Hitmen open season with a loss to Kootenay
Posted Sep 22, 2018 11:54 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Kootenay ICE jumped out to a 4-1 second period lead and held on for a 5-3 win over the Calgary Hitmen on Saturday night at Western Financial Place.
It was the 2018-19 Western Hockey League season opener for both teams.
Rookie Connor McClennon scored his first two WHL goals to lead the home side with Brett Davis, Peyton Krebs and Cole Muir adding singles.
ICE goaltender Duncan McGovern also played a key role making 34 saves including 14 in the third period.
Overage forward Jake Kryski netted a pair of goals for Calgary with Luke Coleman adding a shorthanded marker.
Defenceman Jackson van de Leest chipped in a pair of assists for the Hitmen who outshot Kootenay 37-34.
Hitmen will head to Red Deer on Friday, September 28 before the home opening weekend which starts Saturday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Calgary returns to Scotiabank Saddledome ice the next day in a Sunday, September 30 matinee against the Red Deer Rebels.
