Medicine Hat Tigers defenseman Bryce Pickford celebrates the final goal of the 2025 WHL Championship Series. Photo Credit: Larry Brunt/Spokane Chiefs

By Will Bryant

Sports

Tigers Pickford drafted by Montreal Canadiens

Jun 28, 2025 | 12:44 PM

Medicine Hat Tigers defenseman Bryce Pickford became the first Tiger taken in the 2025 NHL Draft after the Montreal Canadiens selected him with the 81st overall selection.

Pickford, in his second draft-eligible season, put up staggering numbers and set numerous postseason scoring records.

He led all WHL defensemen in goals prior to an injury in early February, yet still finished tied for fourth despite a nearly six-week hiatus.

In the playoffs, Pickford picked up right where he left off.

The Chauvin, Alta., native put up 13 goals over just 18 playoff games, including ending the playoffs on an 8-game goal streak.

What's On

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in April

Apr 01, 2026

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: March 27-29

Mar 27, 2026

What's On

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: March 20-22

Mar 20, 2026

He would extend that streak to nine games at the Memoria Cup.

Pickford’s 13 postseason goals were the most by a defenseman in the WHL’s modern era as was his streak of consecutive games with a goal.

In his first season in Medicine Hat, Pickford finished at nearly a point per game, putting up 20 goals and 27 assists over just 48 games.

Pickford now joins fellow WHLer and 2025 third-round pick Hayden Paupanekis in Montreal.