The Game 7 experience of the Calgary Hitmen isn’t far-reaching. Read More
The Calgary Hitmen and the Lethbridge Hurricanes are tied at three games apiece in the second round of the WHL playoffs
The Calgary Hitmen and the Lethbridge Hurricanes are tied at three games apiece in the second round of the WHL playoffs
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The Game 7 experience of the Calgary Hitmen isn’t far-reaching.
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In fact, if not for a handful of pivotal pickups during the season made by GM Garry Davidson, they wouldn’t boast any do-or-die savvy headed into the contest to cap the 2025 Western Hockey League second-round playoff series with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
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So it’s time for the Hitmen to lean into those acquired talents with such big-game exposure — Kalem Parker, Sawyer Mynio, Lukas Hansen, Carson Birnie and Tanner Howe — ahead of Wednesday’s must-win at Scotiabank Saddledome (7 p.m., Sportsnet 960).
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Of course, the winner of the tilt moves on in the WHL post-season — to the Eastern Conference final best-of-seven series against the almighty Medicine Hat Tigers.
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Noon News Roundup
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WHO ARE THE HITMEN WITH GAME 7 EXPERIENCE?
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Lukas Hansen (3 games) — Lost in Game 7 of 2023-24 WHL conference final with Saskatoon Blades; Won in Game 7 of 2022-23 WHL conference quarterfinal with Blades; Won in Game 7 of 2022-23 WHL conference semifinal with Blades
Sawyer Mynio (2) — Won in Game 7 of 2021-22 WHL conference final with Seattle Thunderbirds; Won in Game 7 of 2021-22 WHL conference semifinal with Thunderbirds
Kalem Parker (1) — Won in Game 7 of 2023-24 WHL conference final with Moose Jaw Warriors
Carson Birnie (1) — Lost in Game 7 of 2022-23 WHL conference semifinal with Red Deer Rebels
Tanner Howe (1) — Lost in Game 7 of 2022-23 WHL conference quarterfinal with Regina Pats
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Two of those guys have actually won Game 7s as part of runs to become league champions.
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Mynio became WHL king in 2023 with the Thunderbirds, and Parker hoisted the trophy with the Warriors just last spring.
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“Yeah … Kalem and Mini, they’re keeping it pretty cool,” said Hitmen veteran forward Ethan Moore. “It’s great having those guys in the room. They have such veteran experience in playoff hockey.
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“Honestly, they keep the room even-keel, it’s awesome.”
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Both Parker and Mynio are defencemen, the latter with a whopping 40 games of WHL playoff experience with the T-birds, to help anchor the Hitmen for Game 7 and — hopefully — beyond.
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Parker, meanwhile, has 20 playoff games under his belt after last year’s championship run with the Warriors.
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“Great players,” said Hitmen goaltender Anders Miller, who has backstopped the Hitmen to all seven wins so far in these playoffs. “And great teammates.”
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And they know how to win.
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“Yeah … they do,” continued Miller. “All the experience they bring to the team, and they gives us great leadership in the room.”
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Fellow Hitmen goalie Daniel Hauser can contribute big-game experience, as well.
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Although the veteran ’tender hasn’t played in a WHL Game 7, he’s seen plenty of late-playoff action with the Winnipeg Ice, when they went to the conference finals in 2021-22 — losing 4-1 to the Edmonton Oil Kings — and then to the championship series in 2022-23 — losing 4-1 to the Thunderbirds.