Hitmen have high hopes for Flames draft pick Axel Hurtig

Calgary Flames defence prospect Axel Hurtig is going to have plenty of opportunity to put on a show for the big-league brass at the Saddledome. Paul McFarland promised as much on his first day as head coach for the WHL's Hitmen. The hulking Hurtig, selected by the Flames in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Draft, has committed to skate for the Hitmen this coming season. The Swedish blue-liner hopes to be calling Calgary home for a long time, eventually graduating to the AHL's Wranglers and ultimately earning a job at the top level.