By Mitch Bach

Tigers make special delivery for fans in hospital

Dec 15, 2016 | 1:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — An early Christmas present was given to dozens of Tigers fans spending time at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday.
The Medicine Hat Tigers made their way through the facility, handing out the stuffed animals that rained down from the Canalta Centre during the Teddy Bear Toss Game on December 10.

Tigers’ captains Clayton Kirichenko, Steven Owre, Chad Butcher and Mason Shaw took part, along with Max Gerlach, who scored the goal which got the fur flying.
Both Gerlach and Shaw say it was an experience they weren’t about to pass up.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Gerlach. “I mean, the community gave them to us, so we get to give them away now.

“Seeing these kids’ faces is unlike anything else. They’re obviously super happy to see us, and it’s a lot of fun.”

“All of these kids are super excited,” added Shaw. “I’ve already seen them running down the hall with their teddy bears. I’m just super pumped that they’re out there enjoying the teddy bears, and we get a chance to talk to them.”

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Gerlach says it is “very special” to see the childrens’ eyes light up when they’re presented with the bears.

“It’s nice to know that we such an impact on their lives and they really have a connection with us, even though we’ve never met them before,” he said.

Heather Bach, executive director of the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, says it’s wonderful to see the Tigers stop by the hospital during a difficult time for families, especially during the holidays.

“Having the Tigers here just brings a smile to everybody,” she said.

Bach adds seeing the players, who are often a little nervous to start the visit, open up and play with the kids is also heartwarming.

“It’s wonderful watching them and the awe in their eyes,” she said. “One of them was holding a baby today, and it was pretty amazing to watch a young man be fascinated with someone so little and so sick. It’s really interesting to watch that.”

The Tigers are back in action on Friday, hosting the Kamloops Blazers at the Canalta Centre. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.