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.
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