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Focht continues strong play in 2019-20, Kastelic battles for roster spot in Belleville

Despite a tough overtime road loss to begin the season against Swift Current, the Calgary Hitmen can look ahead on their schedule with much optimism. Carson Focht displayed on Sunday night why Vancouver selected him in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. His final stats included seven shots, a goal, and an assist, while going 10-for-20 on draws. After being selected in this past draft, the speedy centreman was also able to showcase his talents at the national level along with teammate Jett Woo. Focht was able to impress in the three games he suited up for at the 2019 Summer Showcase in Plymouth, Michigan, and certainly made a name for himself on the national stage. For much of the tournament, Focht centred the top line of fellow western leaguer and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Nolan Foote and Florida Panthers prospect Serron Noel. The two power forwards, along with Focht and his speed and expertise in the faceoff circle, immediately clicked and made an impact offensively.

Carson Focht at World Junior Summer Showcase            Photo: Dan Hickling

Focht, who is coming off a career year with 26 goals and 64 points, will likely be relied upon offensively. The native of Regina was passed up in his initial year of NHL draft eligibility. However, the change of scenery to Calgary proved to be just what the then 18-year-old needed in order to have a breakout season and catch the eyes of scouts.

Meanwhile, another Hitmen late bloomer who heard his name called this summer, Mark Kastelic, is battling for a roster spot with the Belleville Senators of the AHL. Kastelic is one of 14 forwards remaining and could be the lone 2019 Senators selection to play professionally within the organization’s affiliate immediately. Kastelic is one of three forwards currently listed by Belleville on a professional try-out. If last season’s captain does not in fact return, the club would likely have to look to others to step up and provide offense and leadership. In saying that, with the roster Calgary has put together for the franchise’s 25th season, a deep playoff run still appears to be realistic. For instance, down the middle, the Hitmen display a strong  group of two-way centremen in Focht, Riley Stotts, Riley Fiddler-Schultz, and Tye Carriere. In the event that Kastelic arrives back for his overage season, moving one of these players to the top line wing could make Calgary’s top-six an elite offensive group.

The Hitmen will play their home opener at the Scotiabank Saddledome this Friday against their bitter rivals, the Edmonton Oil Kings, while unveiling the club’s commemorative 25th anniversary jerseys. Calgary will travel to Red Deer on Saturday to battle the Rebels and then close out the weekend at home against Medicine Hat.

 

The Hitlist:

  • Mark Kastelic sits top-20 among all time Hitmen in goals (88), points (167) and games played (264).
  • The Hitmen have won seven of their last ten home openers.
  • Calgary was outscored 15-4 by the Oil Kings in last season’s sweep in the Central Division final.
  • Carson Focht now has five goals and seven assists against the Swift Current Broncos within the last two seasons.