs

SHOOTS: Right

With the 48th overall pick, the Hitmen selected 6-foot-4 defenceman Jakob Leander. Selected by the Calgary Flames in the seventh round (208th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft, Leander spent the past three seasons developing in the HV71 program in his hometown of Jönköping, Sweden. During the 2025-26 season, the 18-year-old recorded 12 points (2G, 10A) in 36 games with HV71 U20.

"Jakob is a hard to play against, shutdown defenceman who will bring size and competitiveness to our group," said Calgary Hitmen General Manager Cass Bruni. "We are thrilled to continue the partnership we have with the Calgary Flames with another one of their prospects."

The Hitmen then traded up with the Tri-City Americans, moving from the third round into the second round to acquire the 82nd overall pick. Calgary used the selection to draft Russian forward Artem Katsuro from CSKA Moskva U18. Katsuro enjoyed a standout 2025-26 campaign, tallying 57 points (20G, 37A) in just 19 games with CSKA Moskva U18.

"Artem is a talented offensive player who brings speed and skill to our group," Bruni said. "He served as captain in the CSKA Moscow program and was one of the top producers in his 2009 age group."

"We're very pleased with the outcome of this year's draft and are excited to welcome both Jakob and Artem to our program," Bruni added.

JAKOB LEANDER  – DEFENCE

HOMETOWN: Jönköping, Sweden

DOB:  March 1, 2008

HEIGHT: 6’4”

WEIGHT: 209 lbs

SHOOTS: Right

ARTEM KATSURO – FORWARD

HOMETOWN: Moskva, Russia

DOB:  January 2, 2009

HEIGHT: 6’0

WEIGHT: 163 lbs

SHOOTS: Left

Past Hitmen CHL Import Draft selections include: Andrei Molgachev (2025), Axel Hurtig (2023), Maxim Muranov (2021), Jonas Peterek (2020 & 2019) Andrei Grishakov (2016) Vladislav Yeryomenko (2016), Pavel Karnaukhov (2014), Radel Fazleev (2013), Pavel Padakin (2012), Victor Rask (2011), Bostjan Golicic (2007), Freddie Pettersson (2005), Konstantin Pushkarev (2004), Fredrik Sjostrom (2001) and Pavel Brendl (1998).

Sanderson, 18, joins the Hitmen after spending the past two seasons with the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks, where he served as captain during the 2025-26 season. The Pierre, South Dakota native recorded 34 points (17G, 17A) in 54 regular-season games while leading the Lumberjacks to the Clark Cup Final. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound power forward is committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2027-28 season and was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft.

“We are excited that Carter has chosen the Hitmen as the next step in his development,” said Calgary Hitmen General Manager Cass Bruni. “He is a talented power forward who contributes in all situations.

“Carter is also a high-character individual who has shown strong leadership qualities. We believe he will be an impactful addition to our organization both on and off the ice.”

“I've loved my time in Muskegon – the community, the ownership, coaches, teammates, fans, and my billet family. I couldn't have asked for better,” said Sanderson. “As I look to my future in hockey, I need to get out of my comfort zone and experience new aspects of the game. I'm looking forward to that opportunity in Calgary.”

CARTER SANDERSON – FORWARD

HOMETOWN: Pierre, South Dakota

DOB:  September 12, 2007 HEIGHT:  6’2”

WEIGHT: 196 lbs

SHOOTS:  Left

MacBeath joined the Calgary Hitmen in a trade with the Kelowna Rockets after being selected by Kelowna in the seventh round of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft.

The Calgary product led all Hitmen defencemen in scoring during his rookie season, recording seven goals and 44 assists for 51 points in 67 regular-season games. The left-shot defenceman also represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, where he finished with a +5 rating. His impressive first season in the league earned him a nomination for WHL Rookie of the Year.

“As an organization, we are very proud to have Ben selected in the 2026 NHL Draft. Ben is a talented player but most importantly an outstanding person with high character. We are excited to see him continue to grow his game as he aspires to play in the NHL.” said General Manager Cass Bruni.

MacBeath joins a growing list of highly drafted Calgary Hitmen alumni, including Ben Kindel, who was selected 11th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Draft, and Carter Yakemchuk, who was chosen seventh overall by Ottawa in 2024.

Next up for the Calgary Hitmen is the CHL Import Draft taking place on Tuesday, June 30th.

The Calgary Hitmen listed Anaka in the spring of 2025. The forward from Sherwood Park, AB, played the last two seasons with the Okanagan Colorado AAA programs, finishing the 2025-26 season at over a point per game with 26 goals, 30 assists for 56 points in 41 games. Anaka was integral in his team winning the 2026 USA Hockey Youth Tier 16U National Championship, finishing the tournament with 8 points (2G,6A) in six games.

 “We are excited that Grady has chosen to come back to Alberta to start his junior hockey career. He had an outstanding season with Okanagan Colorado and was an impactful player for a team that won a national championship. He is a smart two-way centreman that has a bright future in our league” said Calgary Hitmen General Manager Cass Bruni.

Grady Anaka – FORWARD

HOMETOWN: Sherwood Park, AB

DOB:  August 19, 209 HEIGHT:  6’0”

WEIGHT: 160 lbs

SHOOTS:  Right

The Calgary Hitmen drafted Mattersdorfer in the second round, 43^rd overall in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. Hailing from Lethbridge, Alberta, the forward is coming off the 2025-26 season with the Lethbridge Golden Hawks U15 AAA,  averaging over two points per game. The forward put up impressive numbers with 29 goals and 49 assists for 88 points in 34 games. Post regular season, Mattersdorfer recorded 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points in 11 playoff games in Provincials.

 “Easton is the type of player we covet in the WHL prospects draft. He is competitive, skilled with very good hockey sense. His performance in the playoffs and provincial tournament for his team shows that he is an impactful player in big moments. We are thrilled to welcome Easton and his family to the organization.” said Calgary Hitmen General Manager Cass Bruni.

Easton Mattersdorfer – FORWARD

HOMETOWN: Lethbridge, AB

DOB:  January 16, 2011 HEIGHT:  5’7”

WEIGHT: 131 lbs

SHOOTS:  Left

Medicine Hat opened the scoring six minutes in with a goal from Noah Davidson. Calgary wasted no time evening the score with Blake Vanek scoring his first goal of the playoffs.

The second period saw the Tigers regain the lead with Vasi Vaisanen and Jonas Woo scoring to make it 3-1. Ethan Moore would score five minutes into the third period to put the Hitmen within one. It. Would be the veteran’s eighth consecutive playoff goal. Kaden Stengrim and Ethan Neutens would both score for the Tigers to seal the 5-2 victory and take the series.

Series Results:

Game 1           Friday, April 10            Tigers 3 Hitmen 2 OT Tigers lead the series 1-0

Game 2           Saturday, April 11        Tigers 4 Hitmen 3 Tigers lead series 2-0

Game 3           Monday, April 13         Tigers 5 Hitmen 2 Tigers lead series 3-0

Game 4           Wednesday, April 15   Tigers 5 Hitmen 2 Tigers win series 4-0