Sports stats

WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Mark Rassell Clutch in a 2-1 Victory Tuesday

December 16, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


Medicine Hat, AB - The Medicine Hat Tigers were looking for their first 3 game win streak of the 2015-16 season. Winning three straight against one opponent isn't an easy thing to do and usually only happens in the post season, but Tuesday night the Tigers grinded out a 2-1 victory.

Looking to improve on their road record, the Tigers wanted to get out to a fast start, instead the Oil Kings looked to have the upper hand on the visitors outshooting the Tabbies 14-8 in the period. Nick Schneider looked sharp in the net once again as his last 3 starts have been brilliant, keeping Medicine Hat in each game. At the 1454 mark of the period, Matt Bradley finally was able to break the scoreless tie on the power play, marking the 6th straight game with a man advantage marker. Bradley was sprung on a mini breakaway by Ty Stanton and the Montreal Canadiens draft pick made a nice move for the finish. Oddly enough, the Canadiens scout was in attendance on this night, showing his future bosses what talent they took in the 5th round.

However, before the buzzer could sound, Jesse Roach looked to fan on a puck, but ended up getting just enough of a puck to pass the goal line which tied the game at 1's heading into the first intermission. The goal would also be the only flaw Schneider had on the night.

The middle period was tough for the Tabbies as they lost two key members of their lineup. James Hamblin went down after a collision with Ben Carroll in the Edmonton zone. Hamblin favoured his upper body and did not return to the game. Later Bradley, already having scored the game's first goal got into a fight with rookie Tyson Gruninger after the whistle had already went, warranting the referree to eject both combatants. Before the midway point in the period, Medicine Hat was down 2 forwards in their already depleted lineup. Medicine Hat didn't let up despite the short bench, led by the always hard working Alex Mowbray, the Tigers were able to outshoot the Oil Kings 14-5 in the period, but the score remained tied 1-1.

The final period was filled with lots of obstruction and battles as the tension could be felt, almost as a throwback game to the 2004 season when clutching and grabbing was allowed. There wasn't much room to move for the players and Chad Butcher unfortunately got his stick caught in the Edmonton net, which tripped an Oil King defender, nabbing the Tigers forward for the penalty call late in the game. The penalty was the first power play for the Oil Kings in the game.

After a crucial penalty kill by the Tabbies, allowing only 2 shots on Schneider, Butcher picked off an errant pass and fed a streaking Mark Rassell who potted his 8th of the year on a beautiful deke past Patrick Dea with just 135 left in the game. Edmonton would pull their goalie but couldn't find the equalizer, as Medicine Hat left with a 2-1 victory.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

1. NICK SCHNEIDER - MH - (25 SAVES, W)

2. PATRICK DEA - EDM - (30 SAVES, L)

3. MARK RASSELL - MH - (1G, GWG)

The Tigers will head home for their final game at the Canalta Centre before the holiday break as they open a home and home series with the Calgary Hitmen.

Check out the Medicine Hat Tigers Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from December 16, 2015


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.

Other Recent Medicine Hat Tigers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central