RASMUS ANDERSSON
MESSAGE FROM THE
PUBLISHER
Welcome to our final edition of the Calgary Hockey Magazine for the 2024-2025 season!
In this issue, we have a feature interview with Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, whose goal this season was summed up in three words, “make the playoffs.”
We have a feature on another Calgary defenseman, Carter Yakemchuk, from the Calgary Hitmen. Yakemchuk is the 7th overall pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, and having a great season, averaging a point per game with the Hitmen.
We have a feature on yet another Calgary defenseman, Auren Halbert, who helped Team Canada capture a gold medal at the World Para Ice Hockey Championships, which took place in Calgary last May. Halbert talked to us about his gold medal winning experience, and winning the championship on home ice, in Calgary.
Calgary boasts another big hockey tournament, the Centennial Cup, which takes place place from May 8 - 18 at the Max Bell Centre, featuring the top teams from the Canadian Junior Hockey League.
That’s all for this edition, so until next hockey season, best wishes to everyone for spring and summer, and see you in the fall!
ROB SUGGITT I Publisher Calgary Hockey Magazine
President & Publisher: Rob Suggitt
Graphic Designer: Kate Suggitt
Contributing Writer: Jeremy Freeborn
Copy Editing: Michele Suggitt
Sales Associate: Jeremy Freeborn
Accounting Manager: Amber-Lea Grmek
Cover Photo Provided By: Calgary Flames Hockey Club
Photography Credits: Calgary Flames Hockey Club
Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club
Mike Bernard - Hockey Canada Images
The Calgary Hockey Magazine is published by Suggitt Publishers
By DCM Calgary
Proudly Printed in Canada
An Interview with:
ANDERSSON RASMUS
BY JEREMY FREEBORN
Believe it or not, but Rasmus Andersson has now been in the Calgary Flames organization for a full decade. When the Flames took a chance on the blueliner in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, there was a lot to like about his playmaking ability. In two seasons with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League, Andersson had 103 assists in 131 games. Even though Andersson has not transformed into an elite offensive minded defenseman in his nine seasons in a Flames uniform, his will power and determination have made him an elite shot blocker in the National Hockey League.
photos provided by Calgary Flames Hockey Club
Andersson’s ability to get in front of opposing shots has helped define his career. In 512 NHL regular season games, he has 834 blocked shots. Andersson’s 141 blocked shots this season is fourth in the NHL. He is only behind Ian Cole of the Utah Hockey Club (154), Jacob Trouba of the Anaheim Ducks (153), and former Flames defenseman Chris Tanev of the Toronto Maple Leafs (151). Andersson’s 588 blocked shots over the last four seasons are the ninth most in the NHL in that span. The leaders in that period are Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden Knights and Trouba with 709 each.
In the 2015 National Hockey League Entry Draft, the Calgary Flames did not have a first-round pick. They had traded their selection to the Boston Bruins for defenseman Dougie Hamilton on June 26, 2015. In fact, the Flames traded two of their second-round picks in 2015 as well. Luckily for the Flames, they had two other second round picks in 2015 that they acquired in transactions with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vancouver Canucks. It is around this time that former Flames general manager Brad Treliving made defense a priority, as they selected Swedish blueliners Rasmus Andersson 53rd overall, and Oliver Kylington 60th overall.
The 2015 NHL Draft was a deep draft indeed. While the Edmonton Oilers made headlines a decade ago in selecting Connor McDavid first overall, there were notable players selected in the second round where Andersson was taken.The Carolina Hurricanes picked left winger Sebastian Aho 35th overall, the New Jersey Devils drafted goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood 42nd overall, and the Dallas Stars selected Finnish left winger Roope Hintz 49th overall.
There were also seven Swedish players chosen in the first two rounds of the 2015 NHL Draft. In addition to Andersson and Kylington, the other five players were Joel Eriksson Ek (20th overall by the Minnesota Wild), defenseman Jacob Larsson (27th overall by the Anaheim Ducks), defenseman Gabriel Carlsson (29th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets), Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (45th overall by the Bruins), and Kevin Stenlund (58th overall by the Blue Jackets). It is fair to say that of those seven players, Eriksson Ek and Andersson were clearly the best.
