Last season, the Calgary Hitmen had an awful first 20 games. Then they managed to figure things out and power their way into the playoffs. Ahead of what should be a competitive season for the team, they kick off their pre-season schedule this weekend with a home-and-home set with the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Largely returning the same group they had last season, the Hitmen should be contenders in what is expected to be a wide-open Central Division. Last season, the Hitmen finished in a divisional playoff spot and managed to avoid playing the powerhouse Prince Albert Raiders in the first round.