The Calgary Hitmen punched their ticket into the next round of the Western Hockey League playoffs with a 4-2 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors last night.
Thanks to their third straight playoff victory over the Warriors at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre, the Hitmen captured the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarter-final series in six games.
“We realized that we would have to get dirty and play hard here,” said Hitmen coach and general manager Kelly Kisio. “We’re very happy with how hard they played and with how well they played.”
Brett Sonne, Brandon Kozun, Ryan White and Kyle Bortis scored for the Hitmen, who now move on to face the Swift Current Broncos in the second round.
T.J. Galiardi had two assists and was named the game’s first star. He leads the playoff scoring race with two goals and 11 assists.
Riley Holzapfel and Jordan Knackstedt replied for the Warriors, who lost all six games they played this season against the Hitmen at the Crushed Can.
Due to the Juno Awards being held at the Saddledome, the Hitmen may have to start the next series on the road although they’ll still hold home-ice advantage.