This season I had a chance to interview Andersson following a Flames practice. He was disappointed with how last year turned out. The Flames only had 81 points, and missed the playoffs by 18 points. As we move toward the playoff stretch in 2024-25, Calgary is in the thick of things for a postseason berth. At press time, they in fact have 64 points, and are one point up on the Canucks for the eighth and final spot.
“We are trying to bounce back this year,” states Andersson. “I have a good feeling.”
It is clear that Andersson should because this Flames organization is one on the rise. They have a mixture of younger players (Connor Zary, Matthew Coronato, and goaltender Dustin Wolf), and experienced veterans (Mikael Backlund, Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman). At 28 years of age, Andersson is entering the prime of his NHL career, and is considered along with Weegar, the two Flames defensemen with the most experience. They have both eclipsed 500 NHL career games this season.
So how did Andersson get involved in hockey when there are so many different sporting options in his home country of Sweden?
“I did a little bit of everything,” states Andersson. “I played football, real football (what we call soccer in North America), for many years and loved it. I came from a hockey family, and the path was always pretty easy. I fell in love with the game before I even knew it.”
Rasmus’s father Peter played two NHL seasons with the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers from 1992 to 1994, and Rasmus’s brother Calle was drafted in the fourth round by the Rangers in the 2012 NHL Draft. Rasmus talks about what it was like having a father make it to the NHL.
“It was great. I grew up watching my dad play (in Sweden and Switzerland after he played in the NHL). He helped me quite a bit throughout my career. We talk pretty much daily about my game, about his game. It is a huge help.”
For Andersson it was very meaningful for him to be drafted and join the Flames. However, he realized at an early age that there was a lot of work to do. It was one thing to hear his name called by the Flames.
“
Be good in all three zones. Make the top players defend and play in their end. The top players are supposed to play in your end, and you should try and make them play in their own end as much as possible. When you see the top guys getting frustrated, it is always fun.
- Andersson on what it takes to be an effective defenseman
“
It was another to make the NHL. Andersson has put together an effective career, where he has had 44 goals and 177 assists for 221 points in 512 games. Andersson’s most effective season with the Flames came in 2021-22. During a season where the Flames had incredible success even strength (Johnny Gaudreau led the NHL with a +64), Andersson was a +30 and had a career high 50 points.
Andersson now knows his role with the Flames is different from when he first started. He is a leader now, and younger Flames players are asking him for advice.
“I am comfortable with that,” he says. “I try to look back at what I learned from Mark Giordano, and other defensemen who helped me when I was a young guy. I try to do a lot for the young guys as well. I try to make them feel welcome to the team.”
Andersson also has high admiration for another Swede on the Flames, captain Mikael Backlund.
“He is such a good guy, and such a great leader. He has helped me a lot throughout my years here. I owe Backs quite a bit, and he has taken care of me since day one.”
It is very special for Andersson to be a defenseman for the Flames, and he does not take it for granted.
“I love playing for the Flames. I don’t look very far ahead. I just try to take it day-by-day.”
As for his goal this season, Andersson gave me a three-word answer.
“Make the playoffs.”
The Flames are in the position to do just that.
AUREN HALBERT
GOLD MEDAL WINNER AT THE PARA-HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS
BY
Playing the sport of ice hockey is a significant challenge. One needs to learn to be an exceptional skater, and combine mental aptitude and physical skill. Decisions are made quickly on the ice and those that deliver the most accurate shot, make the timely save, and deliver the impressive pass achieve the most success.
However, not all hockey players play hockey only on skates. In the sport of para ice hockey, players move around the ice on sleds and use sticks not only to shoot the puck, but help them manoeuvre around the ice as well. It is a super challenging sport to participate in, and is significantly more challenging for those with a disability.
Auren Halbert of Calgary is on the Canadian Para Ice Hockey Team. A defenseman, he loves the speed and physicality that the sport offers. Halbert is a high-performance athlete with only one leg. At birth, Halbert was born with a congenital condition as he had no femur in his left leg. At the age of one, Auren had his leg amputated, and since then he has been wearing a prothesis.
