Medicine Hat Tigers' Gavin McKenna tees up against the Red Deer Rebels on Friday. (Lisa Parent/CHAT News

By Lisa Parent, Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat Tigers lose 5-2 to Red Deer Rebels in season-ending playoff game

Apr 5, 2024 | 9:28 PM

The Medicine Hat Tigers were dealt a devastating 5-2 loss by the Red Deer Rebels Friday night in front of a home crowd at Co-op Place, bringing an end to the team’s playoff run and 2023-24 season.

Despite having 38 shots on goal to the Rebels’ 25 shots, the Tigers were unable to capitalize on frequent offensive pushes in Game 5 of the series.

The first Tigers goal of the night came from Andrew Basha at 10:57 in the third period. A few minutes later, Nate Corbet was able to light up the stands with a goal at 15:47.

The Rebels got two goals early in the first period, Carson Latimer got the first at 2:56 and Dwayne Jean Jr. claimed the second goal of the night at 10:52.

Frantisek Formanek was able to notch another goal for the Rebels at 15:48 in the second period.

GALLERY

Medicine Hat's Diwali event, in photos

Nov 25, 2024

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Nov. 22-24

Nov 22, 2024

WHAT'S ON

'Midnight Madness' featuring Medicine Hat businesses on Friday

Nov 21, 2024

A pair of goals early in the third period from Rebels’ Kai Uchacz and Talon Brigley put a few extra nails in the coffin of the Tigers’ playoff run.

Despite the third-period Basha point, the Tigers were unable to rally back in time.

Coach Willie Desjardins said the Tigers were confident going into the game.

“We we’re close enough, we just had to find ways to make those breaks and we didn’t,” he told reporters following the game.

“We just didn’t quite have it tonight.”