Preseason Game Day Preview Rebels at Hitmen

Game Day Preview 

Red Deer Rebels at Calgary Hitmen

Sept 15, 2019

It’s the final game day of the pre-season as the Calgary Hitmen play host to the visiting Red Deer Rebels. This afternoon’s contest marks the fifth pre-season game for the Rebels and the fourth for the Hitmen. So far both teams have one win and are looking to finish off the pre-season on a successful note heading into next week when the regular season begins.

The Rebels are looking to build on their playoff appearance a year ago. They will look to their newly named captain, and Dallas Stars prospect, defenceman Dawson Barteaux. Barteaux is coming of a seven goal, 34 point campaign last year and will be the anchor of the Rebels defence this season.

Jack McNaughton (photo-Candice Ward)

As for the Calgary Hitmen they will look to second year goaltender Jack McNaughton to continue his strong play from a year ago. McNaughton is coming off an impressive 25 wins in 46 games as a rookie a year ago. Five Hitmen regulars are still attending NHL training camps including Jett Woo, who is a potential member of Team Canada’s World Junior team this holiday season. McNaughton and the Hitmen will look to build on last years success which included a trip to the second round of the Western Hockey League playoffs.

Puck drop is 4:00PM Mountain time at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Ryan Karkkainen

r.karkkainen@dubnetwork.ca