Halbert loved watching hockey growing up. One time his parents saw a story about para ice hockey on the news. They approached Auren and asked if he would like to give the sport a try. Once Auren went on the ice for the first time, he loved the sport instantly.
Auren played for the Calgary Venom Sledge Hockey team growing up. He has received significant support from family and friends. Auren’s father Alan is the president of the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association. At the age of nine, Auren had the dream of making Team Canada by the age of 14. At the time, the goal could have been considered lofty. By 2019, and Auren at the age of 16, he was able to achieve his dream and represent Canada at a two-game series against the United States in Indian Trail, North Carolina and the Canadian Para Ice Hockey Cup in Paradise, Newfoundland. Team Canada reached the gold medal game before losing to the United States 2-1.
Auren recently spoke to Calgary Hockey Magazine. As a participant of the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships in Calgary, he was thrilled just to be part of the team.
“It’s an amazing experience,” states Halbert. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities to play some really great hockey. It’s a pleasure to be on the ice with such great players.”
Halbert discusses the challenges of playing defense at the international level.
“Defense is definitely an interesting position in sledge hockey,” claims Halbert. “You cannot skate backwards. It is a game of angles. I come from playing forward. Playing defense has become second nature to me now.”
Canada’s biggest rival in para ice hockey remains the United States. Halbert discusses what impresses him the most about the American squad.
“I think they are a really resilient team,” claims Halbert. “They have a lot of talent. They have good depth, and it is always a fun game against them.”
Halbert is confident Team Canada is on the rise.
“I think we are always improving,” Halbert believes. “We are always working hard in the off-seasons. During the season, we just keep on getting better.”
The hard off-season training paid dividends a year ago. At the 2023 World Para Ice Hockey Championships in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada was spanked 6-1 by the United States in the gold medal game. It was the most lopsided defeat that Team Canada has ever suffered in the gold medal game of the World Para Ice Hockey Championships. Speaking of resiliency, we saw a significant amount of that specific character trait and tenacity by Team Canada at the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships in Calgary. In the 2024 gold medal game, Canada actually beat the United States 2-1 in the championship final.
JEREMY FREEBORN photos provided by MIKE BERNARD I HOCKEY CANADA IMAGES
At a personal level, Halbert has won one gold medal and two silver medals for Team Canada at the World Para Ice Hockey Championships. In addition to helping Canada win the silver medal in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 2023, he also helped Canada win the silver medal at the 2021 World Para Ice Hockey Championships in Ostrava, Czechia.
In 14 games at the World Para Ice Hockey Championships, Halbert has four goals and five assists for nine points. He is a +22 with six penalty minutes, with 21 shots on goal. One remarkable statistic came in Canada’s 19-0 win over Japan at the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships in Calgary. Halbert was actually a +10 and helped limit Japan to only one shot on goal the entire game.
Even though Halbert has been on Team Canada since 2019, there is no guarantee he will be representing Team Canada at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo. That is because Halbert knows firsthand about being cut from the national team right before para ice hockey’s biggest international tournament. That is what happened to him preceding the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing, as Canada went with experienced defender Adam Dixon of Midland, Ontario, who had been on Team Canada at the previous two Paralympic Winter Games in 2014 in Sochi and 2018 in Pyeongchang.
For Halbert, not making the Paralympic team, made him realize he needed to go back to the gym and work out even harder, and get as much practice time on the ice as possible.
Canadian head coach Russ Herrington loves what he sees. Herrington praises Halbert’s speed, puck skills, work ethic and ability to shoot and pass the puck. He has even compared Halbert’s overall skills to those of Calgary native Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, who one could argue is the best defenseman in the National Hockey League.
When I asked Halbert what he needs to do to make Team Canada at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo, Auren offered the following response.
“I just got to keep focused on the process,” he states. “Just keep working everyday, and not taking the off-season lightly, and keep putting in the effort.”
Halbert has the potential to be a major part of the Canadian Para Ice Hockey Team for years to come. His hard work as of late is paying off with noticeable praise and awards.
