Veterans rejoin lineup as Medicine Hat Tigers battle Red Deer Rebels this weekend

A familiar face in forward Oasiz Wiesblatt is back, after returning from training camp with the NHL’s Washington Capitals.

He said it was an experience he’ll never forget, but he’s happy to be back for his final Western Hockey League season as a 20-year-old.

“Just getting back and getting to the winning side we usually are,” Wiesblatt said.

“We’ve gone through some up and downs, but I’m really excited to be back. I love this place and this is where I want to be and we obviously want to win it this year. So yeah, it’s a really exciting year.”

Defenseman Josh Van Mulligen is back from training camp with the Detroit Red Wings.

A Medicine Hat kids playing for the Tigers and now happy to play the final few years of his WHL career with a very strong team.

“I think it’s obviously a dream come true to be on the Tigers. I think it’s crazy how much time is flowing. I’m already in my 19 year old season,” Van Mulligen said.

“We got a really special group this year. I think the city’s really excited. The city’s buzzing. I think it’s definitely a fun time.”

Also returning from NHL camps since the last game are Andrew Basha from the Calgary Flames, Shane Smith from the Vegas Golden Knights, Niilopekka Muhonen from the Dallas Stars, and Ryder Ritchie from the Minnesota Wild.

Returned on Friday is Veeti Vaisanen from the Utah Hockey Club.

Still away at NHL camps are Hunter St. Martin with the Florida Panthers and Cayden Lindstrom with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Tigers will have a challenge this weekend taking on the Red Deer Rebels team who ended their playoff push in the first round last year.

Van Mulligen said they’ll have to be ready to battle and not get outworked against a hard working Rebels squad.

“Obviously we’re not too happy with the way the series went last year. I think we had a really sour taste in our mouths all season, and we were definitely, really looking forward to playing them this year,” Van Mulligen said.

“I think it’ll be a good test, they’re a good team, a lot of guys returning from their team,” he added.

“We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

Wiesblatt said he loves playing against the Rebels, knowing they are a tough team to play.

“We’re ready for it and we’re ready to show Red Deer and all the other teams that we’re ready to show up and win this year,” Wiesblatt said.

The Tigers opportunity for some payback begins Friday night in Red Deer, with puck drop at 7 p.m.

Will Bryant will have the call with the pre-game show on Wild 94.5 starting at 6:45 p.m.

On Saturday, the Tigers are hoping to see another strong home crowd as they host the Rebels at Co-op Place at 7 p.m.

The radio pre-game that night starts at 6:30 p.m.

Plenty of tickets are still available.

by Jesse Gill

Veterans rejoin lineup as Medicine Hat Tigers battle Red Deer Rebels this weekend

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