Calgary Hitmen outlast Red Deer Rebels for season-opening shootout win
The Calgary Hitmen started and finished strong on Friday night in a triumphant start to their 2026-27 Western Hockey League season.
Artem Katsuro scored the only goal in the shootout and Eric Tu denied all three attempts he faced in the skills competition as the Hitmen earned a 3-2 win over the visiting Red Deer Rebels at the Saddledome.
Tu made 35 saves through regulation and overtime to earn first-star honours in front of 2,776 fans.
Teammate Charlie Kresl was named second star after scoring the first goal of the Hitmen’s campaign on Rebels goalie Matthew Kondro less than five minutes into the contest.
Brennan Brown doubled the lead with just under four minutes left in the first period.
But the Rebels tied it up quickly in the third frame on goals by Cameron Kuzma one minute in, and Kohen Lodge three minutes later.
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