Auren Halbert at 12 years old, with his idol Derek Whitson, who played for Team Canada. Auren with Derek Whitson, after winning gold at the World Championships in May 2024.
TOP 30 NHL
HITMEN ALUMNI PLAYERS CALGARY WHO ARE
BY JEREMY FREEBORN
This is a special season for the Calgary Hitmen as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. Our publication decided to come up with a unique list. Before you send an email to the editor complaining about a player being omitted, keep one thing in mind. This is not a list of the top 30 Calgary Hitmen players of all-time. This is a list of the top hockey players ever who are Calgary Hitmen alumni. It has been the primary goal of the Hitmen organization to help teenage hockey players become great players. The goal is about development and helping players succeed at the next level of hockey. Here is our list!
30 Stephen Peat
Considered an enforcer throughout his hockey career, Peat recorded 100 penalty minutes with the Hitmen in 23 games in 1999-2000. In the NHL with the Washington Capitals, he had 234 penalty minutes in 130 games from 2001 to 2006. Peat also had eight goals and two assists for 10 points.
29 Justin Pogge
A star goaltender with the Hitmen in 2005-06, Pogge only won one NHL game with the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, he played six seasons in the American Hockey League, six seasons in Sweden, four seasons in Germany and one season each in Russia and Italy.
28 Chris Nielsen
The only Tanzanian born player in NHL history, Nielsen played five seasons with the Hitmen from 1995 to 2000. He went on to play 52 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2000 to 2002, and had six goals and eight assists for 14 points.
26 Yegor Zemula
26 Mark Kastelic
The Hitmen leading scorer in 201819 (47 goals and 30 assists for 77 points), Kastelic has had 38 points and 265 penalty minutes in 192 NHL games with the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins since 2021.
A defenseman from Chelyabinsk, Russia, Kastelic played three seasons with the Hitmen from 2017 to 2020. In 131 games with the Flyers, he has eight goals and 28 assists for 36 points.
25 Justin Falk
A native of Snowflake, Manitoba, Falk played two seasons with the Hitmen from 2004-06. Not to be confused with Blues defenseman Justin Faulk, the blueliner played 279 NHL games with the Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators from 2009 to 2019. He had three goals and 30 assists for 33 points, 334 blocked shots and 503 hits.
24 Beck Malenstyn
A left winger from Delta, British Columbia, Malenstyn played five seasons for the Hitmen from 2013-18. He was second with the Hitmen in points in 2016-17 with 56 points (32 goals and 24 assists). Malenstyn has gone on to play five seasons with the Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres, where he has 33 points (12 goals and 21 assists) in 155 games.
23 Brandon Segal
A right winger from Richmond, British Columbia, Segal played five seasons with the Hitmen from 1999 to 2004. He had 83 points with Calgary in 2001-02. Segal went on to play 103 games in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars and New York Rangers from 2008-2013 and had 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points.
22 Pavel Brendl
A right winger from Opocno, Czech Republic, Brendl played three seasons for the Hitmen from 1998 to 2001. While with the Hitmen, he was sensational offensively. In 1998-99, Brendl had 73 goals and 61 assists for 134 points. Brendl’s 73 goals and 134 points are single season Hitmen franchise records. He then had 59 goals and 52 assists for 111 points in 1999-2000. Brendl is best recognized as being the fourth overall pick by the New York Rangers in the 1999 NHL Draft. However, he never played for the Rangers as he was among a package sent to the Philadelphia Flyers for Eric Lindros on August 20, 2001. In 78 games with the Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes and Phoenix Coyotes from 2001 to 2006, he had only 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points.
21 Ryan White
The forward from Brandon, Manitoba led the Hitmen in scoring in 2006-07 (89 points), and tied for the team lead in points in 2007-08 with Kyle Bortis (72 points). White played 313 NHL games from 2009 to 2017 with the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Arizona Coyotes and Minnesota Wild. He had 31 goals and 30 assists for 61 points and 819 hits.
