File Photo

By Mitch Bach

A new campaign

‘A lot of emotions’ for Hamblin as he enters final season in WHL

Sep 20, 2019 | 4:01 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The countdown is over, and the marathon begins.

The Medicine Hat Tigers make their grand entrance into its 50th anniversary season on Friday night, battling the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the Enmax Centre with a 7:00 p.m. puck drop.

Willie Desjardins is back behind the bench — a welcomed addition as head coach and GM. He’s joined by a strong contingent of returning players, including captain James Hamblin, who led the team in scoring with 77 points in 66 games last winter.

Hamblin leads an experienced leadership group consisting of alternate captains Tyler Preziuso, Ryan Chyzowski, and Bryan Lockner.

But while there are plenty of similarities to this year’s club, several new faces dot the opening night roster.

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One player, in particular, is first-round import pick Jonathan Brinkman. The 18-year-old Dane notched one goal and two assists in three preseason games and says he’s hoping to get noticed by NHL markets ahead of next year’s entry draft.

CHAT Sports caught up with captain Hamblin and Brinkman to hear their thoughts on entering a new campaign and what they hope to accomplish by next spring. Plus, Desjardins discusses the team’s preparation and gives his opinion on Brinkman’s play.