Tigers react to strong pre-season start

Tigers assistant coach Joe Frazer said he was impressed by the young roster’s ability to bounce back in key situations.

“I thought that was the best thing of the weekend,” said Frazer. “Both games we were down 1-0 [in] the first, they had a lot of older guys in their lineup and our young guys stuck with it, they didn’t quit. And, I think it says a lot about the older guys we played, the leadership they brought.”

On of the standouts on Saturday was rookie goalie Kaeden Lane, taking over from starter Garin Bjorklund midway through the second period.

The 15-year-old stopped all 18 shots he faced to pick up his first pre-season victory in his WHL debut.

Lane said it was an experience he won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

“It kind of gives you chills,” said Lane. “You kind of watch them since you were young, and now you’re there.”

Tigers veteran Mark Rassell said what’s even more impressive was the fact Lane wasn’t even Medicine Hat property a few days beforehand.

“He signed the contract yesterday and he was in the net today,” said Rassell. “So, obviously the kid had a hell of a 48 hours, but he was really calm in there and I think he won us that game.”

“He’s won everywhere he’s been with Burnaby, won the Westerns there in bantams, and he won last year as the goalie leader for the playoffs,” said Frazer. “So, to watch him come in and play as confident as he did was really good to see.”

Rassell had a big night on Saturday as well scoring two goals and four points, all while representing the team as captain for the first time.

He said although it was just for an exhibition contest, it was a special evening.

“It’s just pre-season, but it’s an honour to wear the ‘C’ on such a respected franchise like Medicine Hat. So, it was an honour and I’ll enjoy the night for sure.”

Medicine Hat’s top line of Rassell, Mick Kohler, and Josh Williams formed some great chemistry with the trio combining for four goals and nine points on Saturday.

It was an exceptional two games for Williams particularly, scoring six points over the weekend.

Frazer said with NHL rookie camps starting this week, the Tigers’ prospects have a chance to shine.

“We’ll kind of play around with it, we got a lot of options now,” he said. “With the NHL guys leaving, we can play around with some things before the [real] games start.”

Medicine Hat hits the road for Saskatchewan this week, facing the Moose Jaw Warriors on Saturday night.

by Scott Roblin

Tigers react to strong pre-season start

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