20 Paul Postma
In 2008-09, Postma, a native of Red Deer, Alberta tied Matt Kinch of Red Deer for the Hitmen record for most points by a defenseman in a season (84). He went on to play 205 NHL games with the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets and Boston Bruins from 2010 to 2018. Postma had 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points and 153 blocked shots.
18 Kris Beech
19 Darcy Hordichuk
The left winger from Kamsack, Saskatchewan played three games for the Hitmen in 1996-97. Hordichuk went on to play 12 seasons in the NHL with the Atlanta Thrashers, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers from 2000 to 2013. In 542 games, he had 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points and 1140 penalty minutes.
The centre from Salmon Arm, British Columbia played five seasons for the Hitmen from 1996 to 2001. Beech’s best WHL season came in 1999-2000, when he had 86 points. Beech played 198 NHL games from 2000 to 2008 with the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks. He had 25 goals and 42 assists for 67 points in 198 games.
17 Jerred Smithson
The centre from Vernon, British Columbia played five seasons with the Hitmen from 1995 to 2000. An enforcer in his last two WHL seasons, (219 penalty minutes in 129 games), Smithson played 606 NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs from 2002 to 2014. He had 39 goals and 57 assists for 96 points.
16 Fredrik Sjostrom
The right winger from Fargelanda, Sweden played two seasons with the Hitmen from 2001 to 2003. He led the Hitmen in goals (34), assists (43), and points (77) in 2002-03. From 2003 to 2011, Sjostrom played 489 NHL games with the Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs. He had 46 goals and 58 assists for 104 points. Sjostrom also had a hat trick on October 11, 2007, in a 6-3 Coyotes win over the Nashville Predators.
Proud payment partner of Hockey Canada for over 24 years
•Safe & Secure: Your transactions are protected so you can focus on the game.
•Efficient: Streamlined payments mean less time worrying and more time playing.
•User-Friendly: We make it easy to understand every step of the payment process.
•Experts: The only payment company dedicated to amateur sport - it is all we do.
15 Matt Pettinger
The left winger from Edmonton played one season with the Hitmen in 1999-2000. He had 14 goals and six assists for 20 points in 27 games. Pettinger went on to play nine seasons in the NHL with the Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks, and Tampa Bay Lightning. In 422 NHL games, he had 65 goals and 58 assists for 123 points. Eleven of his 123 points were shorthanded.
14 Chris Driedger
The goaltender from Winnipeg played three seasons for the Hitmen from 2011 to 2014. In that time, he won 78 games. In seven NHL seasons with the Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers and Seattle Kraken from 2014 to 2024, Driedger has a record of 31 wins, 24 regulation losses and five losses in extra time, along with five shutouts, a goals against average of 2.45 and a save percentage of .917.
13 Jake Bean
A defenseman from Calgary played four seasons with the Hitmen from 2014 to 2018. During his time in the WHL, Bean was selected 13th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2016 NHL Draft. In six NHL seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, he has 15 goals and 48 assists for 63 points with 250 blocked shots in 238 games.
12 Jake Virtanen
A right winger from Langley, British Columbia, Virtanen played four seasons with the Hitmen from 2011 to 2015. In 2013-14, he led the Hitmen with 45 goals, and that same year was the Canucks’s first round pick, sixth overall, in the NHL Draft. Virtanen played six seasons with the Canucks from 2015 to 2021, and had 55 goals and 45 assists for 100 points with 640 hits in 317 games.
11 Jeff Schultz
A defenseman from Calgary, Schultz played four seasons with the Hitmen from 2002 to 2006. He played 409 games with the Washington Capitals and Los Angeles Kings, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2014. A former first round pick (27th overall by Washington in 2004), Schultz had 11 goals and 65 assists for 76 points in 409 games. While with the Capitals in 2009-10, he led the NHL with a +50.
10 T.J. Galiardi
A left winger from Calgary, Galiardi played one season for the Hitmen in 2007-08, where he led the team with 52 assists. He went on to play seven seasons in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets from 2008 to 2015. In 321 games, Galiardi had 44 goals and 61 assists for 105 points. Galiardi’s best NHL season was in 2009-10 with Colorado, when he had 39 points in 70 games.
