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'Third quarter really stung' as run of eight goals sinks Calgary's NLL club in season opener Article content The Josh Sanderson era opened with a loss.

London Hoilett nets Calgary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss goal for second straight Western Hockey League season

Advertisement 1 Share this Story : Hoilett scores Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss goal for second straight year Hoilett scores Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss goal for second straight year Charities a winner, but Calgary club loses during annual WHL festive game Author of the article: Join the conversation Article content It was so nice, he did it twice. Advertisement 2 Article content Hoilett scores Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss goal for second straight year Back to video And in doing so Sunday, London Hoilett becomes the second Calgary Hitmen player to unleash the annual barrage of stuffies in consecutive Teddy Bear Toss games. Article content Hoilett brought down the bears 9:14 into the Hitmen's 5-2 WHL loss to the Prince Albert Raiders at a stuffed Scotiabank Saddledome. It followed his trigger of teddies during last year's giving tradition. “I didn't really think it was going to be me again this year,” said Hoilett, with a big grin when talking about the celebrated goal. “But anything can happen. It's pretty cool. “Pretty similar feeling,” continued Hoilett, when comparing it to last year's wild moment. “At the end of the day, it's for the same cause. And to be able to do it twice makes it all so much better. I'd say they're pretty equal. Advertisement 3 Article content “The last one was prettier than this one, but I don't think that really matters. They don't ask how. They ask how many.” So how many bears collected for charities on the goal? The total was 21,233, bringing the near-three-decade total to 400,667. Last year's bear count was 20,294 from 16,514 fans. This year's edition of the Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss saw 16,769 people jam the Dome, eager to get the Christmas season started. The Hitmen themselves dressed the part in their bold red Christmas jerseys, complete with a Santa hat on the Hitmen logo. And the many spirited fans were in good cheer, singing along to festive songs and often chanting “Let's go, Hitmen,” while awaiting the first home-side goal so they could rain bears down on the ice. Advertisement 4 Article content With that, Hoilett obliged, crashing the crease and banged home a rebound after Carter Yakemchuk collected the puck off the left-wing boards and went to the net to try and score himself on Raiders goaltender Max Hildebrand. “Yak had it on the wall, and he was driving the net, and I know he's a strong guy, so he's definitely getting through,” Hoilett said. “I knew if the puck wasn't going in, it was definitely going to be laying close. So I went to get to the net — beat my check to the net — and got a pretty free one there. Greasy, though.” “Very deserving goal,” said Hitmen head coach Steve Hamilton. “He went to where you have to go to score — and it was a great celebration for him. It was his first of the year — he needed one. Great time to get started for him.” Advertisement 5 Article content A prototypical goal for the blue-collar Hoilett, to be sure. Not at all the way it went down in 2022's teddy-bear event, when he fired a puck from the top of the circle in off the iron. “That doesn't happen often,” admitted Hoilett. “That's not how you score goals in this league. As often as you maybe you used to score like that in AAA, it's definitely a greasier game here. If you want to be rewarded, you kind of have to get in those dirty areas and out-man everybody.” Pavel Padakin is the only other Hitmen player to do it in two straight seasons — in 2012 and '13. Conor Geekie, with the Winnipeg Wild, and Tanner Howe, for the Regina Pats, have also triggered recent WHL teddy bear tosses in consecutive years. But Hitmen ones are a cut above most — if not all other — tosses. Advertisement 6 Article content “It's incredible to experience the kindness of our community as thousands