Calgary Hitmen outlast Red Deer Rebels for season-opening shootout win

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeSportsHockey Calgary Hitmen outlast Red Deer Rebels for season-opening shootout win Eric Tu makes 35 saves and denies all three shootout attempts and Artem Katsuro nets the winner for the Hitmen in the season opener at the Saddledome. Author of the article: By POSTMEDIA SPORTS Published Sep 18, 2026 Last updated 29 minutes ago 1 minute read Join the conversation Article content The Calgary Hitmen started and finished strong on Friday night in a triumphant start to their 2026-27 Western Hockey League season. Article content Artem Katsuro scored the only goal in the shootout and Eric Tu denied all three attempts he faced in the skills competition as the Hitmen earned a 3-2 win over the visiting Red Deer Rebels at the Saddledome. Article content Article content Tu made 35 saves through regulation and overtime to earn first-star honours in front of 2,776 fans. Article content Teammate Charlie Kresl was named second star after scoring the first goal of the Hitmen’s campaign on Rebels goalie Matthew Kondro less than five minutes into the contest. Article content Brennan Brown doubled the lead with just under four minutes left in the first period. Article content Tu and the Hitmen held the fort through two periods. Article content But the Rebels tied it up quickly in the third frame on goals by Cameron Kuzma one minute in, and Kohen Lodge three minutes later. Article content Kuzma was named the game’s third star, while Kondro made 24 saves. Article content The Hitmen next face the Oil Kings in Edmonton on Sunday (4 p.m.). Article content Article content Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet. TRENDING Bell: Angry Alberta separatists now on the warpath against Danielle Smith Province proposes Airdrie bypass to help ease QEII congestion north of Calgary Advertisement 1 City of Calgary expanding blue cart program to include aerosols, tubes and foam packaging Braid: A move to separation could leave Alberta half empty Video shows waste piling up at Ecco landfill months before stubborn fire, despite owner's assertion Share this article in your social network COMMENTS You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. Create an Account Sign in JOIN THE CONVERSATION Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may…