Denver native, former Thunderbirds star Kresl signs with WHL’s Hitmen, nets first WHL goal

The WHL’s Calgary Hitmen have signed 2006-born forward Charlie Kresl for his final season of junior hockey eligibility.

Kresl attended the Hitmen training camp as a free agent and made the opening night roster.

“Throughout training camp and preseason, Charlie has met our high standards we have for our 20-year-old players,” said Hitmen general manager Cass Bruni. “He is a two-way centreman with competitive edge that brings character and leadership skills off the ice.”

A Denver native, Kresl played the 2025-26 season in the NAHL with the Bismarck Bobcats where he finished the year with 66 points (18 goals, 48 assists) in 51 games.

He is currently committed to NCAA Division I UMass Lowell for the 2027-28 season.

And then as the Hitmen opened their 32nd season in the WHL on September 18, kicking off the club’s farewell season at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Kresl opened the scoring with his first WHL goal as Calgary took a 3-2 shootout victory over the Red Deer Rebels.

Through eight games this season, Kresl has tallied two goals and 11 assists for 13 points.

Back home, Kresl skated for the Colorado Thunderbirds.

Photo/Calgary Hitmen