of bears land on the ice,” said Krista Moroz, ENMAX manager of community partnerships and external relations. “At ENMAX, we believe in giving back — and this event shows the amazing impact people can make. Thank you to all our ENMAX volunteers and their families, the Calgary Hitmen and hockey fans for your generosity.” The bears will be donated to over 70 local agencies this holiday season. The stuffies will be stored overnight courtesy of the Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving Company, which is also providing the Hitmen with two five-ton trucks. The Hitmen will be back at the Dome on Monday morning for teddy bear distribution, where organizations will come to collect their bears. The team will then head out to deliver bears in person — including to sick kids at the Alberta Children's Hospital — throughout the day. Advertisement 7 Article content “Last year, I was a high-school student, so I had to go to school and I couldn't make it (to deliver bears),” Hoilett said. “I'm excited this year to be able to go and distribute the bears with the boys.” Members of the Hitmen's leadership team will join the Calgary Flames in the afternoon where they will participate in holiday activities, visit patient rooms, sign autographs and join youth and families in the arts and crafts room at the hospital. “For 29 seasons, our fans have backed this incredible charitable cause, and we would once again like to thank them for their tremendous support,” said Hitmen manager of business operations Amy Bontorin. “This game is a holiday tradition and the bears collected today will have a significant impact in our local community.” Advertisement 8 Article content The only thing that would have made the day better was a win. But the Raiders spoiled that celebration with two goals in the first period, two more in the second stanza and a salt-away tally in the final frame. Hoilett's teddy-bear goal answered Easton Kovacs game-opener for the Raiders five minutes earlier on Hitmen backstop Ethan Buenaventura. Eric Johnston then lit the lamp late in the first period, when he one-timed a puck from the right point past Buenaventura. The Raiders then extended their lead by two in middle frame, when Brayden Dube and Terrell Goldsmith both tickled the twine in the final five minutes of the period. Hitmen point-leader Oliver Tulk, however, got one back on a one-timer goal from the left hash-marks — on a sweet tee-up pass from Yakemchuk — with just 23 seconds remaining in the second. Advertisement 9 Article content The scoreline stayed that way until midway through the third period, when Sloan Stanick beat Buenaventura with a power-play marker — the second on the night for the Raiders. “We were flat,” Hamilton said. “We haven't been a flat team. We haven't been a team that's receded from the challenge. But I didn't think we were really good.” The loss kept the Hitmen (11-11-3-0) from moving into the WHL's Eastern Conference playoff picture. The rival Red Deer Rebels (12-10-0-3) remain two points ahead of them on 27 points in the eighth spot. The Raiders (14-13-0-2) are three points higher in the standings in fifth position. The decision also means the Hitmen have dropped five games in their last seven — with the two wins coming when they've sniped seven goals. “The outcome of the game — the quality of the game — wasn't as good as the fan support,” added Hamilton. “Well supported again by Calgarians, which is awesome. It's an annual thing that they always get behind. It speaks to the fans. It speaks to the community. It's a huge event.” LOOSE PUCKS D Reese Hamilton (lower-body) is out indefinitely due to injury … C Brandon Gorzynski was a scratch Sunday … Next up for the Hitmen is a visit from the Swift Current Broncos (13-11-1-2) on Wednesday at the Dome (7 p.m.). Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Hoilett scores Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss goal for second straight year Comments Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. 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Charities a winner, but Calgary club loses during annual WHL festive game It was so nice, he did it twice. Article content

