Hitmen Inject New Blood

Matt Mackenzie (2010), D, Calgary:

His point production has dropped off significantly with only three (1-2-3) in the last 10 games .. boasts terrific hand-eye coordination .. uses his above average skating ability to win his fair share of puck battles .. looks to shoot and won't hesitate to let it fly from anywhere .. does a nice job slipping his shot through traffic and on net, although won't overpower a goalie with his slap shot .. keeps his shot low and on target .. usually maintains good positioning while killing penalties .. displays poise when handling the puck .. will take a hit to make a play .. pinches in from the point when scoring opportunities occur .. dishes out a crisp, clean first pass .. moves the puck well on the give and go .. generally takes the body well .. closes the passing and shooting lanes .. can make a puckcarrier pay with a clean, hard rubout along the wall .. surprisingly given his numbers doesn't see much powerplay time. (25gp, 2-16-18, +9)

Austin Madaisky (2010), D, Calgary:

Looks a tad stiff on his skates at first glance and can be beaten wide .. not a bad skater point A to B, but displays some trouble when he's forced to turn as he's skating backwards .. uses his size well and will punish opponents in the dirty areas .. showcases a willingness to take chances .. usually can be counted on to work hard with or without the puck .. his play can be a bit scrambly at times, yet he displays passion and grit that speaks to his leadership potential .. is not as prone to be a stay at home defender like his teammate Matt Mackenzie .. uses an active stick to create turnovers .. sports a lot of tools and if he is able to put them together on a consistent basis he'll be a sought after prospect .. is a regular on both special teams. (26gp, 5-9-14, -3)

Ice Chips: In a game versus Kelowna in late October, Cody Beach (brother of Kyle Beach, was suspended one game by the WHL for an elbowing major. The Hitmen apparently wanted to send him a message and made him a healthy scratch after the suspension was served.