By Erin Schwab - Medicine Hat Tigers

GAME NOTES: Tigers battle Central Division leaders

Sep 26, 2018 | 12:03 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Tigers are on the road for the first time this season, heading to Edmonton to take on the Oil Kings. 

The Story Coming In

The Medicine Hat Tigers opened their 2018-19 season campaign with a home and home series against the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The Tabbies won Friday night in Lethbridge 5-2 and fell Saturday night at home 4-2.

The 2018-19 edition of the Tigers has 18 returning players along with a lot of young talent. The Tabbies’ record is 1-1-0-0 so far this season.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

Tigers vs. Oil Kings

The last time the Medicine Hat Tigers faced Central Division rivals the Edmonton Oil Kings was March 6th, 2018, and the Tigers won 6-4. In the past five years, the Orange and Black have posted a 22-3-0-0 record against the Oil Kings.

View from Edmonton

The Edmonton Oil Kings have had a strong start to their season sweeping the Red Deer Rebels during the 2018-19 WHL Opening Weekend. The Oil Kings won their home opener 4-2 on Friday night before travelling to Red Deer to beat the Rebels 4-1 on Saturday night. They currently sit 1stin the Central Division with 4 points.

Tigers Talent

Bryan Lockner is in his second season with the Orange and Black and he is looking to play an even bigger role especially since being named an alternate captain. The 18-year-old Windsor CO product has a lethal shot and a powerful stride. Last season, he led the Tigers with most shots blocked. Through his hardworking, gritty style of play, Lockner will look to make an impact at both ends of the ice.

Captain’s Corner

James Hamblin is in his fourth season with the Tigers and has the honour to captain the team during their 49th season in the Western Hockey League. Hamblin was the Tabbies’ first-round draft pick in 2014 (17th overall). The 19-year-old Edmonton AB native is a hardworking, two way forward who leads by example. Last season, Hamblin reached career highs in assists (43) nearly doubling his assists production from the 2016-17 (24). This season Hamblin is the Tigers top point producer with 5 points (2G, 3A) in 2 games for an average of 2.5 points/game.

Quick Hits

Tigers Captain James Hamblin is leading the team with 5 points (2G, 3A) in 2 games played. He is currently tied in third for most points in the league.
The Tigers continue to have a scoring by committee approach as 6 different players have contributed to the 7 goals scored so far this season. The goal scorers are James Hamblin (2), Ryan Jevne, Gary Haden, Tyler Preziuso, Elijah Brown and Bryan Lockner.
Six Tigers were invited to NHL rookie tournaments and training camps. Jordan Hollett (Ottawa Senators), Mason Shaw (Minnesota Wild), David Quenneville (New York Islanders), Linus Nassen (Florida Panthers), Dylan MacPherson (Florida Panthers – invite) and Ryan Chyzowski (Vegas Golden Knights – invite). Hollett and Chyzowski have since rejoined the Tigers. Shaw, Quenneville, Nassen and MacPherson have all been sent to the respective AHL clubs training camp that opened Monday.
The Tabbies’ penalty kill is 84.6% and they have scored three shorthanded goals. Ryan Jevne and Tyler Preziuso scored shorthanded in Friday night’s contest and James Hamblin scored shorthanded on Saturday.
Although the Tabbies boast a young team, there are only 6 rookies in this year’s squad.
Mads Sogaard is the Tigers’ 6’7” Danish goaltender and their first import drafted goaltender since Marek Langhamer in 2012.