The Calgary Hitmen acquired forward Julien Maze from the Regina Pats ahead of the WHL trade deadline. The cost was a third-round pick in the 2027 draft and another third-rounder in 2028. The Hitmen feel good about the trade; it’s everything they’d hoped for and more. In 14 games with the Hitmen, Maze has eight goals and 11 assists, and he says it’s been a good fit. “My teammates and the structure they have and the coaches believing in me—I think everything has been going really well. It’s just the perfect fit here,” said Maze. “The coaches gave me that rope and trusted me coming in here from Day 1. “I’m really grateful to be here and for them doing that. I’ve been taking advantage of that, and I think they’ve been using me and my tools, and I think we’ve been working really well together.” The Hitmen knew they were getting a gifted offensive player, but head coach Dustin Friesen says he’s also been impressed with Maze’s play away from the puck. “Obviously, (he’s) a very dynamic player who brings a lot of speed,” said Friesen. “Really impressed with how he’s progressed with his play without the puck as well. That was an area when we were watching him that he could continue to improve in his game, and he has done that, so that’s really positive. “But he’s definitely a dangerous player when he has the puck.” That work away from the puck didn’t happen overnight. Maze says he knew it was something he had to improve on. “When I was younger, I wasn’t the greatest at that,” said Maze. “I’ve been working on that a lot, and it’s nice to be noticed for that by your peers and your bosses.” The Hitmen are back in action on Wednesday night when they host the Edmonton Oil Kings at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Puck drop is a little after 7 p.m.
