Hitmen, Hurricanes set for southern Alberta playoff showdown

Calgary Hitmen players celebrate at the Saddledome. (@WHLHitmen/X)

The Calgary Hitmen and the Lethbridge Hurricanes will be facing off in the second round of the WHL playoffs starting later this week.

The all-southern Alberta series will kick off on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Saddledome.

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The Hitmen swept the Saskatoon Blades 4-0 in the first round of the playoffs, while the Hurricanes put away the Brandon Wheat Kings 4-1.

Tanner Howe leads Calgary with nine points after putting up two goals and seven assists in the first-round series.

For the Hurricanes, Brayden Yager leads the team with eight points, on four goals and four assists.

Both players were acquired through mid-season trades by their respective clubs.

Hitmen goalie Anders Miller leads the WHL playoffs with a 1.50 goals against average through the first round.

Here is the full schedule for the second round series:

• Game 1: 7 p.m., Thursday, April 10 – Calgary
• Game 2: 6 p.m., Saturday, April 12 – Calgary
• Game 3: 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 15 – Lethbridge
• Game 4: 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 16 – Lethbridge
• Game 5: 7 p.m., Friday, April 18 – Calgary
• Game 6: 7 p.m., Saturday, April 19 – Lethbridge
• Game 7: TBD – Calgary

Tickets for the series went on sale on Monday. Games five through seven will only be played if necessary.

The Medicine Hat Tigers have also advanced to the second round with the help of forward Gavin McKenna, who leads the league with 16 points in the playoffs.

There is potential for a second wholly Alberta matchup in the second round, with Medicine Hat set to take on either the Edmonton Oil Kings or the Prince Albert Raiders. That series is tied 3-3 with Game 7 set for Tuesday night.