Hitmen jump out early en route to 4-2 victory over Blades in playoff opener

The Calgary Hitmen got the 2025 WHL playoffs off to a good start Friday, defeating the Saskatoon Blades 4-2.

The Hitmen got first-period goals from Ethan Moore and Oliver Tulk sandwiched around one from Saskatoon defenceman Grayden Siepmann to take a 2-1 lead early.

After a scoreless second, Moore made it 3-1 early in the third, followed by a goal from Ben Kindel, who provided the Hitmen with a 4-1 cushion.

Flames prospect Hunter Laing cut it to 4-2 with 10 minutes left in the third, but that was as close as Saskatoon would get.

The Hitmen outshot the Blades 44-17.

The two teams are back at it Sunday for Game 2. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m.