Hitmen look for rebound on road swing

The home fires burned the Calgary Hitmen to start the season.

The Western Hockey League club won just once in a half-dozen games at the Saddledome, picking up just four points on the home stand. So, now what?

How about a lengthy road trip to try to turn around the earlyseason struggles?

The Hitmen, in what is clearly a rebuilding year, are 1-5-2 to open the 2018-19 WHL campaign and looking for some sort of spark.

“It seems like we’ve been at home for a long time,” said Hitmen head coach Steve Hamilton Sunday, following the second of two overtime losses — a 4-3 drop to the Regina Pats — during the five-game stretch. “I think when you go on the road, although it’s a challenge, you have a tendency to rally up and be together, and it’s probably the right time for us.”

The Hitmen embark on a four-game road swing through Saskatchewan, beginning with Tuesday ’s tilt against the Prince Albert Raiders (7 p.m.). They also play the Saskatoon Blades Wednesday (7 p.m.), the Moose Jaw Warriors Friday (7 p.m.) and the Brandon Wheat Kings Saturday (6:30 p.m.).

The Hitmen then head north to face the Red Deer Rebels Oct. 23 (7 p.m.) before returning to play the Lethbridge Hurricanes at home Oct. 26 (7 p.m.).

“I think the guys will enjoy it on the bus,” said newly acquired Hitmen forward Kaden Elder,

I think when you go on the road, although it’s a challenge, you have a tendency to rally up.

an overage WHLer. “Having the guys kind of bond is definitely a big thing for a team, especially when things aren’t going your way. We need to get some laughs and get some guys back in their own comfort zone.

“So I think it’ll definitely be good to get back on the road and get back to feeling confident again.”