By Scott Roblin

Speed, skill & youth highlight Tigers training camp

Aug 27, 2017 | 5:47 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Expectations are high this year for the Medicine Hat Tigers, as they try to improve on a second-round exit at the hands of the Lethbridge Hurricanes this past spring.

On Sunday, the Tigers wrapped up their training camp at the Canalta Centre with their annual Team Black vs. Team White intrasquad game.

Team Black erased a 4-2 deficit to send the game into a shootout, but it was Team White’s Gary Haden scoring the shootout winner to give White a 5-4 victory.

Tigers assistant coach Joe Frazer said it was a high tempo game that featured elite skill from both sides.

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“Team White kind of outworked them in the first, and then it was nice to see Black battle back and tie it up so we could see some guys 3-on-3 in overtime,” said Frazer. “A lot of the young guys haven’t done that, so it’s a new experience for them.”

One standout over the weekend was winger Josh Williams, who scored a pair of goals in the loss for Team Black.

Frazer said the Langley, British Columbia product will likely be in the mix for a roster spot.

“Williams, he was rock solid all weekend,” he said. “He’s big, he’s skilled, he’ll be pushing for the team as a 16-year-old. He’s going to be a great player for fans to watch in the future.”

Drafted fifth overall by Medicine Hat in 2016, Williams played in four games for the big club last year as a 15-year-old.

Williams said that experience is paying off as the pre-season nears.

“That was a big help,” said Williams. “Being used to the league from last year really helped me have a little bit of confidence in this camp, and just tried to have the best camp possible.”

Meanwhile, 18-year-old forward Tyler Preziuso was one of the veterans of Sunday’s scrimmage, dressing in over 130 games with the Tigers.

And according to Frazer, he’s in the best shape of his career since joining the Tigers ahead of the 2015-16 season.

“He gained 18 pounds this summer and if you see him, definitely you can tell,” he said. “He’s just as fast, if not faster, than he was last year.”

With over 40 players taking part in Sunday’s exhibition game and plenty of other veterans sitting in the stands, spots are going to be hard to come by for the rookies.

Preziuso said no matter who he ends up skating beside in the fall, the Tigers will be poised to make a run at the WHL championship.

“We still have a bunch of returning guys and they’re all really skilled,” said Preziuso. “We have a couple drafted guys this year, so I think the confidence is high on our team and the hopes are good for another great season.”

Medicine Hat opens the pre-season on Friday night against the Hurricanes in Lethbridge, with the regular season getting rolling on September 22.