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Tigers win barnburner over Rockets

Dec 14, 2016 | 3:45 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB —The Medicine Hat Tigers came out on top during a back-and-forth barnburner that needed extra time at the Canalta Centre Tuesday night.
Defenceman Ty Schultz potted his third goal of the season to give the Tigers an 8-7 overtime victory in front of 2,932 fans.
“It doesn’t get much luckier than that,”  said Schultz following the game.  The puck was just sitting there, and I was lucky enough to tap it in.
The Tigers spread the scoring through the game, with Steven Owre, Clayton Kirichenko, Zack Fischer, Chad Butcher, David Quenneville, Max Gerlach and Mason Shaw all finding the back of the net during regulation. Owre also had three assists, while Fischer and Butcher notched two assists each.
 Fischer, returning to the lineup Tuesday following a five-game suspension, said it felt “awesome” to be able to jump back onto the team and contribute.
“When you can contribute like that, not just physicality-wise, it’s a great feeling to put numbers on the wall,” he said. “I couldn’t do it without the four other guys on the ice. It’s a team game. When we all use each other, things go our way, so it’s nice to get the win.”
For the Rockets, who were without  players Tomas Soutsal, Calvin Thurkauf,  Dillon Dube and Nick Merkley due to World Junior Hockey Championship selection camps, still had plenty of weapons on offence. Jake Krysaki had two goals and two assists, while kole Hind hjad a goal and three assists during the game. Braydyn Chizen, Kyle Topping, Cal Foote and Leif Mattson had the remaining goals for the Rockets.
Fischer called the game a huge test for the Tigers.
“It’s a learning experience for us too,” he said. “Most games, that might not happen for us, but we found a way to battle through it and lay it all on the line for the W.”
Tigers goaltender Nick Schneider made 27 saves on 34 shots and also notched his first assist of the season. Rockets starter Michael Herringer played 42 minutes, and let in six goals on 21 shots before Brodan Salmond replaced him in the third. Salmond made 12 saves on 14 shots in 19 minutes of play.
The Tigers improve to 23-10-1 on the season, sitting in second place in the Eastern conference, behind the Regina Pats. The Rockets fall to 19-12-2 and sit in fifth place in the Western Conference.  
The Tigers host the Kamloops Blazers (19-12-1-1) at the Canalta Centre on Friday. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Those who can’t see the game in person can listen to Bob Ridley’s play-by-play on CHAT 94.5 FM starting at 7 p.m.