WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Schneider Solid in Crucial Victory

Published on February 27, 2016 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


Medicine Hat, AB - Heading into the weekend Tiger fans knew that it was going to cut it close for the final playoff spot. The Tigers need victories and Friday night against Swift Current their starting goaltender gave them a great performance, earning a very big two points.

With the two clubs very similar in the standings and already a third meeting this month, the Broncos and Tigers played to an even draw in the opening period. Schneider alongside his counterpart Taz Burman went shot to shot, stopping all 27 shots combined in the period. Medicine Hat got the lone power play but couldn't capitalize. Both clubs also sported affiliates as Dylan MacPherson, who has joined the club since his midget season ended, got back into the lineup for his 5th game of the year. For the Broncos it was rookie defenseman Dom Schmlemann who suited up as Swift Current battles injuries. It was scoreless through the opening 20 minutes.

In the second period, Medicine Hat got some more good goaltending from Schneider as another 11 shots were fired his way. The scoring would be broken when Matt Bradley, a usual suspect on the penalty kill, took a pass from Mason Shaw and David Quenneville and beat Burman for his 20th of the season, shorthanded nonetheless. It marked the 8th shortie on the season, ranking the Tigers tied for 5th in the WHL. Just before the period ended however Medicine Hat would extend their lead as Chad Butcher pottedhis 21st of the season and team leading 57th point. Medicine Hat took the two goal lead and the momentum heading into the break.

The final frame was a battle of two desperate teams. Medicine Hat holding onto the lead with the help of Schneider and a defense corps missing their ice time leader in Ty Stanton. Stanton who usually plays about half the game was scratched for this contest. Schneider stopped another 10 Bronco shots in the period, as Medicine Hat went stride for stride. There would be no scoring in the period, however Mason Shaw and Broncos big man Jon Martin got into a tussle, with the two getting multiple penalties on the play. Martin, the Broncos leading scorer was given a 10 minute misconduct on the play, hampering the Broncos chances at a comeback. The game would end 2-0 and Schneider stopped 34 saves for his 1st career shutout.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

1. NICK SCHNEIDER - MH - (34 SAVES, W)

2. MATT BRADLEY - MH - (1G, GWG)

3. TAZ BURMAN - SC - (29 SAVES, L)

Medicine Hat comes back to the Canalta Centre Saturday night to take on the Brandon Wheat Kings for a 7:30pm puck drop!

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2016


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