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WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Several Tigers Headed to NHL Development Camps

June 30, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


While the 2015 National Hockey League Entry Draft has come and gone, NHL interest in Tigers players is just starting to heat up. Professional clubs have gotten savvier in recent years, digging through the rosters of CHL teams searching for the next great untapped - and undrafted - talent.

A bevy of Tabbies had their cell phones go off in the moments after the draft, including forwards Trevor Cox, Cole Sanford, Dryden Hunt and Markus Eisenschmid.

With 109 points in the regular season, it's hardly surprising Trevor Cox would garner somebody's attention, in this case that of the Washington Capitals, who invited the shifty playmaker to their Development Camp.

"I can't wait to go down there, experience my first NHL camp and see what's its all about," says Cox, whose phone rang just a few minutes after the draft.

Cox has been been billet brothers with Capitals draft pick Tyler Lewington for the past three seasons, and is perhaps the beneficiary of the NHL club coming to check in on its defensive prospect. Whatever the case, Trevor is thrilled to be putting his skills on display at Washington's camp.

"I was obviously really excited when I found out. Having my roommate Tyler going there is going to make it that much more special and interesting. I'm really looking forward to the experience and seeing what a pro environment is all about," adds Cox.

Cox and fellow linemate Cole Sanford generated a ton of attention all season long with their highlight reel goals and otherworldly chemistry. The payoff for Sanford is an invitation to the Edmonton Oilers Orientation Camp, which kicks off on Canada Day.

"After the draft I got a call from my agent saying they wanted me to attend the camp, and I ended up accepting the offer Sunday night," says Sanford, already in Edmonton for medical and fitness testing that begins Wednesday. "Got the call Monday and got everything organized. Obviously, it feels good to finally get a chance to experience a NHL camp."

This weekend's draft saw the Montreal Canadiens select forward Matt Bradley in the 5th round. Matt was thoroughly scouted by many NHL teams throughout the season, and it turns out the Habs were enamoured with more than just Bradley, as a pair of his teammates will be joining him in 'la belle province' later this week.

"Montreal said if I were not to get drafted I was invited to their camp," says Tigers forward Dryden Hunt, who found out well in advance of last weekend where he would be skating next. "Getting drafted would have been an honour, but this is the next best thing."

Montreal wasn't done with the Tigers yet, as just shortly after the draft another Bengal found his phone buzzing with good news. Import forward Markus Eisenschmid would be joining his teammates at Canadiens camp.

"I found out about 10 minutes after the NHL draft when my agent texted me that Montreal wants to have me there for July 4th," says Eisenschmid. "I'm very excited for my first camp and it's an unbelievable opportunity."

Added Hunt: "I couldn't be happier heading to Montreal on Friday, especially because I get to share the week with Brads and Marky."

Tigers fans couldn't be happier to see those that they've cheered on all season long are getting their just due and a good look from NHL camps as well.

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Western Hockey League Stories from June 30, 2015


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