The Red Deer Rebels beat the Hitmen 4-2 on Friday night at the Saddledome. The Hitmen actually played a decent first period but couldn't get more than 1 behind Rebel netminder Bartosak, who finished with 32 saves. The real difference in the game was the power play. The Rebels went 2-7 and the Hitmen were 0-4. Special teams have been a major concern early on for the Hitmen.

Scoring Summary:
1. CAL V. Rask, (3) (D. Gayle, B. Macek), 12:49
1. R.D C. Mayor, (2) (J. Persson, M. Dumba), 18:37 (PP)
2. R.D L. Muller, (1) (D. Siwak, J. Hamilton), 5:01
2. R.D J. Persson, (2) (T. Elson, C. Mayor), 8:15 (PP)
3. CAL B. Brassart, (1) (C. Sylvester, J. Bubnick), 8:56
3. R.D C. Millette, (2) (A. Kambeitz, J. Cowen), 12:32

Over on the junkies site there is a post that the Hitmen have released goalie Michael Snider. Also on Friday's broadcast, Curle had interviews with both Kisio and Williamson, both basically saying that they are not expecting Ben Wilson to return for his overage season with the Hitmen. That would leave the Hitmen with Jimmy Bubnick, Kenton Miller and Brock Sutherland as overagers but the Hitmen still have 8-19 year olds on the roster, something has to give there.