By: Annie Nadin
For Axel Hurtig, the transition to professional hockey was always going to come with its share of adjustments.
After spending the past two seasons developing with the Calgary Hitmen, the 21-year-old Swedish defenceman entered the 2026-27 season ready to take the next step in his career with the Calgary Wranglers.
He probably didn’t expect that step to include scoring twice in his second professional game.
Hurtig found the back of the net two times on Oct. 3 as the Wranglers defeated the Abbotsford Canucks 4-2 at the Scotiabank Saddledome, recording his first professional goal before doubling his tally later in the game.
Former @WHLHitmen, Axel Hurtig, unleashes his first pro goal 💥 https://t.co/f9SnrZG8L6— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) October 4, 2026
Two on the night for AXEL!!! https://t.co/PUk6r9FmDH— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) October 4, 2026
For a player focused on learning the ins and outs of the professional game, it was a memorable way to begin his career.
“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.”
The first goal was particularly significant.
During his time with the Hitmen, Hurtig had to wait nearly three months before scoring his first WHL goal.
Naturally, he was hoping history wouldn’t repeat itself.
“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.”
It didn’t.
Hurtig opened his professional account in just his second game, then added another before the night was over.
First pro goal and a puck to prove it 🔥 https://t.co/9Js0lYJEEm— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) October 4, 2026
But while the rookie was the one finding the scoresheet, the moment quickly became a team celebration.
“They (the team) were all hugging me and they all had big smiles as well,” Hurtig chuckled.
“They were so happy for me.”
It’s a reflection of the environment Hurtig has stepped into with the Wranglers — one he describes as a close-knit group where players genuinely want to see one another succeed.
“We got a really good group here,” he said. “Everyone’s just happy for each other.”
