By Mitch Bach

Henderson notches first as a Tiger in 8-1 knockout over Kootenay

Jan 24, 2017 | 8:43 PM

CRANBROOK, B.C. – It took Jordan Henderson eight games to notch his first goal as a Medicine Hat Tiger.

The 19-year-old defenceman scored the opening Tabbies tally midway through the first period, Max Gerlach scored twice, and the Medicine Hat Tigers steam-rolled through the Kootenay Ice 8-1 Tuesday night.

Henderson’s first as a Tiger is his second of the season, and third of his three-year WHL career. It came in the opening period, tying the game at 1-1 after Max Patterson opened the scoring for the Ice. Originally drafted by the Spokane Chiefs, Henderson was acquired from Saskatoon just days before the WHL trade deadline in exchange for a draft pick.

Things began to click for the Tigers after that first marker.

Both of Gerlach’s goals came in the second period, followed up by Zach Fischer’s 26th of the season. Captain Clayton Kirichenko cashed in once more in the period to give his team a 5-1 lead through 40 minutes of play.

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Mason Shaw, John Dahlstrom, and Mark Rassell rounded out the Tabbies scoring in the third, while Michael Bullion made 22 saves in his fourth start with his new team.

Gerlach and Kirichenko each recorded three-point efforts, while James Hamblin helped out on two goals. Medicine Hat was held scoreless on three powerplay opportunities, but also killed off all five penalties, including three in the third period. In total, 14 Tigers collected at least a point while combining for a sensational +34.

Medicine Hat is now six points clear of the Lethbridge Hurricanes for first place in the Central Division. The ‘Canes have gone eight straight games with at least a point, winning six. The Tigers return to action at home on Friday, hosting the Edmonton Oil Kings (7:30pm).

Monkey off his back

Max Gerlach’s two goal performance comes one game after scoring his first of 2017 Saturday night. That broke an 8-game scoring slump. He now holds sole possession of the team-lead in goals at 27, three behind his career high from last year. Gerlach’s 42 points this season is also three back of his career high.