Hitmen roar back late in third to top Warriors 5-4 in front of 17,000 at Saddledome

Over 17,000 fans watched as the Calgary Hitmen defeated the Moose Jaw Warriors 5-4 Tuesday afternoon at the Saddledome.

The Calgary Hitmen thrilled a huge crowd Tuesday, defeating the Moose Jaw Warriors in front of 17,000 exuberant fans at the Saddledome.

It was the annual Telus Be Brave #EndBullying Game and the Hitmen came out flying, jumping to a 3-0 first-period lead on goals by Keaton Jundt, Kale Dach and Julien Maze.

Moose Jaw fought back in the middle frame, getting goals from Ethan Semeniuk and Landon McFadden to cut the Hitmen lead to 3-2 entering the third.

The Warriors kept coming, too, getting early goals from Riley Thorpe and Nolan Paquette to jump into a 4-3 lead.

With six-and-a-half minutes to go, Landon Amrhein scored to knot the score at four apiece.

With three-and-a-half minutes to go, Blake Vanek scored to give the Hitmen the margin of victory.

Students and teachers wore pink in support of the campaign and in recognition of Pink Shirt Day.

Next up for Calgary is a weekend back-to-back against the Medicine Hat Tigers, with Calgary hosting Friday night at 7 p.m.