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WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Stanton Making His Mark

April 4, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


It didn't take long for Ty Stanton to make his mark at the pro level.

Seven days after his departure from the Medicine Hat Tigers, and just two games into his professional career, the 20-year-old St. Albert native found the scoresheet with the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies.

"I didn't do anything too special but it was nice to get a point and produce a little bit. It was a good game and a huge win for us. Syracuse is a good team; they have some strong players," said Stanton of his first AHL point, an assist on Ben Smith's deflection in Friday's 4-3 win over the Syracuse Crunch. "I just got a pass from my D partner at the point and I just kind of funneled the puck to the net. Ben Smith got a stick on it and it just went over the goalie's shoulder."

The former Tigers captain signed a one-year contract with the Marlies last month, but given the team's commanding 50-15-5-0 record, Stanton said he wasn't sure if he would see the ice this season. But cautious optimism quickly turned into the chance of a lifetime as the Gas City fan favourite laced them up for Tuesday's 4-0 victory over the St. John's Ice Caps.

"It's definitely huge. It's a great organization and we've got a real strong team this year. We're looking to make a run for it," said Stanton, whose Marlies are one of five AHL teams to already lock up a place in the post-season. "For me to be able to play a couple of games and learn from some of the top players in this league - how they do things and how they play - it's definitely going to help me in my career. It's been great so far."

After leading the Tigers to their first-ever Game 73 tiebreaker with a thrilling late-season push, Stanton says it's been quite the transition going from a veteran leader in the dressing room all the way back to rookie status, but he's taking it all in stride.

"It's definitely a little weird being a rookie again. It's been a while," he said. "I had to clean up the bus up on the road trip and stuff so that was a little different. I'm not used to that but it's all in good nature and I'm enjoying it here."

While it's been a challenge on and off the ice - as the transition features a "stronger and faster" style of play coupled with the responsibilities of adulthood - Stanton says he's been trying to make the most of his time on the ice, and feels there are only positives on the horizon as the Marlies approach the playoffs.

"It's a step up, for sure, from the Western League," he said. "You're living on your own and that's a little different without billets. The guys are bigger, older and stronger and the game is a little faster, but at the end of the day it's all hockey. It's the same thing, the same game is being played. It's a little bit of a learning curve for me trying to do it on my own but it's been fun so far. I'm excited to learn more."

Stanton isn't the only Tiger to quickly earn a place in the AHL, as 18-year-old goaltender Nick Schneider- who is still eligible to return to the Tabbies next season - took to the crease with the Calgary Flames' affiliate Stockton Heat (29-28-2-2) and locked up a 31-save victory in his first-ever start, a 3-2 win over former NHLer Peter Budaj and the Ontario Reign on Friday - the same day Stanton netted his first point.

"That's great for him. He's a young goalie with a lot of potential and it's great to see he got his first win in his first game," said Stanton. "I hope he has a really strong career. I'm sure he will, he works really hard."

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