Cayden Lindstrom in WHL action between the Medicine Hat Tigers and Lethbridge Hurricanes on February 4, 2023. (Jacob Varcoe photo)

By Jacob Varcoe

Tigers rookie making instant impact

Mar 14, 2023 | 3:56 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – To make an impact on your team is something every player desires to do, but not everyone can.

Cayden Lindstrom has done just that, the 17-year old rookie centre for the Medicine Hat Tigers is currently ninth in the Western Hockley League (WHL) rookie scoring race.

Through 55 games played, Lindstrom has posted 17 goals with 20 assists and 37 points.

The rookie is making the most of his opportunity to be a regular in the Medicine Hat lineup, missing only seven of the teams games to date. “It’s kind of been my goal all season to be one of the top rookies,” said Lindstrom, on Tuesday. “It’s really helped having a line mate like Dal helping me out the whole season.”

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

4h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner

Dec 06, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

CHAT News producer makes 'emotional' return to Medicine Hat's old arena

Dec 06, 2024

He currently finds himself centering a line with two of the teams veteran forwards, Assistant Captain Dallon Melin and Captain Owen MacNeil. “He’s an unbelievably skilled player, and he’s big, he’s fast, he’s got kind of everything you’d want, he works hard too,” said Melin, on Tuesday, when asked about the rookie forward. “I’m really lucky to get to play with him on my line.”

Lindstrom is playing on a line with a pair of players that combine for over 400 games of WHL experience, and has made the most of the opportunity.

His contribution have helped the Tigers as they’re currently in the midst of a push for the playoffs. 10 of his 17 goals this year have come in games the Tigers were victorious, he’s also potted one game-winner.

“We’re a four line team, we need everybody,” said Tigers Associate Coach, Joe Frazier, on Tuesday. “We’re getting contributions from everybody and that’s what we need.”

Cayden is stands at six-foot-four, 204lbs, according to the Medicine Hat Tigers website. He considers himself to be a power forward and models his game after one of the NHL’s best, Matthew Tkachuk.

“He’s just always big hits and stuff like that, he’s always gritty,” said Lindstrom. “He’s also a skilled forward, so, he’s just one of those guys I like watching.”

Lindstrom and the Tigers have six games remaining in the 2022-23 regular season and are currently in seventh in the Eastern Conference, inside a playoff spot.