Hitmen Secure Season-Opening Shootout Victory
The Calgary Hitmen began their 2026‑27 WHL season with a 3‑2 shootout win over the Red Deer Rebels at the Saddledome. Goalie Eric Tu recorded 35 saves, while Artem Katsuro netted the only shootout goal. The game saw early momentum for the Hitmen, a late rally by the Rebels, and a dramatic finish th…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Calgary Hitmen opened the 2026‑27 Western Hockey League campaign with a thrilling 3‑2 shootout victory over the Red Deer Rebels at the Saddledome on Friday night. The game, which drew 2,776 fans, was a rollercoaster of early leads, a late comeback, and a decisive shootout that showcased the grit and skill of the Hitmen’s roster.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
The Hitmen wasted no time, with forward Charlie Kresl scoring the first goal of the season just five minutes into the contest. Kresl’s quick strike off the power play gave Calgary an early advantage and set the stage for a high‑energy game. Brennan Brown followed up with a second goal in the first period, pushing the Hitmen to a 2‑0 lead before the Rebels had a chance to respond.
Despite the early deficit, the Rebels’ goaltender Matthew Kondro kept the game within reach, stopping 24 shots and keeping his team in the contest. The Hitmen’s defense, led by veteran center Artem Katsuro, held firm through the first two periods, limiting the Rebels to just one power‑play goal.
Red Deer Rallies in the Third Period
The third period saw a dramatic shift. Cameron Kuzma scored for the Rebels just one minute in, narrowing the gap to 2‑1. Three minutes later, forward Kohen Lodge added another, tying the game at 2‑2 and sending the crowd into a frenzy. The Rebels’ momentum was palpable, and the Hitmen’s coach made a tactical adjustment that kept the game tied heading into overtime.
Throughout the game, Eric Tu emerged as the standout performer for the Hitmen. He made 35 saves in regulation and overtime, earning the first‑star honor for his season debut. Tu’s performance was a testament to his experience and composure under pressure, qualities that will serve Calgary well as the season progresses.
Decisive Shootout and the Hitmen’s Resilience
With the game tied 2‑2 after overtime, the contest moved into a shootout. The Hitmen’s shootout lineup was a mix of seasoned players and promising prospects. Artem Katsuro was the first to step up, scoring the only goal of the shootout and securing the win for Calgary. The Rebels’ shooters were stopped by Tu, who faced three attempts and made a clean save on each, earning him the shootout MVP.
With the victory, the Hitmen not only opened their season on a high note but also demonstrated their ability to perform in high‑stakes situations. The win sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season and gives the team a morale boost heading into their next matchup against the Edmonton Oil Kings on Sunday afternoon.
What’s Next for the Hitmen?
The Hitmen will travel to Edmonton to face the Oil Kings on Sunday at 4 p.m. The game will be an early test of the team’s depth and consistency. With a strong start and a resilient performance in the shootout, the Hitmen are poised to build momentum as they navigate a demanding WHL schedule.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to the challenges of the season, especially in terms of goaltending depth, offensive production, and defensive stability. The early season win provides a foundation for the coaching staff to refine strategies and develop young talent.
As the WHL season unfolds, the Hitmen’s performance will be a key story for Calgary sports fans, and the team’s ability to sustain this level of play will be critical to their playoff aspirations.
Key facts
- Hitmen win 3‑2 shootout over Rebels
- Eric Tu makes 35 saves
- Artem Katsuro scores shootout winner
- Red Deer ties in third period
- Next game vs. Oil Kings on Sunday
Why it matters
A strong season opener can set the psychological tone for a team’s campaign, boosting confidence and fan engagement. The Hitmen’s shootout win demonstrates their resilience and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of the game?
The Calgary Hitmen won 3‑2 in a shootout against the Red Deer Rebels.
How many saves did Eric Tu record?
Eric Tu made 35 saves through regulation and overtime.
Who scored the winning goal in the shootout?
Artem Katsuro scored the only shootout goal for the Hitmen.
When is the Hitmen’s next game?
The team will face the Edmonton Oil Kings on Sunday at 4 p.m.
Sources
- [1] calgaryherald.com — originally reported as “Calgary Hitmen outlast Red Deer Rebels for season-opening shootout win”
