Tigers forward Brayden Boehm is excited to start his final season in the Western Hockey League. (Ross Lavigne/CHAT News)

By Jesse Gill, Will Bryant

Boehm looking for a championship in final season with Medicine Hat Tigers

Sep 21, 2024 | 1:14 PM

This will be the final season with the Medicine Hat Tigers for forward Brayden Boehm as the 20-year old player occupies one of the teams three overage spots allowed by the Western Hockey League.

The Nanaimo, B.C., native enters his fifth season with the Tigers after an injury shortened 2023-24 campaign that limited him to 12 games.

Boehm said the goal for him is consistent with his teammates.

“It’s winning a championship. I think we have the group to do so, and it just comes down to playing right,” Boehm said.

“Obviously, we’ve built around what we have, and I think it’d be a great year to go for it all, and I’m looking forward to being part of that.”

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Boehm had just returned from rookie camp with the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers.

“It was a great experience, something that every kid dreams of growing up, and I think the main takeaway is just how fast the game becomes,” Boehm said.

“I think once you narrow down and you’re at that level, guys are coming fast, pucks are coming faster, situations are faster, so you got to react quicker, and just bringing that,” he added.

“Obviously, the game is going to look a lot easier out here, so just kind of bringing that aspect to everything.”

Boehm said having Tigers teammate Nate Corbet also at camp made things a lot easier.

“I think it gave me a bit of confidence knowing that, me and him were going to be there together and experience that, but I think it just got us closer together,” Boehm said.

“We spent a lot of time together and a lot of flights and bus trips and time at the rink, it was unbelievable. There’s no one else I would have rather spent it with.”

Boehm wants fans to know, they can expect a consistent effort from the team this year.

“I think just come out every night and play the same way. I think it’s a statement year for us, for sure, with all the pressure and everything, so I think we just need to stick to it,” Boehm said.

“We’re looking for a big win, so I think that’s kind of the main thing.”

With the Tigers getting top spot in the Canadian Hockey League rankings going into the season, Boehm said the players aren’t getting ahead of themselves.

“I think that doesn’t mean anything right now. I think we can’t let that stuff get to our head. We can’t get too cocky,” Boehm said.

“I think we just have to stick to the same things that got us to where we are and stick to the game that the game plan that we have, and I think everything will work out well.”

Boehm was able to play one exhibition game for the Tigers at home during pre-season against the Hitmen on Sept. 7 where he was able to score a goal.

This will be his first regular season game with the Tigers since he was injured Oct. 22, 2023 in an away game against the Prince George Cougars.

His last regular season home game was almost a year ago on Oct. 7, 2023.

Boehm expects a battle Saturday night with the Edmonton Oil Kings.

“Just a hard game. I think it’ll be the first time I’m playing in Medicine Hat for a long time, so I’m looking forward to that, but I think just another good hockey game,” Boehm said.

“It’s been a while for all of us to get back and play in that atmosphere, so just looking forward to that.”

Game time for the Tigers home opener at Co-op Place is 7 p.m on Saturday.