Previewing the Calgary Hitmen's 2024-25 WHL season.

Welcome to The Hockey News 2024-25 season preview series. From August 29 to September 20, THN's WHL duo will examine some of the biggest storylines facing each team this season. Today's edition is focused on the Calgary Hitmen, who have an established group of veterans and are looking to make the jump back to the post season.

2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 28-31-8-1, 65 Points (5th Central Division)
Playoffs: N/A
Key Departures: Tyson Galloway (F), Sean Tschigerl (F)
Key Additions: Robin Svancara (F), Axel Hurtig (D)

This season's edition of the Hitmen will more than likely once again be shouldered by leading scorer Oliver Tulk, but he's not the only source of production in Calgary. Also up front is 2025 NHL Draft eligible prospect Ben Kindel, who had quite a solid showing at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in early August and will be hungry to grow his stock in 2025. Rounding out the projected trio of scorers for the Hitmen is San Jose Sharks prospect Carson Wetsch, who proved his ability with 50 points in a 67 game campaign last season.

On the back end, look no further than Ottawa Senators prospect Carter Yakemchuk. The 2024 7th overall pick finished with 71 points in 2023-24, good for second place only behind Tulk. Coming in to shore up the blue line, Axel Hurtig comes in from Sweden; a selection of the 2023 CHL Import Draft. Hurtig, Calgary Flames draft pick stands in at six-foot-five, and plays like it. 

Ethan Buenaventura returns to the Calgary crease, and is looking for a bounce back season after a sub-.900 save percentage in 2023-24. With that said, training camp has been competitive and there should be plenty of battling for backup or 1B spot.

Calgary will need a big season to avoid missing the postseason for the fifth time in the last eight seasons, but they have the potential to sneak into a playoff spot.

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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