9 Victor Rask
The centre from Leksand, Sweden played two seasons with the Hitmen from 2011 to 2013. Rask averaged more than a point per game as he had 104 points (47 goals and 57 assists) in 101 games. In 506 NHL games, Rask had 89 goals and 134 assists for 223 points with the Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild and Seattle Kraken from 2014 to 2022. In back-to-back seasons in Carolina, Rask eclipsed 40 points as he had 48 points in 2015-16, and 45 points in 2016-17.
8 Karl Alzner
A defenseman from Burnaby, British Columbia, Alzner played five seasons with the Hitmen from 2003 to 2008. He went on to win two Calder Cups with the Hershey Bears in 2009 and 2010, and played 12 NHL seasons from 2008 to 2020 with the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens. A first-round pick (fifth overall) by the Capitals in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Alzner had 20 goals and 110 assists for 130 points in 686 games. He had 1279 blocked shots and 843 hits in his career.
7 Michael Stone
A defenseman from Winnipeg, Stone played four seasons with the Hitmen from 2006 to 2010. In his last two WHL seasons, he had a total of 40 goals and 86 assists for 126 points in 138 games. During 552 NHL regular season games with the Coyotes and Calgary Flames from 2011 to 2023, Stone had 41 goals and 104 assists for 145 points. An interesting statistic is the fact he reached 1000 in blocked shots (1002) and hits (1011).
6 Johnny Boychuk
A defenseman from Edmonton, Boychuk played four seasons with the Hitmen from 1999 to 2003. He played 13 NHL seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins and New York Islanders from 2007 to 2020. In 725 games, Boychuk had 54 goals and 152 assists for 206 points. He also was a +123 with 1326 blocked shots and 1475 hits, and won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.
5 Martin Jones
A goaltender from North Vancouver, British Columbia, Jones played four seasons with the Hitmen from 2006 to 2010. In his last two seasons he won 81 games and had 15 shutouts. In 466 games with the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken and Toronto Maple Leafs from 2013 to 2024, Jones had a record of 236 wins, 171 regulation losses and 36 losses in extra time with 30 shutouts, a goals against average of 2.71 and save percentage of .905.
4 Brad Stuart
A defenseman from Rocky Mountain House, Stuart played one season for the Hitmen in 1998-99. He had 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 30 games. Stuart played 16 seasons in the NHL from 1999 to 2016 with the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche. A Stanley Cup champion with the Red Wings in 2008, Stuart played 1056 games and had 80 goals and 255 assists for 335 points. He was also a runner up to Scott Gomez for the 2000 Calder Trophy while with the Sharks after being the third overall pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Stuart was only selected behind Vincent LeCavalier and David Legwand.
3 Travis Sanheim
A defenseman from Elkhorn, Manitoba, Sanheim played three seasons for the Hitmen from 2013 to 2016. In his last two seasons, he had 30 goals and 103 assists for 133 points in 119 games. He has played his entire career with the Flyers, and was Philadelphia’s first round pick, 17th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. In 554 games, Sanheim has 52 goals and 158 assists for 210 points. Sanheim’s defensive prowess was recognized by Team Canada management for the Four Nations Faceoff this past February.
2 Andrew Ladd
A left winger from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Ladd played two seasons with the Hitmen from 2003 to 2005 and had 49 goals and 71 assists for 120 points in 136 games. In 2004, Ladd was the Carolina Hurricanes’s first round pick, 4th overall, in the 2004 NHL Draft. He went on to play 1001 NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, New York Islanders and Arizona Coyotes from 2005 to 2022. Ladd had 256 goals and 294 assists for 550 points. He won a Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006 and with the Blackhawks in 2010.
1 Ryan Getzlaf
A centre from Regina, Saskatchewan, Getzlaf had 215 points in 233 games with the Hitmen from 2001 to 2005. Considered the best player in the history of the Anaheim Ducks organization, he is the team’s all-time leader in games played (1157), assists (737), and points (1019). A three-time All-Star, he played 17 seasons in Anaheim, scored 282 goals and won the 2007 Stanley Cup with the Ducks.
