Calgary Hitmen ready for playoff run against Brandon Wheat Kings

The Calgary Hitmen celebrated following an 8-5 win over Lethbridge Saturday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome in the final game of the regular season. The Hitmen open the WHL playoffs Friday against Brandon.

The Calgary Hitmen are all set for their first-round matchup against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Not much separated the Calgary Hitmen and the Brandon Wheat Kings in the regular season standings.

The Hitmen finished with 85 points, good enough for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Wheat Kings were just three points behind Calgary and ended up fifth.

The Hitmen have a young lineup, and the team surprised a lot of people in the regular season. Veteran forward Harrison Lodewyk is excited to find out what they can accomplish in the post-season.

“We’re super confident,” the 21-year-old said.

“We feel like we match them really well. We’re going to play them straight up and play defence really hard and capitalize on their mistakes.”

What will it take?

The Hitmen know it won’t be an easy series against the Wheat Kings, who have a lot of skill and can put the puck in the net. Hitmen Captain Axel Hurtig says the key for his team will be taking care of their own business.

“A lot of puck management, that’s what we’re going to talk a lot about,” said the 20-year-old defenceman.

“It’s mostly our team and what we have to do. We know they’ve got a lot of good players on the other side, but we can control what we have to do and that’s what we’re focusing on.”

“We know we’re facing a good team but we know we’re a good team. Just focus on the things we can control and that’s good preparation and good practice before and then be ready to play the game on Friday.”

Virden, Man., will host games three, four and five

This is a 2-3-2 series and because the rodeo is in Brandon, the middle three games will be moved to nearby Virden.

Hitmen Head Coach Dustin Friesen says playing in a smaller rink will be a “good experience.”

“Every playoff year is a little bit different, and for half of our group they don’t know anything different as far as being in the league,” he said.

“It will be a good experience and a good atmosphere in both our home games and going on the road in a smaller environment. Our group has really enjoyed going on the road to the 2-3-2 (format), (and) is something we’re comfortable with.”

This is Lodewyk’s last season in the WHL and he says he’s love for the Hitmen to go on a playoff heater.

“I’m super excited,” he said.

“Especially (for) my last year I want to go out with a bang. I’m going to try and stay in the Western Hockey League for as long as I can so have some fun and win some hockey games.”

The first two games of the series will be played at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday and Sunday night. Puck drop for both games will be 7:00 p.m.