Pair of Medicine Hat Tigers having career years

“But it definitely helps putting the puck in the back of the net for sure.”

There is still a lot of season to play, but the last Tiger to finish as the top goal scoring defenseman in the league was Cole Clayton with nine goals in 23 games during the shortened 2020-21 season.

Former Tigers defenseman Kris Russell holds the team record with 32 goals in 2006-07.

Tigers forward Hunter St. Martin leads the Tigers in goals with 22 this year, only two tallies off of his career high from last year, having played 37 less games so far.

He credits his teammates in playing a huge part in that, along with consistent work.

“It’s just that every day process of getting better every day and getting more confidence in your game and shooting the puck and sometimes it goes in,” St. Martin said.

“Combination of luck and hard work, and just keep going.”

Both are key contributors to the Tigers, who are in top spot in the Eastern Conference, but have played the most games in the league to this point, with the fifth best win percentage in the East.

Pickford sits third in the league for points by a defenseman with 33 in 28 games, a huge jump in production from the 35 he had over 121 regular season games with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Tigers Associate Coach Joe Frazer said Pickford has been unbelievable for the team, as an all around player.

“Whether it’s playing against another teams top line and shutting them down, or running the powerplay, playing penalty kill,” Frazer said.

“He’s got great offensive instincts and when he finds those soft areas where he can get the puck in open ice, he’s got a heck of a shot, and if a few go in you get more confidence and then you want to keep shooting.”

Frazer said St. Martin has been good at playing both sides of the ice, and is ready to shoot when he gets into the scoring areas.

“Marty’s always had the speed, and the tenacity to create those chances,” Frazer said.

“I think he really worked on his shot over the summer. Now when you watch him get those chances. He really fires it,” he added.

“He’s got an NHL shot now and I think that’s the biggest difference.”

Tigers forward Gavin McKenna away with Canada’s world junior team still holds the league lead in points with 60, while captain Oasiz Wiesblatt is in eight spot in the league with 47 points.

The Tigers are back in action on Saturday hosting the Lethbridge Hurricanes for their first of three game in three nights.

Special Paw Patrol themed jerseys will be worn by the Tigers on Saturday.

They will be auctioned off after the game in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Will Bryant and Lance Doll will be on the Wild 94.5 radio broadcast starting with the pre-game at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, with puck drop at 7 p.m.

by Jesse Gill

Pair of Medicine Hat Tigers having career years

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