Medicine Hat Tigers will wrap up preseason with younger line-up in two games this weekend

Joe Frazer, associate coach says training camp and exhibition season has been exciting, and it was good to get their players at camps this weekend into action last weekend.

“Now this weekend, with the 12 guys gone, we’re going to get another younger lineup,” Frazer told CHAT News on Thursday.

“But it’s been really good because they’ve had a full week of practice together, and they can kind of get acclimated to how we do things around here,” he added.

“So it’s been a great experience for the older guys, and I think especially for the younger guys who have gotten to stick around a little longer since we have so many guys that have gone to NHL camp.”

Forward Mathew Ward, one of three 20 year old players on the roster, enters his fifth full season in the league, and first with the Tigers.

Traded to Tigers from the rival Swift Current Broncos in the off season, Ward said he’s excited to play for head coach Willie Desjardins, meet his teammates and get situated with the team.

“It’s been really good just kind of laying down the foundation,” Ward said.

“I’m new to all the systems, so getting into that, but all the returning guys been excellent and the coaching staff helping me along with that,” he added.

“I think I’ve adapted pretty well. Just getting the bad summer habits out through preseason and ready to go for the 21st.”

Returning forward Kadon McCann, enters his second full season with the Tigers.

He said there is a noticable difference in the dressing room this year with everyone more focused on the details.

McCann added it’s always good to get a couple games in before the regular season starts.

“It’s awesome also to get the young guys into a couple preseason games,” McCann said.

“Kind of catch them up to speed and just give them that experience to play at the Western League level, which is huge,” he added.

“When I was younger I always looked up to those guys and playing in a couple preseason games they were always special.”

McCann is focussed on team success this season, with it also being his first year eligible for the NHL Entry Draft.

“Just kind of stay in the moment. Obviously your junior career is so short, so I am just going to focus on our team first and we want to win a championship here in Medicine Hat and then whatever happens after that,” McCann said.

“Obviously I want to get drafted, that’s obviously in the back of my mind, but first priority is to win a championship for the team and for the city,” he added.

“Tigers fans should be excited for this year. We are definitely excited in the room. We just want you guys to come support and we are going to support you guys and win a couple games for you guys this year.”

Ward says after making it to the second round of the playoffs last year with the Broncos, he just wants to win with this being his last year eligible to play in the WHL.

“That’s all I want to do. Playing pro is something I really want to do as well. So I think my mindset is just trying to win with the Tigers here. Then hopefully something will come along as we go,” Ward said.

Frazer says heading into the game Friday, the Rebels are a great rival, with a tough building to play in.

“They’re going to come hard on the forecheck. They’re always physical,” Frazer said.

“It’ll be a great match for our younger guys to see just how hard some teams come in our league, and I think Red Deer forechecks as good as anybody,” he added.

“It’ll be great to show the young guys what it’s all about.”

The Tigers game against the Rebels in Red Deer starts Friday at 7 p.m

The squad’s pre-season wraps up with a home game against Highway 3 rival Lethbridge Hurricanes at Co-op Place, Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Frazer said anytime they play the Hurricanes it’s a fun game, and the Tigers will look to avenge their loss in game of the preseason.

“They beat us first night, and I think they have five guys gone to NHL camps too. So both teams will be a bit younger, it’s always your rival, so you’re always up for it.”

The regular season is underway next weekend, as the Tigers look to work their way to a championship.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat Tigers will wrap up preseason with younger line-up in two games this weekend

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