Calgary Hitmen forward and captain Mark Kastelic is off to the pros, signing a three-year, entry-level contract today with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.

The 21-year-old Phoenix native was selected by the Senators in the fifth round (125th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft.

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“We are very excited for Mark as today signifies the start of his pro career,” said Hitmen general manager Jeff Chynoweth. “As a two-year captain, he set the gold standard for the Hitmen both on and off the ice leading by example. His game took great strides during his five years in Calgary and he is very deserving of this opportunity with the Senators. We wish him nothing but success as he prepares to take the next step in his career but also know he has left a valuable lasting legacy on our dressing room.”

During his five seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Hitmen from 2015-20, Kastelic carved his name into the record books in several categories. He is third all-time in goals scored with 126, fourth in games played at 321, and seventh in points with 235.

“The entire organization is extremely proud of Mark for signing his first professional contract with the Senators,” Hitmen head coach Steve Hamilton said. “Mark has grown and developed with our organization and we are very excited to watch him take on the challenge of professional hockey. He has earned his contract through tireless efforts and leadership, on and off the ice.”

Growing up in Arizona, Kastelic started playing house hockey at Polar Ice in Chandler. He then played minor hockey for the Phoenix Polar Bears, Phoenix Firebirds and Jr. Coyotes.

Photo/Candice Ward/Calgary Hitmen

(April 9, 2020)