Medicine Hat Cubs host last game before Christmas break

Cubs general manager and head coach Randy Wong said, the Cubs wants to redeem themselves, and don’t feel they played well in Airdrie.

“The consistency factor is huge, and as your kind of learning the game and wanting to get ready for playoffs. I think we are not there yet,” Wong said.

“We’ve got to make sure we play an honest game. Play it the right way. Making sure we need to execute when we need to. To give yourself that chance,” he added.

“We’ve got something to play for in that second place and that bye. It’s important that we understand that and into the new year and make sure that we accomplish our goals.”

The top two teams in the south division get a bye to the second round of the playoffs.

This is something the Cubs have accomplished in recent years, and will look to push for over the final 12 games of their regular season.

“I think it’s hugely important to get. The energy you expend in playoffs. You’ve got to have any advantage you can get,” Wong said.

Leading the offensive charge for the Cubs this season have been a pair of local Medicine Hat players in Kyle Woolridge and Caleb Garrecht who sit one-two in league scoring.

Wong said that first year goaltender Adam Ranger, also from Medicine Hat, has had a real phenomenal first half.

“We gave him an opportunity early. We always give him that opportunity, it’s just what you do with it. He’s a player that said jeez thanks for the chance and then I’m going to run with it,” Wong said.

“It’s a good tandem that we got with Tyler Wakelam and Adam, and so they are familiar with each other because they played U18 together,” he added.

“It’s a good one-two punch that we have in net.”

The Cubs rely heavily on local talent with 16 of the 25 players on the roster originally from right around Medicine Hat, with seven from southwest Saskatchewan, and a pair from Regina.

“That’s what it’s about. It’s offering this level of hockey locally, and giving guys a chance to play at home, and not have to travel and spend a lot of money away from here,” Wong said.

“I think we’ve accomplished that. It’s a viable solid program now. I think we’ve had some success. We look to continue that over the years.”

Puck drop is tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Kinplex One Arena.

Tickets are $10 for those 18 or older, $5 for those aged 12-17, or seniors, and free for those under 12 years old.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat Cubs host last game before Christmas break

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