GAME NOTES: Tigers open two-game Manitoba trip in Brandon

Tigers vs. Wheat Kings

In their only meeting so far this season, the Brandon Wheat Kings blanked the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-0 at the Canalta Centre Nov 19, 2019. The last time the Tigers defeated the Wheat Kings was March 9, 2019, in a 4-2 contest at the Canalta Centre. Over the past five years, Medicine Hat is 6-4-3-0 against Brandon and 2-3-1-0 when playing at Westoba Place. After tonight’s battle, these two hockey clubs will meet two more times, Feb 1^st in Medicine Hat and Feb 7^th in Brandon.

View from Brandon

The Brandon Wheat Kings have won their past four games going into tonight’s battle including both tilts this past weekend with goaltender Jiri Patera shutting out the Prince Albert Raiders 1-0 on Friday and the Regina Pats 5-0 on Sunday. 2002 born forward Ridly Greig had a three point game Sunday (all assists) while Colorado Avalanche draft pick Luka Burzan added a pair of goals. The Wheat Kings are 19-17-1-2 and they are led by Burzan with 41 points (20G, 21A). Tonight’s game against the Tigers will be the Wheat Kings’ first of a four game homestand where they will face Red Deer, Prince George and Calgary.

Tigers Talent

Brett Kemp recorded his third multi-goal game of this season and his 10^th of his WHL career on Saturday against the Seattle Thunderbirds. The 19-year-old Yorkton, SK forward scored twice and collected two assists extending his point streak to eight points (3G, 5A) in five games played since returning from the holiday break. Kemp has 48 points (18G, 30A) in 38 played. He is a smart two-way forward with a deadly shot release and a knack for scoring important goals. Kemp has great vision and he is also versatile with his ability to play centre or wing.

Captain’s Corner

Tonight’s game will be Captain James Hamblin’s 300^th career WHL game. Which places him 10^th in franchise history for most games played for the Tigers. Hamblin scored his 100^th career goal Friday against the Calgary Hitmen which made him the 32^nd Tiger to score 100 goals with the franchise. Since being drafted by the Tigers in the 2014 bantam draft, the 20-year-old Edmonton product has scored 102 goals and collected 149 assists. He is currently tied for top scorer in the league with 59 points (23G, 36A). Hamblin is a hard working two-way forward who leads his team by example. Look for Hamblin to make an impact in tonight’s tilt.

Quick Hits

Since returning to action after the holiday break, three Tigers have a point or more in all five games played. James Hamblin has five goals and two assists. Brett Kemp has three goals and five assists. Ryan Chyzowski has three goals and four assists.
The Tigers are 12-7-0-1 on the road this season.
Hailing from Winnipeg, Cyle McNabb is the only Manitoba product on the Tigers’ current roster.
Did you know Greg Carroll holds the franchise record for most assists in a single season with 111 and most points in a single season 171 (60G, 111A)? Both records were set in the 1975-76 season.
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

About the Medicine Hat Tigers
The Medicine Hat Tigers are a junior hockey team in the Western Hockey League (WHL) who play out of Medicine Hat, AB and were established in 1970. In 49 seasons of playing major junior hockey, the Tigers have won 2 Scotty Munro Memorial Trophies, as well as, 212 playoff games which led to winning 43 playoff series, raising 33 banners, winning five Ed Chynoweth Cups and two Memorial Cups.

by Erin Schwab (Medicine Hat Tigers)

GAME NOTES: Tigers open two-game Manitoba trip in Brandon

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