Kindel overtime goal leads Hitmen past Tigers 4-3

Ben Kindel scored the overtime winner Sunday as the Calgary HItmen defeated Medicine Hat 4-3 (Photo: X@WHLHitmen)

In his 100^th game as a member of the Calgary Hitmen, Ben Kindel turned in a dandy.

Kindel had two goals, including the overtime winner, and added an assist as the Hitmen defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-3 in an overtime thriller Sunday at the Saddledome.

The matinee was a seesaw affair, with the lead bouncing back and forth throughout the game until Kindel fired the winner 26 seconds into overtime.

Ryder Ritchie opened the scoring, propelling the Tigers to a 1-0 lead 31 seconds into the game before Kindel notched his 20^th goal of the season to tie it a goal apiece.

Medicine Hat jumped back into the lead on a goal from Bryce Pickford but the Hitmen tied it up again, getting a goal from Ethan Moore evening things up at 2-2 heading into the second period.

Maxim Muranov gave the Hitmen a 3-2 lead early in the second, but Ryder Ritchie scored his second of the game to tie it up 3-3.

The two teams combined for 28 shots on goal in the third period, producing no goals.

That set the stage for overtime and Kindel’s game-winner, which came in his 100^th game as a member of the club.

It was also Kalem Parker’s 250^th career game.

The Hitmen outshot Medicine Hat 40-25.

Next up for both clubs is a Monday rematch in Medicine Hat. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Hitmen are on the road all week, playing Edmonton Wednesday afternoon and Red Deer Friday against the Rebels.

The Hitmen start a five-game homestand next Sunday at 5 p.m., when they take on Regina.