Garry Davidson continues to bolster the depth of the Calgary Hitmen, acquiring 2005-born forward Carson Birnie from the Red Deer Rebels.
In exchange for Birnie, the Rebels receive 2008-born forward Ethan Dundas, 2007-born forward Parker MacDougall, a third-round pick (2026) and a fifth-round pick (2025).
Birnie, a 6-foot-1, 186-pound product of Arcola, Sask., has registered 19 points (9G-10A) in 35 games with the Rebels this season.
A veteran of three WHL campaigns, Birnie was originally selected by the Rebels in the eighth round (160th overall) of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. In 150 career WHL regular season outings, the left winger has collected 60 points (31G-29A).
Birnie also brings valuable WHL Playoff experience to the Hitmen, having seen action in 21 post-season contests, tallying eight points (4G-4A).
In return, the Rebels receive Dundas, MacDougall, and two WHL Prospects Draft selections.
Dundas, a 16-year-old forward from Regina, Sask., was originally selected by the Hitmen in the seventh round (133rd overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. This season with the Regina AAA Pat Canadians, Dundas has notched 18 points (8G-10A) in 25 games.
MacDougall, a 17-year-old forward from Victoria, B.C., was originally selected by the Hitmen in the fifth round (99th overall) of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. This season with the Fraser Valley U18 Thunderbirds, MacDougall has secured 42 points (17G-25A) in 19 games to sit tied for the scoring lead in the B.C. Elite Hockey League’s U18 AAA Division.
Davidson, General Manager of the Hitmen, has been busy of late, adding star power and veteran depth to his roster in preparation for a deep playoff push.
Earlier Saturday, the Hitmen announced the acquisition of Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio from the Seattle Thunderbirds. Prior to that, Davidson landed 20-year-old netminder Daniel Hauser from the Wenatchee Wild, injecting WHL Championship experience into Calgary’s blue paint.
Davidson added veteran forward Lukas Hansen following the holiday break, with Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Tanner Howe added via trade from Regina prior to departing for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The Hitmen return to action Sunday, January 5 at 1 p.m. MT, when they welcome the Regina Pats to the Scotiabank Saddledome.