As a sick kid, Calgary Hitmen rookie Wyatt Pisarczyk on receiving side of Western Hockey League's Teddy Bear Toss last year

Advertisement 1 Share this Story : As a sick kid, Hitmen rookie Wyatt Pisarczyk was on other side of Teddy Bear Toss last year As a sick kid, Hitmen rookie Wyatt Pisarczyk was on other side of Teddy Bear Toss last year Wyatt Pisarczyk warmed by annual charity game now as member of Calgary's WHL club Author of the article: Join the conversation Article content Wyatt Pisarczyk took in Sunday's cascade of stuffies a whole lot differently than his Calgary Hitmen teammates. Advertisement 2 Article content As a sick kid, Hitmen rookie Wyatt Pisarczyk was on other side of Teddy Bear Toss last year Back to video That's because the young defenceman has been on the other side of the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Article content That is the receiving part of the charity game, as a sick kid who was touched by the Hitmen's visit to the Alberta Children's Hospital. “It was awesome — it was a great moment,” Pisarczyk said of being on the ice for the barrage of bears during the festive tradition Sunday afternoon at Scotiabank Saddledome. “Just being on the other side of it warmed my heart,” the 16-year-old Western Hockey Leaguer continued. “Just being on the side where I'm receiving a teddy bear and now being able to motivate some of the kids in the hospital that everything's going to be good is special.” Very special. Advertisement 3 Article content It was just a year ago when 15-year-old Pisarczyk — then with the Airdrie CFR Under-18 AAA Bisons — was sidelined from hockey, recovering in hospital after slipping on an outdoor hockey rink and banging his head hard on the ice. The Hitmen's second-round pick in 2022 WHL Bantam Draft suffered a bleed in his head. Not a brain bleed, but blood that got between his skull and skin and spread quickly, forcing doctors to have to act fast. So he underwent immediate surgery to take blood out. “It was definitely tough,” recalled Pisarczyk, who was just returning to the ice from a hamstring injury. “I wasn't in the greatest state of mind. But my parents and all the doctors were great. They kept me positive. The biggest thing for me was it was just so hard to keep a good mind-set. Advertisement 4 Article content “I was in the children's hospital and they took really good care of me.” During rehab, the Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss came and went, and one day after the annual contest, the junior team made its usual rounds to deliver bears to sick kids at the ACH. Pisarczyk saw his future teammates out the window of his hospital room and not long after was brought a bear holding a team photo. “I saw it as a sign that I was going to be OK because I was in a pretty bad spot there,” said Pisarczyk, who was sidelined only six weeks after the delicate surgery. “I wasn't sure how long I was going to be out of hockey. It was tough times, but it definitely gave me the motivation to get better quick and made me definitely a lot more positive.” So when this year's toss came along and Pisarczyk was now a part of the team, he understood — first-hand — the meaning of the moment, when teammate London Hoilett ignited the barrage of bears with his goal 9:14 into the 5-2 loss to the Prince Albert Raiders. Advertisement 5 Article content It's just too bad he wasn't able to help deliver bears Monday. Instead, the high-school student was in class, wishing he could be a part of the extraordinary day. But his teammates are on the job, helping to do it in his name. “That's pretty unbelievable story and a pretty touching story, too,” Hitmen head coach Steve Hamilton said. “I think often you get numb to the impact of the little things and the difference made in the community. We're very fortunate to have the support that we do and potentially the impact that it has on people's lives and how it brings a smile. “For Wyatt and his situation last year, I think it was probably a sign that everything's going to be OK and that's pretty special. Now that he's one of ours and playing here, I imagine this was a pretty special day for him and his family.” Advertisement 6 Article content The total number of bears brought in from this year's toss was 21,233, bringing the near-three-decade total to 400,667. “For 29 seasons, our fans have backed this incredible charitable cause, and we would once again like to thank them for their tremendous support,” Hitmen manager of business operations Amy Bontorin said. “This game is a holiday tradition and the bears collected will have a significant impact in our local community.” Just as one did last year for Pisarczyk. The Airdrie kid is back playing the game he loves — now 21 games into his junior career — paired with talented teammate Carter Yakemchuk on the blue line and making a name for himself in the WHL. “It was pretty serious,” Pisarczyk added. “Nowhere near compared to the other kids who were near me in the hospital. Probably the hardest thing for me was seeing all the other kids there who had it way worse. “So it was just special in that moment. It definitely helped me out.” Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : As a sick kid, Hitmen rookie Wyatt Pisarczyk was on other side of Teddy Bear Toss last year Comments Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings Latest National Stories News Near Elliot Lake This Week in Flyers

Excitement builds, including the return of Shattuck-St. Mary's, for Under-18, 32-team hockey tournament

Excitement builds, including the return of Shattuck-St. Mary's, for Under-18, 32-team hockey tournament