YAKEMCHUK
CARTER CALGARY with the
HITMEN
BY JEREMY FREEBORN
Over the last two Western Hockey League seasons, one of the most prominent players on the Calgary Hitmen has come from the blueline. Defenseman Carter Yakemchuk has provided the Hitmen franchise with a combination of offensive skill and defensive stability. As a result, the 19-year-old hockey prospect is now in the conversation as one of hockey’s top prospects that hockey fans need to keep an eye on.
The National Hockey League franchise that currently has Yakemchuk’s rights are the Ottawa Senators. They selected Yakemchuk in the first round, seventh overall, in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Yakemchuk was the second defenseman selected in the draft, only behind Artyom Levshunov of Michigan State University, who was selected second overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Yakemchuk’s selection might have come a little bit under the radar for Calgary sports fans. That is because with the sixth pick, the Utah Hockey Club selected Tij Iginla, son of Calgary Flames legend, Jarome Iginla.
This past year, Yakemchuk was one of four hockey players who were shockingly not chosen for Team Canada’s National Junior Team roster for the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa. He was joined by Calgary Flames prospect defenseman Zayne Parekh (ninth overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft), Spokane Chiefs left winger Andrew Cristall (WHL leading scorer) and Saginaw Spirit left winger Michael Misa (OHL leading scorer). Without Yakemchuk, Parekh, Cristall and Misa, the Canadian team chosen struggled mightily offensively, were unable to beat Latvia, and failed to earn a medal.
In February, I had the opportunity to speak to Yakemchuk after a 3-2 Hitmen overtime win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Yakemchuk displayed the type of skill Team Canada significantly missed a month earlier. He exemplified terrific puck-handling skills and provided the Hitmen with exemplary leadership on a squad that has Memorial Cup aspirations. Yakemchuk got a primary assist on the game-winning goal by Hitmen center Oliver Tulk, who at 5’8”, leads the team with 89 points.
When asked what it is like to hear praise for his overall skillset, Yakemchuk offered the following response and deflected some of the compliments.
“That is obviously really cool to hear,” stated Yakemchuk. “We have such a strong group here, and such an amazing team.”
Just how strong have the Calgary Hitmen been this season? Well, they are in the conversation for the Ed Chynoweth Cup, which is presented annually to the Western Hockey League champions. At this time the Hitmen are in second place in the WHL standings with 75 points. They have a record of 35 wins, 15 regulation losses, and five losses in extra time.
The Hitmen also have the fourth most points in the WHL. The only teams with more points are the Everett Silvertips (led by star defenseman and Calgary native Landon Dupont) with 85, the Central Division leading Medicine Hat Tigers with 78, and the Spokane Chiefs with 76 points.
Carter got involved in hockey through his dad, Robin. At the age of 10, Carter moved with his family from Fort McMurray to Calgary. Even though they settled in southern Alberta, Robin made frequent trips to Fort McMurray, where he owned two Burger Kings. Being from northern Alberta initially, Carter has always been a fan of the Edmonton Oilers. He even continued to cheer for the Oilers this past season before being drafted by the Senators.
Upon moving to Calgary, Carter played for the Springbank Rockies. Prior to joining the Hitmen in 2021, he played two seasons with the Calgary Flames U15 AAA team of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League from 2018 to 2020, the Northwest Calgary Athletic Association Stampeders U16 AAA team of the Alberta Minor Midget Hockey League from 2019 to 2020, and the Calgary Flames AAA U18 team of the Alberta Elite Hockey League in 2020 to 2021.
Carter did not play much with the Calgary Flames U18 AAA team as the season was limited due to the coronavirus pandemic. He had two significant seasons with the Calgary Flames U15 AAA team where he had 11 goals and 28 assists for 39 points in 65 regular season games, and eight points in 15 playoff games.
In 2020, Yakemchuk was selected in the third round, 65th overall by the Hitmen in the WHL Bantam Draft. It was very meaningful for him to remain in Calgary.
photos provided by CALGARY HITMEN HOCKEY CLUB
“That was super, super cool,” stated Carter. “My parents, friends and family are able to come out to all of the games.”
