Medicine Hat Cubs clinch top spot in HJHL’s South Division for first time in 24 years

Another highlight for the Cubs this year was a team record 14-game winning streak that spanned from Nov. 7 until a loss on Jan. 9.

However, a home win streak is currently still in place for the Cubs as they have won the last nine at the Kinplex, and are 13-3 on the year on home ice.

A stronger record than when they are on the road, where they have 10 wins and eight losses, which includes five losses in regulation and three in overtime.

The Cubs will look to continue the home winning streak this weekend when they host their final two regular-season games.

Friday, Jan. 30, the Cubs welcome the Carstar Okotoks Bisons, a potential second-round playoff opponent, to the city for a 7:30 p.m. contest.

Derzaph said that it will be a big game.

“We’ve struggled with them on the road this year. However, at home, we’ve had success over them. I am glad that we’re at home this weekend,” Derzaph said.

The Cubs have split the season series with the Bisons so far at two games apiece.

The first two contests played in Okotoks in October were both losses for the Cubs, 4-2 and 6-1.

In November, the Cubs won 4-2 in Okotoks, then again at home during a December contest 9-2.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, the Cubs take on the Mountainview Colts out of Didsbury at 3 p.m.

Mountainview sits third in the North, and is a team that Derzaph said has made several moves coming into the New Year.

“They’re strong, and I’m looking at them to be one of the stronger groups coming out of the North,” Derzaph said.

In the only meeting between the two clubs this season, the Cubs dropped a 5-4 road decision in overtime in October.

Derzaph said the Cubs have had their ups and downs through the season, but the players have bought into the team’s systems.

“At times, we have work to do where we don’t have our best game, but we seem to hold on no matter what,” Derzaph said.

“Whether we’re having an awesome game or just an average game, we’re still right in the hunt,” he added.

“The guys have come a long way and bonded as a group, and it’s becoming obvious.”

The Cubs will have a bye for the first round of the HJHL playoffs, a benefit for the top three teams in each division.

The Cubs’ second-round opponent will be the winner of a first-round series between the fourth and fifth-place teams in the South Division.

The second round begins in mid-February.

It will also feature the second and third-place teams in each division facing off.

If the Cubs advance to the third round, they will continue to hold home ice advantage for the South Final.

The fourth round will see the winner of the South face the winner of the North for the HJHL title and a chance to compete for the Junior B Provincial title in Lloydminster from April 1-5, 2026.

Derzaph is hoping to see a strong fan turnout for the final two regular-season games and the playoffs.

“The guys just get pumped off of that,” Derzaph said.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat Cubs clinch top spot in HJHL’s South Division for first time in 24 years

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