Josh Thrower’s return home proved to be a memorable one for the 16-year-old Western Hockey League (WHL) rookie.
Thrower and his Calgary Hitmen teammates managed a 5-4 win against the Vancouver Giants at the Pacific Coliseum on Saturday (Oct. 20) and it was in front of dozens of Squamoleans who hosted the Squamish Minor Hockey Association’s (SMHA) annual fundraiser at the event.
He didn’t disappoint his hometown fans, picking up his first career WHL goal and taking part in his first WHL fight against Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants in the second period. Thrower picked up 17 minutes in penalties on the game to go along with the goal, but ended up one assist shy of a Gordie Howe hat trick.
“Felt good to get my first goal and fight out of the way in front of my hometown,” Thrower tweeted after the game. “Great way to end a long roady.”
Saturday’s game is the only trip the Hitmen will make to Vancouver this season, barring a meeting in the playoffs. Calgary sits in first in the WHL’s Central Division with a record of eight wins, two losses, one overtime loss and one shootout loss.
It ended up being a good night for both Thrower and the SMHA, who managed to raise $3,649 through 50/50 sales during the game. The money will be used for future SMHA projects.
For more information on the Hitmen, visit www.hitmenhockey.com.
