Medicine Hat Tigers get send off as they head to Spokane

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The Tigers split the first two games of the series on home ice, including a 6-2 defeat to the Chiefs on Sunday night.

The team was escorted through the city by the Medicine Hat Police Service, Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services and even had flyovers and an escort from HALO Air Ambulance as they began the trip to Spokane.

The Medicine Hat Tigers left Co-op Place to begin their route through the city as they travel to Spokane. Jesse Gill/CHAT News

There was another strong crowd outside Co-op Place to support the Tigers.

Police chief Alan Murphy said the send off was the right thing to do for the community and the team.

“What they’re giving to our community right now with this playoff run and being in the WHL finals, it’s important for us to give back to them, and our community I think needs it right now,” Chief Murphy said.

“I think it’s great all around. You see how many our citizens are out here this morning? It’s awesome.”

A fan seen holding flag along River Road as the Medicine Hat Tigers travelled through the city. Jesse Gill/CHAT News

The teams route throughout the city went through Crescent Heights, River Road, passed city hall, through downtown to the South West Hill out to Highway 3.

Tigers forwards Mathew Ward and Hunter St. Martin where seen popped up through the roof of the bus waving to the crowd.

Voice of the Tigers Will Bryant was along for the ride, and thinks the team will enjoy the drive and being together as a group.

“Obviously, it’s tough coming off a defeat last night. That’s never what you were looking for,” Bryant said.

“But this is a group that is strong, that has overcome adversity all season long,” he added.

“I expect this bus trip to bring an already tight-knit group just as close, if not closer. Especially with guys like Bash [Andrew Basha] and Lindy [Cayden Lindstrom] back on the bus.”

HALO Air Ambulance did a couple fly overs of Co-op Place and helped escort the Medicine Hat Tigers to Highway 3. Jesse Gill/CHAT News

Bryant said he’s really excited to call these games.

“Spokane’s a great arena. They have a very similar atmosphere that they have here in Co-op Place,” Bryant said.

“I know we’ve got a fan bus coming down. So excited to see the orange and black take over in Spokane,” he added.

“Hopefully they can make that house our house too.”

Bryant said the fan support for the Tigers during this playoff run is incredible.

“The passion from this fan base is infectious. This team truly embraces it,” Bryant said.

“I mean, look at what this community has been able to do. It’s remarkable. It’s something I’ve never experienced. It’s something a lot of these guys hadn’t experienced until the Lethbridge send-off,” he added.

“Excited to get out there, see the fans follow us, and hopefully excited to come back with a couple wins, if not more.”

Chief Murphy who is also a season ticket holder of the Tigers, said the police were happy to lead the procession to escort the Tigers to Highway 3.

“This team’s given a lot to our community and it’s awesome to see the community and the team come together, it’s very exciting,” Murphy said.

“It’s just a show of support for the team leaving town and Go Tigers!”

The Tigers have games Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in Spokane.

Will Bryant will be on the radio broadcast on Wild 94.5 each night, including the pregame prior to the each puck drop at 8 p.m.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat Tigers get send off as they head to Spokane

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