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By Erin Schwab - Medicine Hat Tigers

Tigers Hockey

GAME NOTES: Tigers set to host Thunderbirds for first time since 2017

Jan 4, 2020 | 4:23 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Tigers played back to back to back games against the Calgary Hitmen this past week and won two of the three matchups, including Friday night’s 5-2 victory. Captain James Hamblin scored his 20^th and 21^st goals of the season as well as his 100^th career WHL goal in the contest for the Tabbies earning the first star of the night. Veteran forward Elijah Brown also added a pair of goals in the contest while sophomore forward Corson Hopwo had a two assist night. The Tigers are 24-11-1-1 and they are led by Hamblin with 57 points (21G, 36A). After Saturday’s game, the Tigers will travel to Manitoba to play the Brandon Wheat Kings Tuesday and the Winnipeg ICE Wednesday.

Tigers vs. Thunderbirds

For the only time this season, the Tigers will take on the Thunderbirds Saturday at the Canalta Centre. The last time two times these two hockey clubs faced off, the games were decided in overtime with the home team winning. Last season, the Thunderbirds won 4-3 in overtime Feb 9, 2019, and during the 2017-18 season the Tigers won 4-3 in overtime Nov 4, 2017. Medicine Hat is 1-1-1-0 against Seattle over the past five years.

View from Seattle

The Seattle Thunderbirds are in the middle of a five game road trip and they are 1-1-0-0 so far on the trip. They kicked it off by falling 3-2 to Portland on Tuesday before defeating the Lethbridge Hurricanes 5-4 in overtime Friday night. Payton Mount scored the game winning goal in Friday night’s contest. Veteran forward Conner Bruggen-Cate and Florida Panthers prospect Henrik Rybinski each have three points on the road trip so far. Bruggen-Cate has two goals and 1 assist, while Rybinski has 1 goal and 2 assists. Seattle is 14-19-2-1 and they are led by Andrej Kukuca with 30 points (11G, 19A). After Saturday, the Thunderbirds will travel to Swift Current and Tri-City before returning home.

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Tigers Talent

Ryan Chyzowski is a skilled forward with good awareness and positioning in all three zones. He has an impressive shot with a quick release and he is a smart passer who is able to set up his teammates. The 19-year-old Kamloops, BC product has 39 points (19G, 20A) in 36 games played so far this season, including a league leading 11 power play goals. Look for Chyzowski to crash the net creating scoring opportunities tonight.

Captain’s Corner

Captain James Hamblin is second in the league in scoring with 57 points (21G, 36A) and second in the league for assists with 36. The 20-year-old Edmonton product was drafted by the Tigers in the 2014 Bantam Draft and he has suited up for 298 games, scored 100 goals and collected 149 assists. Hamblin leads the Tigers by example with his hard work ethic and dedication. He is a speedy, skilled forward and a fierce forechecker. Look for Hamblin to make an impact in tonight’s game.

Quick Hits

• Captain James Hamblin scored his 20^th goal of the season Friday night which makes it the fourth year of his WHL career where he has 20 or more goals. He also scored his 21^st goal last night which was his 100^th career WHL goal.
• Veteran forward Elijah Brown will be celebrating his 20^th birthday on Sunday, January 5^th.
• Saturday’s game will be Parker Gavlas’ 100^th career WHL game.
• Veteran forwards James Hamblin, Ryan Chyzowski and Brett Kemp have a point or more in every game since the Tigers returned to action after the holidays. Hamblin has 5 points (3G, 2A), Chyzowski has 5 points (3G, 2A) and Kemp has 4 points (1G, 3A) in four games played.
• Rookie forward Cole Sillinger is leading the league in rookie scoring with 37 points (12G, 25A) in 32 games played. Sillinger was named the WHL Rookie of the Month for the month of December where he put up 17 points (2G, 15A) in nine games played including a career high six point night (1G, 5A) against the Saskatoon Blades.
• Lukas Svejkovsky scored the first goal of the 2020 decade in the WHL 10 seconds into the Tigers’ New Year’s Day battle with the Hitmen.
• Four Tigers are the sons of former WHL & NHL players.
  • Ryan Chyzowksi is the son of Dave Chyzowski (Kamloops Blazers).
  • Eric Van Impe is the son of Darren Van Impe (PA Raiders/ Red Deer Rebels).
  • Lukas Svejkovsky is the son of Jaroslav Svejkovsky (Tri City Americans).
  • Cole Sillinger is the son of Mike Sillinger (Regina Pats).
• The Tigers’ Skills Competition brought to you by A&W will be Thursday, January 16^th. Doors will open at 6 PM and the event will start at 7 PM. Entry to the event will be by donation to the local MS Society at the door.
• The Home Depot on the Bench contest is open. Enter your minor hockey team for a chance to practice with the Tigers online at http://www.homedepotonthebench.com