Hitmen capture crown

CALGARY, Alberta – The Calgary Hitmen are Western Hockey League champions for the second time in franchise history.

Michael Stone scored twice as the Hitmen beat the Tri-City Americans 4-1 on Friday to win the best-of-7 series 4-1.

Calgary last won the WHL championship when it was known as the President’s Cup on May 7, 1999, exactly 11 years ago to the day, when they defeated the Kamloops Blazers in five games.

By virtue of capturing the Ed Chynoweth Cup, the Hitmen advanced to the Memorial Cup in Brandon, Manitoba, from Friday until May 23.

Misha Fisenko scored once and set up another for the Hitmen, while Tyler Fiddler also scored.

Calgary goaltender Martin Jones was named the series’ most valuable player. He stopped 32 shots and recorded an assist Friday.

Adam Hughesman opened the scoring with the lone goal of the game for the Americans, who were appearing in their first WHL championship series.

Tri-City goalie Alexander Pechurskiy made 23 saves in a losing cause.

The Americans had a great chance to get back into the game early in the third period when they were awarded a two-man advantage for 1:39, but they couldn’t get any pucks past Jones.