WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Game 34 at Red Deer

December 14, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


The Story Coming In

The Medicine Hat Tigers extended their winning streak to three games after defeating the Kamloops Blazers 4-2 on Wednesday. Alternate Captain Ryan Jevne scored his 50th career WHL goal in the contest as well as the game winner. Jevne now has 8 points (6G, 2A) in the last three games. The Orange and Black are 16-14-1-2 and will return home after tonight's game to host the Kelowna Rockets Saturday for their final game before the Christmas break.

Tigers vs. Rebels

The Tigers and the Rebels will meet for the fourth time this season tonight in Red Deer. The Orange and Black have won all three previous meetings including a recent 6-2 victory on November 28th. Over the past five seasons, Medicine Hat is 10-10-0-1 against Red Deer. Although the Tigers have won the previous meetings, the Rebels are the top team in the Central and the Tigers will come into the game with an underdog mentality.

View from Red Deer

The Red Deer Rebels defeated the Kamloops Blazers 2-1 on Tuesday for their third consecutive win. Red Deer is currently sitting first in the Central Division with a 20-9-2-0 record. They are led by 2016 Buffalo Sabres draft pick Brandon Hagel with 51 points (21G, 30A) and 2018 Washington Capitals draft pick Alexander Alexeyev with 31 (7G, 24A).

Tigers Talent

Corson Hopwo is a skilled forward in his first season with the Orange and Black. The 17-year-old Duncan BC native has had the opportunity to play on the first line which has helped build his confidence. Hopwo brings energy, speed, high hockey IQ and good footwork into every game. Look for Hopwo to make an impact on both ends of the ice tonight.

Captain's Corner

Captain James Hamblin is a shifty forward with deceptive speed who leads the Tigers in points this season (15G, 20A). Hamblin has a great hockey sense and a tireless work ethic. He often leads the team by example by stepping up and consistently getting the job done. Hamblin is not afraid to battle for the puck, set his teammates up or find the back of the net himself. Look for the 19-year-old Edmonton native to drive to the net and create scoring opportunities tonight for the Tabbies.

Quick Hits

Josh Williams and Mads Søgaard have been invited to the Sherwin Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospect Game set for January 23rd in Red Deer.

Mads Søgaard will depart for Denmark's Selection Camp for the upcoming World Juniors Hockey Tournament after Saturday's game. He is currently ranked 5th overall in the league with a 2.47 GAA and 0.926 SAV%.

17 Tigers have a point or more against the Rebels this season. James Hamblin and Ryan Jevne are leading the way with 7 points each (3G, 4A).

Ryan Jevne scored his first career WHL hat trick against the Rebels November 28, 2018.

Corson Hopwo and Jaxon Steele picked up their first career WHL assists on Jevne's third goal of the night on November 28, 2018.

Joel Craven scored his first career WHL goal against the Red Deer Rebels on October 24th, 2017, in a 5-2 Tigers victory.

The Tigers' penalty kill is 80.2% effective and ranked 6th in the league. The Tigers have also scored 5 shorthanded goals. Hamblin (2), Jevne (2) and Preziuso (1).

Against the Rebels, the Tigers' PK has been 87.5% effective (1/8) and the PP has been 41.7% effective (5/12). About the Medicine Hat Tigers

The Medicine Hat Tigers are a junior hockey team in the Western Hockey League (WHL) who play out of Medicine Hat, AB and were established in 1970. In 48 seasons of playing major junior hockey, the Tigers have won 2 Scotty Munro Memorial Trophies, as well as, 210 playoff games which led to winning 43 playoff series, raising 33 banners, winning five Ed Chynoweth Cups and two Memorial Cups.

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Western Hockey League Stories from December 14, 2018


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