The Ice broke a 0-0 tie wide open late in the 2nd with 3 goals in 1:40 and the Hitmen were never able to recover. However, the game was not a 5-1 game. Based on Curle's pbp, the Hitmen carried must of the play but couldn't solve Ice overage netminder Nathan Lieuwen. Lieuwen was the game's first star as he made 29 saves. The lone Hitmen goal was scored by Russian import Alex Gogolev, his first WHL goal.
The Hitmen have released forward John Lawrence. Just too many bodies up front and his age worked against him.
Hitmen don't play again until next weekend in Lethbridge and in 1 week have their home opener.
Scoring Summary:
1, Kootenay, Reinhart 1 (Antilla, Montgomery), 14:17 (PP).
2, Kootenay, Rossignol 1 (Montgomery, Hurley), 14:44.
3, Kootenay, Benoit 2 (Pearce, Neibrandt), 15:57
4, Calgary, Gogolev 1 (Kirsch, Humphries), 10:46.
5, Kootenay, Ismond 1 (Montgomery, Leach), 17:47.
6, Kootenay, Rossignol 2 (Montgomery, Leach), 19:27 (PP).