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Top prospects Sogaard and Williams light up Rebels

Dec 14, 2018 | 8:34 PM

RED DEER, AB — Earlier this week, Josh Williams and Mads Sogaard were tabbed to play in the 2019 NHL / CHL’s Top Prospects game next month.

Both members of the Medicine Hat Tigers gave reason why Friday night.

Williams notched a career-high four-point night, Sogaard turned aside a season-high 49 shots, and the Tigers topped the Red Deer Rebels 4-1 at the ENMAX Centrium.

Defenceman Linus Nassen picked up three assists, while James Hamblin notched a goal and a helper and Ryan Jevne picked up an assist.

Sogaard’s 49-save performance tops his 48-save shutout for his busiest night between the pipes.

Ethan Anders made 34 saves in the Rebels crease for the loss.

Medicine Hat has had the Central Division leaders’ number all season, winning all four games thus far. They’ve kept the Rebels scoring at bay, only allowing a combined seven goals in those four matches.

Three of the Tabbies goals came on the man-advantage. In fact, the Tigers were a perfect 3-for-3 on the power-play, and killed off both penalties.

Red Deer opened the scoring 5:33 into the opening period. Chris Douglas blasted a one-timer set up by Zak Smith past Sogaard.

Williams, who’s agent told him he would play in the Top Prospects Game a few days before it was officially released, tied the game with a little over five minute left in the first.

Captain James Hamblin gave the Tigers their first lead at the midway mark of the second frame. Williams collected the primary assist, then picked up his second of the night at 16:22 to make it 3-1.

Sogaard was flawless after allowing the Rebels to open the scoring, making a combined 31 saves in the second and third periods. The rookie net-minder will join Team Denmark for the World Juniors following this weekend’s play.

Bryan Lockner added an empty net goal, which was set up by Williams with under a minute to play.

The Tigers have now won a season-high four games in a row, while the Rebels point-streak is snapped at four games.

The 2019 NHL / CHL Top Prospects game will also be held in Red Deer’s ENMAX Centrium on January 23.

Medicine Hat’s final game before the holiday break is Saturday night, hosting former Tiger Dalton Gally and the Kelowna Rockets at 7:30. Red Deer’s first half to the campaign has wrapped up, and will now take a 14-day break before returning to action on December 28.