The Calgary Assassins have returned from a successful trip to the United States.

Despite playing six games in nine days, the Hitmen managed to come away with nine of a possible 12 points.

Forward Max Muranov capped the trip by scoring the overtime winner against Wenatchee on Saturday night.

He says it made the trip even more special.

“It’s the best feeling, coming off the road with the overtime win. The bus was loud,” he said.

Team bonding

The Hitmen are now tied for second in the Central Division with the Medicine Hat Tigers.

They are just one point behind the first place Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Goalkeeper Eric Tu says the trip to the US brought the team closer.

“It was great for our team’s confidence and for us to become more of a team,” the 16-year-old said.

“Obviously winning some hockey games was unreal. It was great for our team culture and it also helped us in the standings, so that’s huge.”

Easy program

After that grueling journey, the Hitmen get a much-needed break in the schedule.

Head coach Paul McFarland says his team needs to build on their successful trip to the US.

“These results have given us more confidence and now it’s up to us to hold on,” he said.

“Obviously we’ve got a bit of a break in our schedule with one game over the next 12 days so it’s a good opportunity for us to practice and get back to some of the fundamentals and details of our game but also to keep that confidence. and the belief that we were able to build on the journey.”

Assassins acquire veteran defender

The Hitmen bolstered their lineup by acquiring 20-year-old defenseman Kalem Parker from the Moose Jaw Warriors for 2009 prospect Nathan Gardiner, a second-round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft and a third- and seventh-round pick in 2027.

Parker was surprised to be traded, but is happy to be in Calgary, although he says the road from Moose Jaw has been a bit bumpy.

“I got to Brooks last night and my dad called and said Highway 1 was closed after Brooks, so I spent the night there in Brooks,” the veteran linebacker said.

“Then this morning about 40 minutes into the drive I slid into the ditch and luckily a guy came with a big truck and pulled me out.

“It wasn’t too bad after that, but the roads were icy and I was going 60 on the freeway, but we made it and that’s all that matters.”

Adding a veteran voice is important

Parker was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

He will bring much-needed veteran leadership to a young Hitmen team and believes he can help take them to the next level.

“I think I can add experience,” he said.

“I’ve been playing in this league for five years now, so hopefully I can help the young guys improve and I can help this team win.”

Next up for the Hitmen is Friday night against the Victoria Cougars at the Scotiabank Saddledome.