Hitmen move on to second round of WHL playoffs with 4-2 win over Brandon to sweep Wheat Kings

The Hitmen advanced to the second round of the 2026 WHL playoffs Thursday night with a 4-2 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Hitmen advanced to the second round of the Western Hockey League playoffs Thursday night, defeating Brandon 4-2 to sweep their series 4-0.

Brandon got early goals from Grayson Burznyski and Chase Surkan to jump to a 2-0 first-period lead.

Calgary, on a second-period goal from Kale Dach, cut the lead to 2-1 heading into the third.

Halfway through the third, Harrison Lodewyk tied it up. With just over eight minutes remaining, Ethan Moore scored to put the Hitmen in front for the first time all night.

Julien Maze scored into an empty net to make the final 4-2.

Moore scored the winning goal in all four games, including the triple overtime instant classic in Game 1.

Eric Tu won all four games in goal for Calgary, compiling a 1.63 GA and a .945 save percentage.

Calgary’s second round opponent hasn’t been determined yet.