Medicine Hat Tigers prepare to battle Lethbridge Hurricanes for Eastern Conference crown

Medicine Hat Tigers Associate Coach Joe Frazer looks forward to seeing the rivalry reignite.

“Yeah both teams know each other really well. Obviously it’s our biggest rival and it should be a good series,” said Frazer.

Tigers defenseman Jonas Woo echoed that sentiment.

“Obviously you know what you’re getting from them and it’s playoffs so you gotta expect more but we’re pretty familiar with their players and goaltending so it makes a role but yeah there’s no difference,” mentioned Woo.

To further intensify the rivalry, the Tigers and Cane’s made a blockbuster trade back in October, with the Tigers acquiring Harrison Meneghin in exchange for Shane Smith, adding a little extra fuel to an already intense rivalry.

Medicine Hat Tigers captain Oasiz Wiesblatt has a unique perspective. He has grown close to Meneghin in his short time in town, while having been long-time teammates with Smith.

“It’s really exciting. Two players who probably wanna beat each other and their old teams, we’re gonna wanna do it for Harry for sure and it’s gonna be really exciting. We’re pumped,” quipped Wiesblatt.

The backstory between Meneghin and Smith won’t distract the Tigers from reaching their ultimate goal.

Medicine Hat Tigers forward Ryder Ritchie had his own homecoming back in the second round sweep of the Prince Albert Raiders.

Ritchie performed well against his former club, despite the boo birds coming out in full force.

“I think it’s fun,” Ritchie said about facing a former club in the playoffs.

“I just try to enjoy it, I try to make the most of it. It made the series more fun to be honest,” added Ritchie.

With Everett losing to Portland out west, the Tigers are now the top remaining seed in the WHL Playoffs, securing home-ice advantage throughout the remainder of the postseason.

“That’s what you work the whole regular season for and our fans have been unbelievable. They’ve made the atmosphere, given our guys energy it’s just – we love playing at home and it’s big,” said Frazer

Tickets for Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Final are still available but they are disappearing fast.

Make sure to secure your tickets (before someone from Lethbridge does) either online at Tixx.ca or in-person at the Co-op Place box office.

If you can’t get a ticket to the game, you can still listen to every Medicine Hat Tigers playoff game live on WILD 94.5.

The pre-game show ahead of Game 1 gets underway at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow night, with puck drop slated for 7 p.m.

by Will Bryant

Medicine Hat Tigers prepare to battle Lethbridge Hurricanes for Eastern Conference crown

Our Community