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WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Game 56 vs Tri-City

February 21, 2020 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


The Story Coming In

The Medicine Hat Tigers will be looking to rebound tonight when they host the Tri-City Americans. The Tabbies fell 4-2 to the Winnipeg ICE during their Family Day matinee game. Veteran forward Ryan Chyzowski scored both goals for the Tabbies in the losing contest and earned second star of the afternoon. The Orange and Black are 34-18-2-1 and they are led by their Captain James Hamblin with 82 points (33G, 49A). After tonight's battle with the Americans, the Tigers will host the Spokane Chiefs on Saturday night.

Tigers vs. Americans

For the first time in two years, the Tigers will host the Americans at the Canalta Centre for the annual meeting between these two hockey clubs. Last season the Orange and Black travelled to Kennewick, Washington, and defeated Tri-City 2-0. Elijah Brown and Hayden Ostir were the goal scorers for the Tigers while Jordan Hollett shut the door on the Americans saving all 26 shots faced. Over the past five years, the Tabbies are 2-1-0-0 against the Americans and 0-1-0-0 when playing in Medicine Hat.

View from Tri-City

The Tri-City Americans kicked off their three game Central Division road trip on a high note by turning aside the Swift Current Broncos 5-1 on Wednesday night. Veteran forward Sasha Mutala had a three point night (1G, 2A) while rookie goaltender Mason Dunsford stopped 41 of 42 shots. After tonight's tilt in Medicine Hat, the Americans will finish their road trip in Red Deer against the Rebels on Saturday night. Tri-City is 17-32-4-1 and they are led by Mutala with 62 points (24G, 38A).

Tigers Talent

Garin Bjorklund is a very athletic goaltender that challenges each shot and competes hard every night. The 17-year-old Calgary native was drafted by the Tigers in the first round of the 2017 Bantam Draft and he is 17-5-1-0 with a 2.99 GAA and a 0.897 SAV% in his rookie season with the Orange and Black. "Garin is everything we could have hoped for and more. The points he's been able to get us when he's been in the net have been integral to our success as a team. His competitiveness, athleticism, work ethic, and respect for the game are qualities that exemplify what being a Tiger is all about," said Coach Matt Wong

Captain's Corner

Captain James Hamblin is a solid 200 foot player who protects his zone and takes care of his responsibilities. He is a smart, speedy centre with great playmaking skills and who is not afraid to light the lamp himself. The 20-year-old Edmonton native has been the Tigers' top point producer all season and he is currently second in league scoring with 82 points. He is also tied in third for most goals with 33 and he is in fourth for most assists (49). Look for the Captain to lead his team by example in tonight's game.

Quick Hits

Tonight's game is expected to be Dylan Plouffe's 300th career WHL game. The 20-year-old Sherwood Park native was drafted by the Vancouver Giants in the second round, 29th overall in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. He suited up for his first game with the Giants Nov 11, 2014, against Medicine Hat at the Arena. Plouffe was traded to the Tabbies December 7, 2019, along with Lukas Svejkovsky.

Veteran blueliner Cole Clayton has set new career highs in assists and points this season. In fact, 93.1% (27/29) of his points this season are assists.

The Medicine Hat Tigers and the Tri-City Americans are tied for the league record of most goals in a game by one team with 19 goals. The Tabbies set the record February 11, 1984, when they defeated the Winnipeg Warriors 19-2. The Tri-City Americans tied the record October 3, 1990, when they defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds 19-3.

Rookie goaltender Garin Bjorklund's older brother Paycen plays for the Tri-City Americans. Paycen has an upper body injury and he is listed as day to day so he will not suit up for tonight's contest.

Alumni Update:

Former Tigers Captain Clayton Kirichenko has been named to the Canada West First Team All-Stars. Kirichenko is in his third year with the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

Game Sponsor

The Home Depot caters to do-it-yourselfers, as well as home improvement, construction and building maintenance professionals. The Home Depot Canada operates 182 stores in convenient locations across Canada including the one here in Medicine Hat.

CF Industries Community Corner

CF Industries is a global leader in transforming natural gas into nitrogen. The chemical processes used ensures they have the nitrogen they need to support life on earth - from fertilizer that feeds the crops that feed the world to products that remove harmful emissions from industrial activities.

Canadian Royal Purple has served Medicine Hat and area for over 60 years. The members passionately volunteer and fundraise for local charities such as the Ronald McDonald House Charity, School Breakfast Programs, Youth programs, HIV Community Link, Pregnancy Support, Women's Shelter, and St. Joseph's Home.

Montana's BBQ & Bar Birthday Party Package

The Medicine Hat Tigers along with Montana's BBQ & Bar are excited to introduce Birthday Party Packages this season. There are three different packages that fans can choose from and all packages include two adult tickets and eight child tickets. To inquire about Montana's BBQ & Bar Birthday Party Packages please call the Tigers Office at 403.526.2666.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 21, 2020


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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