Tigers forward Cole Sillinger playing with the USHL Sioux Falls Stampede (Photo courtesy of Sioux Falls Stampede / USHL)

By Scott Roblin

Running with the Herd

VIDEO: Sillinger tearing apart USHL on loan from Medicine Hat Tigers

Mar 18, 2021 | 5:57 PM

SIOUX FALLS, SD – It’s fair to say that Cole Sillinger is thriving in his new temporary home of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

South of the border, Sillinger is doing what he does best.

That’s finding ways to put the puck in the net and lighting the lamp on a consistent basis to bring crowds of thousands to their feet.

“Just kind of having that normal feeling again with fans in the stands, it’s just nice to have those similarities as the start of last year,” said Sillinger. “It’s just nice to I guess be in a routine and playing hockey again.”

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A first round candidate for the 2021 NHL Draft, Sillinger requested a move to the United States Hockey League and the Sioux Falls Stampede for greater opportunity to impress scouts.

Through 21 games with Sioux Falls, that gamble looks to be paying off with 17 goals and 34 points with the Medicine Hat Tiger remaining an ‘A’ level prospect for the draft.

“We got a great coaching staff and a real good team here that helps me and allows me to play my game,” said Sillinger. “Ultimately, my game is scoring goals so I’m glad I’m doing that.”

The Tigers granted Sillinger’s loan to the Stampede back in January while the WHL was waiting on government approvals to return to play.

“We got a great coaching staff and a real good team here that helps me and allows me to play my game,” said Sillinger. “Ultimately, my game is scoring goals so I’m glad I’m doing that.”

It was a move that head coach and GM Willie Desjardins supported towards developing his star, and is one that he still supports now.

“To me it says a lot about his character,” said Desjardins. “He’s willing to bet on himself, he’s willing to take a chance and go to different places. I think that’s a really positive thing and says a lot about him.”

Sillinger excelled in his rookie season with the Tigers in 2019-20 with 22 goals and 53 points in 48 games and has rarely looked rusty in his time in the USHL.

While he’s forming new connections with his Stampede teammates, Sillinger is not forgetting about his ‘Gas City’ roots while on loan.

“Obviously, of course I talk to my Tiger teammates all the time,” said Sillinger. “I’m glad that they’re up and running, and they’re getting some games under their belt as well.”

When asked about the differences between the WHL and USHL, the 17-year-old called the former smoother while the latter saw more chip and chase hockey.

Desjardins fully expects a season spent south of the border will have a profound impact on Sillinger’s play when he eventually returns to Medicine Hat and the Tigers program.

“It’ll change him, he’s carrying a different role down there, probably a bigger role than he had with us before,” said Desjardins. “So, we’ll expect him to come back and carry that same role with us.”

Sillinger will re-join the Tigers following the completion of the Stampede season, whether that be this spring if the WHL season is still underway or in the fall.

When that day comes, the Regina-born sniper expects to be a better, more well-rounded player and leader for the Tigers.

“If COVID had never happened, it’s most likely that I would never get the chance to come down here and experience the USHL or experience playing in the United States,” said Sillinger. “So, I think just taking in that whole opportunity and taking it to my advantage being able to experience both styles of play of the leagues. And to meet new people, I mean that’s what hockey is all about.”