(Image Credit: Taylor Lachance / Red Deer Rebels)

By Will Bryant

Sports

Tigers look to play spoiler as Rebels vie for a playoff spot

Mar 20, 2026 | 10:17 AM

With two games left until the Medicine Hat Tigers officially begin their title defense, the team isn’t waiting until next weekend to get into playoff form.

“We can’t just start playing playoff hockey at the first game of playoffs, I think we gotta start early,” said Tigers captain Bryce Pickford.

They will have a great opportunity to put the final tune-ups on their playoff preparation this weekend as they battle a desperate Red Deer Rebels squad that is fighting to get into the playoffs.

“This is a big weekend for them.”

“They’re fighting for a playoff spot, so we’re gonna get their best hockey, it’s like a game seven for them, so we’re going to get their best,” added Pickford.

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The path for Red Deer this weekend is simple: pick up two points by any means necessary this weekend and clinch a playoff spot.

The Rebels could also clinch with any Moose Jaw Warriors regulation loss against the Swift Current Broncos.

“Red Deer’s been one of our rivals for the past number of years, so it’s gonna be playoffs this weekend and a good challenge for us to get ready,” mentioned Tigers 20-year-old defenseman Josh Van Mulligen.

Despite the high stakes for the Red Deer Rebels, it’s not as though the Medicine Hat Tigers have nothing to play for.

If the Tigers were to win their final two games and the Prince Albert Raiders lose their final two, the Tigers would take top spot in the Eastern Conference and secure home-ice advantage through the first three rounds of the playoffs.

Along with being able to aid in the elimination of one of their biggest rivals, this weekend should be full of high drama and physical hockey, exactly what the playoffs are all about.

Puck drop from the Marchant Crane Centrium is slated for 7:00 p.m. MST.

The pre-game show begins at 6:45 p.m. on WILD 94.5 FM.

NOTE: Pre-game show start-time is subject to change +/- 15 minutes due to an on-ice ceremony.