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NHL dream closer for Tigers’ Shaw & Fischer

Jun 26, 2017 | 12:57 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s the dream for young hockey players across the country, to hear their name called by an NHL team at the annual Entry Draft.

On Saturday, three members of the Medicine Hat Tigers got the call to the big leagues and another step closer to their goal of reaching the NHL.

Centreman Mason Shaw was the first Tiger off the board on Saturday, being selected in the fourth round, 97th overall by the Minnesota Wild.

Shaw was a star for Medicine Hat in 2016-17, scoring 27 goals and 94 points in 71 games to finish second in team scoring.

He said the lead up to Minnesota’s pick was the most stressful stretch of the whole draft process.

“When it got to time when they were starting to pick players, it got really nerve-wracking,” said Shaw. “Just sitting there waiting for your name to be called was very nerve-wracking. But, as soon as I heard mine called, you forget about all of it and are filled with excitement. So, I was really happy I was there and it was a really good weekend.”

It was a bit of a wait at the United Centre in Chicago for Shaw, as he was expected to be a second or third round pick but in fell on draft day, in part due his 5’9” frame.

Despite dropping into the fourth round, Shaw said he’s thrilled to be a member of the Minnesota Wild organization and their rabid fan base.

“It’s obviously the hockey state there in Minnesota, so that will be really cool,” he said. “It’s a really good spot to land in Minnesota, they don’t have a whole lot of draft picks in the last couple of years so that works into my favour. But just like anything else, the work starts now and just try to get stronger and faster, and try to get an opportunity in the future.”

The following round, the Calgary Flames selected Tigers forward Zach Fischer with the 140th overall selection.

After an injury-riddled 2015-16 campaign in Medicine Hat, Fischer broke out with 63 points in 62 games and also racked up 145 penalty minutes with the Tigers last year.

Receiving a call from the Flames while at the lake with his family, Fischer said it was tough to stay composed.

“When my named got called and I got the call from them saying I got drafted, it’s kind of one of those things where I had an instant smile on my face,” said Fischer. “I just wanted to scream out to the world and say thank you, but kind of kept it together and it was an awesome feeling.”

This was Fischer’s second time through the draft process, as the over-ager was also eligible for last year’s draft as well.

He said he had a good idea that the Flames were interested in the weeks leading up to the draft.

“That gritty side really suits their type of play,” he said. “They’re a hard team to play, they’re very physical, my game style suits them very well. So, I think it’s a good match.”

Incoming goaltender Jordan Hollett was also selected by the Ottawa Senators in the sixth round, 183rd overall.

Acquired from the Regina Pats this spring and yet to suit up for the Tigers, Hollett was 15-2-0 as the Pats’ backup with a 2.83 goals against and a .901 save percentage.