Advertisement 1 Share this Story : 'Most competitive' Circle K Classic on tap; teams, pools unveiled for U18 tourney 'Most competitive' Circle K Classic on tap; teams, pools unveiled for U18 tourney Excitement builds, including the return of Shattuck-St. Mary's, for Under-18, 32-team hockey tournament Author of the article: Join the conversation Article content Fans jammed Max Bell Centre for the 2023 Circle K Classic final on New Year's Day. Advertisement 2 Article content 'Most competitive' Circle K Classic on tap; teams, pools unveiled for U18 tourney Back to video With the teams and player talent that are returning for the annual holiday-season hockey event one year later, the committee believes Calgarians will once again flock to the two arenas hosting the 2024 edition. Have your say Leave a comment and share your thoughts with our community. Article content Those teams — and the eight pools — were rolled out late Monday at KAK's Bar and Podcasts, signifying the countdown to the high-profile under-18 tournament, which begins Dec. 27 and runs through Jan. 1 at Max Bell Centre and 7 Chiefs Sportsplex. “I think we've made some good changes,” said first-year Circle K Classic GM of hockey operations Chris Leinweber, whose committee has gone with a more international flavour for this year's showcase. “But the competition and exposure is what brings these teams back,” continued Leinweber. “And then there's obviously the way they are treated here — the committee does a good job of making sure the teams are treated really well here.” Advertisement 3 Article content It's the second year for a 32-team field, and it features seven local squads, nine American teams and the return of Team Hungary. Of those squads from the United States, the return of high-profile Shattuck-St. Mary's from Minnesota is a massive get. Nine clubs will represent the ever-growing Canadian Sport School Hockey League, including the Edge School Mountaineers. There are six area Alberta Elite Hockey League Under-18 AAA squads. A trio of teams are coming from the B.C. Elite Hockey League. Three more hail from the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League. And there's the talented Burlington U18 AAA Eagles from Ontario. “It'll be the most competitive field the tournament has ever seen and really high-profile players this year,” Leinweber said. “If you look at the last year's Western Hockey League draft, we've got 17 of the 21 first-round picks players in this tournament.” Advertisement 4 Article content Those include the top-four selections in the 2023 pick-em. They are — Nos. 1 through 4, respectively — Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders) of Devon's Northern Alberta Xtreme, NAX teammate Riley Boychuk (Raiders), Okanagan Hockey Academy's Mathis Preston (Spokane Chiefs) and RINK Kelowna's Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals). “Daxon Rudolph played as an underage here last year,” Leinweber said. “A kid off Shattuck, Mikey Berchild, is going to be high-end. And from the Edge School, there's Ben MacBeath, who is drawing a lot of NCAA interest. He's high end.” Then there's a familiar name for Calgarians in Joe Iginla, son of legend Jarome and the current special advisor to GM Craig Conroy with the NHL's Flames. Advertisement 5 Article content The Iginlas will be here with RINK Kelowna. “And we've got some really good teams,” Leinweber said. “Obviously, Shattuck is going to be a huge one. The Calgary Royals are a top team this year. The Calgary Buffaloes (who lost last year's final 6-0 to two-time reigning champion SAHA) are always good. NAX is going to be a top team. Yale is the top-ranked team Canadian team right now, so they're going to be a good draw. The Edge, another Calgary team, is going to be another good one.” The teams are grouped like this: POOL 1 Calgary Northstars (AEHL U18 AAA) Edge School (CSSHL) Fraser Valley Thunderbirds (BCEHL U18AAA) Team Hungary (Europe) POOL 2 Calgary NW Flames (AEHL U18 AAA) Shattuck-St. Mary's (USA) Prince Albert Mintos (SMAAHL) OHA Penticton (CSSHL) Advertisement 6 Article content POOL 3 Edmonton Oilers Orange (CSSHL) Burlington Eagles (Ontario) RINK Kelowna (CSSHL) Phoenix Jr. Coyotes (USA) POOL 4 Calgary Buffaloes (AEHL U18 AAA) Detroit Victory Honda (USA) Swift Current Legionnaires (SMAAHL) Yale Lions (CSSHL) POOL 5 Airdrie CFR Bisons (AEHL U18 AAA) Warman Wildcats (SMAAHL) Bishop Kearney Selects (USA) Shawnigan Lake School (CSSHL) POOL 6 Okotoks Bowmark Oilers (AEHL U18 AAA) Northern Alberta Extreme (CSSHL) St. Louis AAA Blues (USA) Valley West Giants (BCEHL U18AAA) POOL 7 Calgary Royals (AEHL U18 AAA) Pittsburgh Pens Elite (USA) Vancouver NE Chiefs (BCEHL U18AAA) The Hill School (USA) POOL 8 Edmonton Oilers Blue (CSSHL) South Kent School (USA) Chicago Mission (USA) SAHA (CSSHL) Advertisement 7 Article content The noticeable change in teams is the absence of the AEHL's North Division squads — a hallmark of the tourney that dates back to 1978. But getting Shattuck-St. Mary's — four-time champions of this event in 1999, 2000, '01 and '02 — back is quite the coup for the committee. “It took a lot of work — probably three years of conversations,” Leinweber said. “They wanted to come last year, and they were doing a European trip. But just constant communication with (head coach) Tom Ward, who runs their program and is a really good guy. He was here when the team was here lots of years ago. “I think the picture from last year of players playing in front of full stadiums and the exposure that these kids are getting and then the competition level of the teams in Western Canada is what brought them back.” Meanwhile, Hungary returning was already written up in the weeks following last year's visit. “They'll probably say they want to come back already,” added Leinweber. “They use this is a recruiting opportunity for their kids. This is a highlight of their hockey career. A lot of their kids may go on to play pro hockey and some might play in world juniors. They're happy to be back, for sure.” Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : 'Most competitive' Circle K Classic on tap; teams, pools unveiled for U18 tourney Comments Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings Latest National Stories News Near Elliot Lake This Week in Flyers

Texan's 'ability to inspire players and fans' was vital part of CEBL's first-year success Article content