Game 36 at Calgary
Published on January 1, 2020 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release
The Story Coming In
The Medicine Hat Tigers returned to action after their holiday break and fell 4-3 in a shootout to the Swift Current Broncos Friday before defeating the Calgary Hitmen 3-1 on Saturday. The Orange and Black scored three goals in the first period against the Hitmen while goaltender Mads Søgaard stopped 33 of 34 shots faced in the contest to win the game. The Tigers are 23-10-1-1 and they are led by their Captain James Hamblin with 54 points (19G, 35A). After this afternoon's contest, the Tabbies will return home to host the Hitmen Friday and the Seattle Thunderbirds on Saturday before departing to Manitoba to play Brandon Tuesday and Winnipeg Wednesday.
Tigers vs. Hitmen
The Tigers and the Hitmen face off this afternoon for their fourth meeting this season and second in five days. In their head to head series so far this season, the home team has won every contest. Calgary won 2-0 in September and 6-3 in October at the Saddledome while Medicine Hat won 3-1 this past Saturday at the Canalta Centre. Cole Sillinger is leading the series for the Tigers with four points (1G, 3A) in three games played. Over the past five years, the Tabbies are 11-8-2-0 against the Hitmen and 4-6-1-0 when playing in Calgary. After today, both teams will travel to Medicine Hat for a rematch on Friday night.
View from Calgary
The Calgary Hitmen returned from their holiday break to play seven games in ten days. In their first weekend back, they fell 5-4 in overtime to the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday before losing 3-1 to the Medicine Hat Tigers Saturday. On Monday, the Hitmen hosted the Edmonton Oil Kings and defeated them 5-3. After today's battle with the Tigers, the Hitmen will travel to Medicine Hat Friday and Lethbridge on Saturday before returning home to host Moose Jaw Sunday. Calgary is 17-11-4-1 so far this season and they are led by Riley Stotts with 36 points (16G, 20A).
Tigers Talent
Cole Sillinger is leading the league in rookie scoring with 37 points (12G, 25A) in 30 games played. The 16-year-old Regina product is a skilled, hardworking forward with a lethal shot. He displays tremendous puck skills and possesses a high hockey IQ. In the month of December, Sillinger picked up 14 points (2G, 12A) in nine games including a career high six point (1G, 5A) night against the Saskatoon Blades. Look for Sillinger to make an impact in this afternoon's game.
Captain's Corner
Captain James Hamblin is the Tigers most consistent player and he is leading his team in points with 54 (19G, 35A). The 20-year-old Edmonton product is third in league scoring and tied in second for most assists in the league with 35. Hamblin is relied on in every situation for the Tigers and he leads the team by example with his hard work and dedication. Since being drafted in the first round of the 2014 bantam draft by the Tabbies, he has suited up for 296 games, scored 98 goals and collected 148 assists.
Quick Hits
Cole Clayton made his WHL debut with the Tigers December 18, 2015, at the Canalta Centre against the Calgary Hitmen. The Tabbies were bested 2-0 by the Hitmen that day.
In his career as a Tiger, James Hamblin has suited up for 20 games against the Calgary Hitmen and collected 19 points (3G, 16A).
In the head to head contest between the Tabbies and the Hitmen, Medicine Hat is 27.3% (3/11) on the power play and 88.9% (1/9) on the penalty kill.
The Tigers' Skills Competition brought to you by A&W will be Thursday, January 16th. Doors will open at 6 PM and the event will start at 7 PM. Entry to the event will be by donation to the local MS Society at the door.
The Home Depot on the Bench contest starts today. Enter your minor hockey team for a chance to practice with the Tigers online at http://www.homedepotonthebench.com.
Western Hockey League Stories from January 1, 2020
- Silvertips Edged in Shootout - Everett Silvertips
- Royals Shutout Giants - Victoria Royals
- Oil Kings Kick off 2020 with Shootout Win over Silvertips - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Giants Fall 1-0 in their 2020 Opener against Victoria - Vancouver Giants
- Holmes Ends OT Early for 2-1 Pats' Win - Regina Pats
- Raiders Earn Point in OT Loss to Pats - Prince Albert Raiders
- Best in East ICE Down Saskatoon Blades - Saskatoon Blades
- Tigers Fall 4-2 in New Year's Day Date with the Hitmen - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Hitmen Edge Tigers, 4-2 - Calgary Hitmen
- ICE Ring in the New Year with 6-1 Win - Winnipeg Ice
- Americans Deal Warm to Edmonton for Two Players, Two Picks - Tri-City Americans
- Oil Kings Acquire Goaltender Beck Warm from Tri-City Americans - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Preview: Broncos Begin New Year with Old Rivalry against Regina - Swift Current Broncos
- Game 36 at Calgary - Medicine Hat Tigers
- ICE Look to Ring in the New Year in Saskatoon. - Winnipeg Ice
- Game Preview: Ice Roll into Town for First Game of 2020, Decade - Saskatoon Blades
- Calgary Hitmen Game Preview - Wednesday, January 1 vs. Medicine Hat - Calgary Hitmen
- Game Day Preview: Pats Kick off 2020 with New Year's Day Game against Prince Albert Wednesday - Regina Pats
- Hawks Secure New Year's Eve Win in Front of Sellout Crowd - Portland Winterhawks
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