While with the Hitmen, Yakemchuk has taken his game to a whole new level. He had 19 goals and 28 assists for 47 points in 67 games in 2022-23, and then 30 goals and 41 assists for 71 points in 66 games during the 2023-24 season. During the 2024-25 season, the blueliner is averaging close to a point per game as he has 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points in 43 games.
Yakemchuk has the Hitmen single season record for most goals by a defenseman in a season (30 in 2023-24), and most goals by a Hitmen defenseman in a career (68). Meanwhile, current Calgary Flames defenseman Jake Bean of Calgary had the old Hitmen record for goals in a season by a defenseman, as he had 24 goals in 2015-16, and Matt Kinch of Red Deer had the old Hitmen record for goals in a season by a defenseman in a career, as he had 63 goals from 1996 to 2001.
Yakemchuk talks about making Hitmen history and in particular breaking Bean’s record.
“Yeah, it was super cool to get that record,” he explained.
There is no doubt defense can be a challenging position to play.
Yakemchuk discusses just how difficult it is.
“There are a lot of skilled guys in this league,” he states. “They make it a challenge every night.”
In the future, Yakemchuk is thrilled to join a Senators team that is in playoff contention in the NHL’s Eastern Conference this year.
“It was pretty cool to be selected by them. It was an amazing day for my family and myself. It was awesome. My family was so happy for me when they heard my name called.”
Yakemchuk is currently working on his skating skills, and play without the puck. As for this season, Yakemchuk’s goal is to win a championship. The Hitmen have never won the Memorial Cup.
“I think we have the team to do it this year,” he states. “That would be very special.”
In the future, Yakemchuk’s goal is to play in the National Hockey League. At 6’4”, 205 pounds, he is only 19 years of age, but has the capability of being an intimidating presence at the professional level.
Get your Centennial Cup tickets today! Joker is proud to support our Calgary Canucks!
custom manufacturing, design, and online team stores: TEAMS LEAGUES SCHOOLS ASSOCIATIONS
CALGARY TO HOST CENTENNIAL CUP THE 2025
For the first time, Calgary is hosting the 2025 Centennial Cup. Canada’s best National Junior A teams will be playing at Max Bell Arena from May 8-18. In addition to the host Calgary Canucks, there will be league champions from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the Quebec Junior Hockey League, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Maritime Hockey League, the Central Canada Hockey League, the Superior International Junior Hockey League and the Central Canada Hockey League participating.
The Canucks have won one Centennial Cup in 1995 in Gloucester, Ontario. The Canucks were led by tournament all-star defenseman Mitch Ferguson. Recognized as an enforcer, Ferguson had 587 penalty minutes over three seasons with the Canucks before going on to play two seasons with the SAIT Trojans.
Other AJHL teams to win the Centennial Cup have been the Red Deer Rustlers (1971 and 1980), the Spruce Grove Mets (1975), Olds Grizzlys (1994), Fort McMurray Oil Barons (2000), Camrose Kodiaks (2001), Brooks Bandits (2013, 2019, 2022 and 2023).
Max Bell Arena has hosted some prestigious sporting events in the past. They include curling and short track speed skating as demonstration sports at the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, the 1995 Scott Tournament of Hearts, the Circle K Cup (formerly known as the Mac’s Midget Hockey Tournament), as well as notable lacrosse and roller hockey games over the years.
To get tickets for the 2025 Centennial Cup, go to: www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/national-championships/men/ national-junior-a/2025/tickets.
Hockey isn’t just a game—it’s who we are.
At Canalta Hotels, our passion for hockey runs deep. As the proud owners of the AJHL Drumheller Dragons, we’re not just fans—we’re part of the game. And just like hockey, our commitment to excellence never wavers.
That’s why we offer our signature 7-star service to every guest, ensuring an unbeatable stay for teams, families, and fans alike.
With three Canalta Hotels in Cochrane, Airdrie, and High River, we’re right where you need us—close to Calgary’s rinks and ready to welcome you with exceptional hospitality.
Proudly Canadian owned & operated
