By Scott Roblin

Haden shines in homecoming, scores winner against Tigers

Nov 9, 2018 | 9:27 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Gary Haden haunted his former team on Friday night, scoring the game-winner in his return to the Canalta Centre ice.

Playing in his first game in Medicine Hat against his former team since being traded in October, Haden netted the go-ahead goal early in the third period as the Blades edged the Medicine Hat Tigers by a 3-1 final.

He wasn’t the only ex-Tiger to cause the Medicine Hat squad fits on Friday though, as Max Gerlach also converted with a power play goal against his former squad in the win.

Linus Nassen and Josh Williams connected midway through the first period to give Medicine Hat the early lead, with the Swede finding Williams alone for the winger’s third of the season.

Medicine Hat almost gave up the lead seconds later however, with a Blades shot that got past Jordan Hollett but sat on the goal line for a full second before a whistle was blown.

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The Tigers were able to sit on that 1-0 lead well into the second period, but an Eric Van Impe tripping penalty put Medicine Hat down a man late.

With just over two minutes left before the intermission, Gerlach cradled a pass from the point and wired home the one-timer to knot up the game at 1-1 after 40 minutes.

Hungry all night trying to get behind the Tigers defence, Haden hopped on a rebound five minutes into the third period for his fifth of the season, to a mixture of cheers and boos from the Canalta Centre crowd.

Riley McKay tacked on a late empty-net goal for Saskatoon, taking down the Tigers in a 3-1 fashion.

Medicine Hat outshot Saskatoon 36-31 on the night, with Blades goaltender Nolan Maier earning first star honours with a 35-save showing.

Despite picking up the loss, Hollett was big when counted on for Medicine Hat with 28 saves on 30 shots.

Seeing their record slip to 9-8-0-2 on the year for 20 points, the Tigers have dropped out of third place in the Central Division and sit in the first wildcard spot.

The Tigers will try to use a short memory to their advantage on Saturday, as they continue their home stand against the visiting Edmonton Oil Kings at 7:30 pm.