Tien Finding Stride After Scoring His First WHL Goal
Published on November 16, 2021 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release
Thomas Tien might be the smallest player on the Moose Jaw Warriors' roster but he gave the team a big spark during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The Warriors' rookie forward scored his first Western Hockey League goal, a shorthanded marker just 2:01 into the game, which got Moose Jaw rolling for a three-goal opening period.
"I don't know if I've seen our bench that excited in a long time, that was real good," Mark O'Leary, head coach of the Warriors, said. "It shows what kind of a kid Thomas is, he does everything 100 miles an hour, whether it's practice, in the gym or like you saw there for a real big goal for us."
Tien had went eight games without a point to start his first season with the Warriors. He said it felt great to finally breakthrough and find the back of the net.
"We were on the [penalty kill] and just wanted to get the puck out, [Denton Mateychuk] made such a great play and got a lucky bounce," he said on Tuesday after practice.
Mateychuk shot the puck the length of the ice and Tien's speed allowed him to catch the puck coming off the end boards. His shot was stopped initially, but eventually made it over the line.
Tien showed how much the goal meant to him with a big celebration after it went in.
"The emotion just took off after that, I was pretty happy to get that one," he said.
The 17-year-old forward made the Warriors' roster out of training camp after initially being selected in the 11th round of the WHL Bantam Draft in 2020.
He said the goal gives him a big confidence boost moving forward.
"This league is all about building confidence and that's how you're successful," Tien said. "After I got that first one, it's a huge confidence builder."
Standing in at only five-foot-seven, Tien doesn't let his size dictate how he plays.
Tien said he's getting more comfortable using his speed to win battles.
"I'm trying to do the best that I can with the role that I have on this team and if that's forechecking with my speed, then I'm going to do everything I can to help contribute in that way," he said.
"He exemplifies races and battles," O'Leary said. "Real happy for Tommy, his game and his weekend"
While Sunday's game was night Tien won't forgot because of the goal, he will also remember the game for another reason after taking a shot off his head and having to leave the game for stitches.
He said he's feeling good a couple days after the incident.
"It was a little sore the day of, but right now it feels better," he said. "I passed all the concussion protocols and just getting better day-by-day."
Tien and the Warriors are off until Friday when they travel to Brandon to take on the Wheat Kings.
The Warriors will finish the week by hosting the Regina Pats on Saturday for the Hockey Fights Cancer game at Mosaic Place. Get tickets for the game at mjwarriors.ca or the Mosaic Place Box Office.
Western Hockey League Stories from November 16, 2021
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- Sutter Credits Coaching Staff for Rebels Strong Start to Season - Red Deer Rebels
- Nijhoff, Extreme Hockey Team up for Hockey Gives Blood Campaign - Regina Pats
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