Medicine Hat Tigers announce tragic passing of netminder Harrison Meneghin’s father

“It’s been trying time for the group,” Tigers Head Coach Willie Desjardins said.

The team learned of the passing following the club’s 5-2 victory in Calgary that secured them top spot in the Eastern Conference.

“There was no talking on the bus; guys were really upset,” added Desjardins.

After learning of the news, Meneghin and his mother flew back home to Surrey Sunday night to be with family.

“It’s just the worst experience you could ever imagine,” Tigers captain Oasiz Wiesblatt said about learning the news.

“All we can do is be there for him and help him out. Just a super high to the lowest you can ever get,” he added.

Desjardins said the team visited with grief counsellors earlier in the week to help the club cope with the tragedy.

With Game 1 of the WHL Playoffs beginning Friday night, it remains unclear if Meneghin will be in the lineup.

Desjardins said the netminder is set to return to the team ahead of Game 1 but did not confirm whether the 20-year-old would start.

If Meneghin understandably isn’t ready, Jordan Switzer will be the Tigers’ presumptive Game 1 starter.

Whether in the lineup or not, captain Wiesblatt said the team is rallying around Harrison and his father ahead of their playoff run.

“We’re not only doing it for the city and us, we’re doing it for Harry and his dad too.”

by Will Bryant