The Farm Report - 12.10.26

HURTIG NETS FIRST PRO GOAL

Every rookie will tell you that the transition from junior to professional hockey will require a lot of adjustments. 

After two seasons with the Calgary Hitmen, 21-year-old Swedish defenceman Axel Hurtig enters the 2026-27 season ready to take those next steps in his development with the Wranglers.

Hurtig made an immediate impact, scoring twice on Oct. 3 as the Wranglers defeated the Abbotsford Canucks 4-2 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. 

In just his second professional game, Hurtig recorded his first pro goal before adding another later in the night.

“It was a super fun day for me,” Hurtig smiled. 

“It’s something you don’t expect doing in your second pro game, scoring two goals.”

His first goal was particularly meaningful. 

During his time with the Hitmen, Hurtig waited nearly three months to score his first WHL goal, hoping for a quicker start at the professional level.

“The first one with the Hitmen, it took me, I think, three months, like 30 games, to score my first goal,” he explained. 

“I was like, man, I hope that doesn’t happen here.”

Thankfully, history didn’t repeat itself.

While the two-goal performance was a personal milestone, Hurtig said the celebration with his teammates made the moment even more special.

“They were all hugging me and they all had big smiles as well,” he said. “They were so happy for me.”

Hurtig has quickly found a welcoming environment, describing the Wranglers as a close-knit group that genuinely wants to see everyone succeed.

“We got a really good group here,” he said. “Everyone’s just happy for each other.”

WIEBE NOTCHES FIRST POINT IN PROFESSIONAL CAREER

For rookie defenceman Abram Wiebe, the Wranglers’ Oct. 11 match-up against the Bakersfield Condors marked an important milestone in his young professional career.

The Mission, B.C., product recorded his first professional point, finishing the night with two assists in an eventful outing that saw him get his feet wet offensively at the AHL level.

“It feels pretty good, kind of nice to get that out of the way,” Wiebe shared following the game.

The 2026 graduate of the University of North Dakota joined the Flames organization after signing with Calgary on Apr. 10, 2026. 

During his final collegiate season, Wiebe appeared in 40 games, recording five goals and 24 assists for 29 points to lead all North Dakota defencemen in scoring. He also represented the U.S. Collegiate Selects at the 2026 Spengler Cup, appearing in all four of the team’s games.

Against Bakersfield, Wiebe’s first assist came on a play that developed along the boards before Alex Nylander found Rory Kerins in the slot.

“Honestly, the first one was kind of a fluke, just kind of getting it off the wall and then Nyl’s (Alex Nylander) got it and made that really nice pass to Ror (Rory Kerins),” Wiebe said with a laugh.

His second helper was a more straightforward set-up, as he recorded the primary assist on Ben Jones’ goal, giving the rookie two points on the day.

While getting his first points on the board was a welcome moment, Wiebe is focused on establishing himself as a dependable presence on the Wranglers’ blue line. 

As he adjusts to the professional game, the young defenceman knows earning the coaching staff’s trust will be key to his development.

“I think just be, you know, a person that the coaches can trust and put on the ice in all situations, and I think that kind of starts in the D-zone. Just being reliable and earning my way from there.”

With his first professional points behind him, Wiebe will look to build on the performance as he continues his transition to the pro game and works to carve out a consistent role with the Wranglers.

KERINS NAMED THIRD CAPTAIN IN WRANGLERS HISTORY

The opportunity to lead the Wranglers is more than a new letter on his jersey for Rory Kerins. 

It is a reflection of the work he has put in since joining the organization and the role he has grown into over the past several seasons.

The Flames prospect has established himself as a consistent offensive contributor with the Wranglers, posting 154 points in 183 games with the organization while also serving as an alternate captain for the past few seasons. Now, Kerins will take the next step, becoming the third captain in Wranglers history.

The announcement came as a surprise to the 23-year-old forward, who admitted he was not expecting to see a ‘C’ on his jersey when head coach Brett Sutter revealed the team’s leadership group ahead of their home opener on Oct. 2.

“I wasn’t really expecting it, but he pulled out my jersey with the ‘C’ on it and I was a bit stunned,” Kerins said.

“It’s an honour to lead these guys. I’ve been here for a while and I love playing for this team. I’m going to do my best to be a leader and have a good year with these guys.”

After spending several seasons wearing an ‘A’, Kerins has earned the trust of his teammates and coaching staff through his commitment to the team and his contributions on the ice. 

“Rory’s worked really hard for us these last few years, he’s continued to grow as a leader, he’s continued to get better as a player and I think that’s what you want to epitomize as a captain,” head coach Brett Sutter said. 

“Someone that’s always trying to be better, whether that be on the ice or off it and I think he’s going to be a great captain for us and do a good job.”

Kerins’ familiarity with the organization and the players around him will be valuable as he takes on greater responsibility.

The support from his teammates and coaches was immediate, something Kerins knows will be important as he settles into the role.

“They were thrilled for me and told me if I ever need help with anything to let them know,” he said. “I’m going to lean on those guys a lot.”

Despite his growing experience, the significance of the moment was not lost on Kerins. Taking the ice in his new role brought a different kind of pressure, but also a sense of pride.

“Honestly, that was probably the most nervous I’ve been for a game in a while,” he said.

“Finding out was one of the proudest moments of my career, I’d say.”

Recent Games

● W 4-2 vs Abbotsford (Oct. 2)

● W 4-2 vs Abbotsford (Oct. 3)

● W 2-1 vs Bakersfield (Oct. 9)

● L 5-4 vs Bakersfield (Oct. 11) 

Upcoming Games

● Oct. 14 at San Jose @ 11:30 a.m. MT - WATCH, LISTEN FREE

● Oct. 16 at San Jose @ 8 p.m. MT - WATCH, LISTEN FREE

● Oct. 17 at Bakersfield @ 8:10 p.m. MT - WATCH, LISTEN FREE

● Oct. 20 at Ontario @ 8 p.m. MT - WATCH, LISTEN FREE

One-Timers

● Axel Hurtig scored his first professional goal on Oct. 3 

● Aydar Suniev and Jonathan Castagna earned a call-up to the Flames on Oct. 7 

● Ben Jones notched his 100th point as a Wrangler on Oct. 11

● Ben Jones scored his 100th AHL career goal on Oct. 11