By Mitch Bach

Manning the pipes; Bullion ready for heavy workload against ‘Canes

Apr 6, 2017 | 4:15 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Can “The Bullion Wall” hold up against the gale force of a hurricane?

Well, the Medicine Hat Tigers seem to think so, with no shortage of confidence.

Tigers head coach & GM Shaun Clouston spoke proudly of goaltender Michael Bullion’s performance in the opening round of the playoffs — which saw the Tigers sweep the Brandon Wheat Kings in four games — and has ultimately handed the pipes over to the January 1st acquisition.

“It’s his net right now for sure, he’s earned that,” said Clouston. “He’s been steady, and then spectacular at times and I think that’s what you need.”

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Bullion allowed nine goals on a combined 105 shots, good enough for a career-best 0.914 save percentage and 2.25 goals against average. Upon closer evaluation, his performances in games three and four were even more impressive. The Alaska-product allowed a combined four goals on 50 shots, which was influential in the Tigers berth into the second round.

“Most of the guys are looking forward to getting some games in,” said Bullion, mentioning it’s been over a week since game four against Brandon. “And definitely seeing how this series is going to start flowing.”

Bullion’s history against the ‘Canes is a little shaky, but conditionally respectful to say the least. In the final game of the regular season against Lethbridge, the 19-year-old was pulled after the first period due to sickness after allowing three goals on 15 shots.

“I went down with a pretty bad illness in that game,” continued Bullion. “My goalie partner (Duncan McGovern) he went in there and absolutely held us in that game and did a great job. I think that game especially is definitely a taste of what the series could be.”

Both teams ran up the scoreboard, with no team leading by more than a single tally in an 8-7 decision favoring the Tabbies. It served as the perfect way to end an electrifying season for Medicine Hat, while treating a rowdy Canalta Centre crowd to a terrific show.

Contrary to how Highway 3 games have finished in the past, Bullion expects (and hopes) far fewer goals to be scored.

“It’s definitely two high-powered offenses. I think the D will be underrated in this series, I think both teams have pretty elite D, so obviously it’s going to be two really good teams going at each other,” he added.

Game one of these two teams going at each other is set for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. from the Canalta Centre.