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WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Game 57 vs Spokane

February 22, 2020 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


The Story Coming In

The Medicine Hat Tigers earned a playoff berth last night when they defeated the Tri-City Americans 4-2 at the Canalta Centre. It is the 17th time in the last 18 straight years, the Tigers have made a post season appearance and the 41st time in the team's 50 year franchise history. Captain James Hambllin scored a pair of goals including an empty net goal to seal the 4-2 victory for the Orange and Black. After tonight's game against the Spokane Chiefs, the Tigers will travel to Regina Friday, Feb 28th, for the first game of a home and home series with the Pats. Medicine Hat is 35-18-2-1 and they are led by their Captain with 84 points (35G, 49A).

Tigers vs. Chiefs

The Tigers will face off with the Chiefs tonight for the annual meeting between these two hockey clubs. It is the first time in two years that the Tabbies host the Chiefs. Last season, Medicine Hat travelled to Spokane and defeated the Chiefs 3-2 in a shootout. Alternate Captains Ryan Chyzowski and Bryan Lockner each scored in the contest while goaltender Mads Søgaard turned aside 39 of 41 shots faced. Over the past five years, the Tigers are 3-1-0-0 against the Chiefs and 2-0-0-0 when playing at home.

View from Spokane

The Spokane Chiefs finish off a three game Central Division road trip tonight in Medicine Hat. Wednesday night they defeated the Lethbridge Hurricanes 6-3 and last night they took down the Swift Current Broncos 5-1. Minnesota Wild 2019 draft pick, Adam Beckman, has six points (3G, 3A) on the road trip so far. Beckman is leading the league in points with 98 (44G, 54A). The Chiefs are 34-18-4-1 and after tonight's contest, they will return home to host the Seattle Thunderbirds Friday, Feb 28th.

Tigers Talent

Mads Søgaard was drafted in the second round, 37th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Only two Tigers netminders have been drafted higher than Søgaard, Troy Gamble (1985, 2nd Rd, 25th overall, Vancouver) and Mark Fitzpatrick (1987, 2nd Rd, 27th overall, LA). The 6'7 Danish netminder has quick lateral movement, competes hard and he effectively employs the butterfly technique. Søgaard has posted a 17-12-1-1 record this season, a 2.74 GAA and a 0.902 SAV%.

Captain's Corner

Captain James Hamblin has been having a banner year as he has set new career highs in all offensive categories. The 20-year-old Edmonton product is the Tigers top point producer and he is tied in second for most points in the league with 84. He is also tied in third for most goals with 35 and tied in fourth for most assists with 49. 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. Look for the Tigers Captain to lead his team by example in tonight's battle.

Quick Hits

Mads Søgaard's first WHL career win was against the Spokane Chiefs Oct. 5, 2018. He stopped 39 of 41 shots faced in the contest as well as three shooters in the shootout. Although 39 saves is impressive, Søgaard's career best came December 14, 2018, when he stopped 49 of 50 shots to help the Tigers defeat the Red Deer Rebels 4-1.

The Tigers are top in the Eastern Conference and third in the league with 4.40 goals per game.

For the 33rd time in Tigers franchise history, they have won 35 games.

Four Tigers are sons of former WHL and NHL players

Ryan Chyzowski is the son of Dave Chyzowski (Kamloops Blazers)

Cole Sillinger is the son of Mike Sillinger (Regina Pats)

Lukas Svejkovsky is the son of Jaroslav "Yogi" Svejkovsky (Tri-City Americans)

Eric Van Impe is the son of Darren Van Impe (Prince Albert Raiders/ Red Deer Rebels)

Game Sponsor

Since 2010, NewRock Developments has been on a mission to provide exceptional, attainable housing in cities throughout Western Canada. As a multicity developer, they understand the importance of building communities that are well integrated. To achieve this, city selection and community involvement are very important.

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.

Rotary Club of Medicine Hat has been active since 1918 with its first project being the Cenotaph at Veteran's Park. For over 100 years, the Rotary Club has been serving the community through various local initiatives focused on youth, health, education, recreation as well as arts and culture.

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.

Check out the Medicine Hat Tigers Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from February 22, 2020


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