2012-13 Record: 46-21-1-4 (Lost to Edmonton in Conference Finals)
The Hitmen were one game away from the WHL Finals last year, and though offense was at a premium (particularly in the playoffs), there is still much promise to this year's Hitmen squad. Cody Sylvester, Brooks Macek, and Spencer Humphries will not return, as all three graduate. Assuming Brady Brassart returns, he will be the leading scorer that returns from last year's squad. Victor Rask is also not returning, as he is likely heading to the pros and the Carolina Hurricanes' system, and taking his place as one of two imports is Radel Fazleyev, who will be joining Pavlo Padakin as the imports on the team. The biggest hope for offense this year is Jake Virtanen, who will be ready to assume a larger role on the team that had a fair share of veterans. Chris Driedger will return, and that means the Hitmen's goaltending situation is in good hands, with Mack Shields ready to fill in when needed. The Hitmen ranked third in the Conference in goals scored (266) and were tied for third in goals against (204, with Red Deer).
Prediction: 3rd in the Eastern Conference
The Hitmen have a chance to win the Central Division this year, but Edmonton isn't ready to give that up without a fight, and the Hitmen may not have enough to overtake them in the division. Don't be surprised if the Hitmen do take the division, though, as they gave Edmonton a heck of a fight in the Conference Finals last year, and with a slightly weaker Oil Kings team from last year, it could be Calgary's for the taking.
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