Sports stats



WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Year in Review: Part 3 - Biggest Surprises

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


Medicine Hat, AB - The 2015-16 season were full of ups and downs but there were many surprises throughout the year. Multiple Tigers hit and surpassed career high in all three offensive categories and Tiger rookies also set high expectations moving into next season.

In Part 3 of our Year in Review we countdown some of the biggest surprises for the 2015-16 season.

Rookies Make their Mark

With a new revamped roster heading into the season as the Tabbies lost 10 regulars from last year, some of the rookies coming into the year knew they were going to be relied upon to help in the offensive attack. Medicine Hat got some great years from their rookie core, setting the bar high for next year.

Max Gerlach led all rookies in scoring and his 30 goals were the highest on the Tigers this season. Max's 30 goals are the first time since Emerson Etem during the 2010 season, had a rookie reached the 30+ goal plateau. Gerlach exceeded many expectations in their first year in the WHL; however with 6 other rookies on the roster, the youngsters did their job to help Medicine Hat almost reach the post season.

Brad Forrest was second among rookies in scoring, recording 13 points from the backend. Forrest logged large minutes for the Tabbies, as injuries to key defenseman occurred throughout the year. Forrest was also featured on the second power play unit down the stretch and was counted on for his puck moving prowess.

The Tigers welcomed two 16 year olds to the roster as well, after signing James Hamblin and Tyler Preziuso after being drafted in 2014, the duo made their debuts in 2015. Preziuso collected 10 points in his rookie campaign, while Hamblin battled injuries and a departure to the Ivan Hlinka tournament; however he still managed to record 3 points during his time and gain a healthy amount of experience taking face-offs in the WHL.

Not to be outdone were the rest of the rookie crop in Nick Heid, who came over in a trade with the Portland Winterhawks, Caleb Fantillo and Ryan Jevne. The trio of skaters combined for 28 points on the season (Fantillo - 12, Jevne - 10, Heid - 6). Fantillo and Jevne were relied upon down the race for the post season with Jevne playing a big role on the second power play unit. Heid was a great team player and could always be counted on for a big hit or some energy to start the game in any role he was asked for.

The rookie crop will continue to grow for next season but Tiger fans are excited for the future.

Butcher leads the way

With early departure of Trevor Cox and injuries to Steven Owre and Zach Fischer, the Tigers looked for an offensive spark from someone and 19 year old Butcher delivered.

The Kamloops native recorded a career high in all categories including penalty minutes as an always feisty and determined Butcher was not afraid to back down from opponents on a nightly basis. Down the stretch to the post season Butcher was on fire having recorded 20 points in the 13 games.

Butcher was counted on in every situation and was praised by his peers often hearing from players around the league that "Butcher is really good", an accolade not many can get in the WHL. Butcher finished the season leading the Tigers in points and assists in what was a breakout season.

Bigger Role, Bigger Season - Alex Mowbray

Heading into your 3rd season in the WHL usually means you are counted on by your team to deliver on a nightly basis. For Alex Mowbray his season started a bit slower than other 3rd year players but in the end delivered a solid career year for the Tabbies.

Mowbray was hugely counted on for his prowess on the penalty kill, one of the Calgary natives strengths. Mowbray contributed shorthanded potting his first career shorthanded goal in a game against the Calgary Hitmen. Never backing down and always giving 100% were just a couple of Mowbray's attributes that awarded the 19 year old ice time and big minutes down the stretch.

Throughout the season Mowbray would tally 11 goals, 10 assists for 21 points, all career highs. Mowbray was also counted on the second power play unit in the second half of the season, potting 3 power play goals. Mowbray will look to have another breakout season as a 20 year old in the 2016-17 campaign.

Goaltending Carousel... To Start

In what was a strange start to the season for the Tabbies in goal, which saw 3 goalies used in 2 months including acquired goalie Evan Johnson and Austin Lotz who both tended net with returning Nick Schneider who came to the Tigers camp with an NHL contract from the Calgary Flames.

It was Schneider's first season with the reigns of the Tigers after riding shotgun to Marek Langhamer for 2 seasons. Schneider showed his rawness early but would stand tall for the Tabbies when needed and later became one of the clutch goaltenders in the WHL.

Over the two months the goalies not named Schneider contributed in 8 games before both left due to injury and personal reasons. Lotz picked up his only 2 wins as a Tiger in back to back starts in his first weekend after being acquired on waivers at the 20 year old deadline. Lotz then was shut down for the season due to a shoulder injury.

In comes Mack Shields, acquired by the Tigers from Prince George to fill the back-up role and mentor role for Schneider, who would find his stride after a rough couple of months to start the year. Schneider and Shields ended up being a great tandem in the pipes for Medicine Hat, with Schneider starting the final 10 games down the stretch.

Both goalies posted respectable numbers at seasons end, with Schneider appearing in 50 games overall, just 5 shy of 100 in his career. Schneider was the reason Medicine Hat would make an incredible comeback in the WHL Eastern Conference standings to force a tie breaker game with Edmonton.

He then picked up his first AHL victory in Stockton with the Flames affiliate in California.

Forcing the Tiebreaker

In the biggest surprise of the entire 2015-16 season, the Tigers ended up pushing for the post season in the remaining games down the stretch. During the early months of 2016 the Tigers found themselves tight roping between 12-16 points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, at one time dipping to as low as 11th in the Conference.

It was after an 8 game losing streak the Tabbies seemed to find their game. Two big victories over the Calgary Hitmen back to back jump started the comeback in the standings. Not to mention the fall of the Edmonton Oil Kings, who horrendously struggled in the final month of year, helped the Tigers dig out of a big hole.

In the remaining 12 games after the Calgary victory, Medicine Hat only lost 3 times in regulation and picked up a point in a shootout loss to Regina. The Tigers offense was clicking as they scored 3 or more goals in 11 of those 12 games, always putting the pressure on their opponent.

In the final game of the regular season, in front of a full house, the Tigers and Hurricanes battled for a win as Medicine Hat needed the victory to force a tie breaker. The Kootenay Ice had played spoiler early in the week beating both the Tigers and Oil Kings in back to back games, which forced the situation at hand. Medicine Hat pulled through and met the Oil Kings in a one and done playoff tiebreaker at the Canalta Centre, capping off a historic run to finish the season.

There are no doubt surprises every season and the list could go on and on but surprises are what make hockey and sports so exciting. The Tigers 2015-16 edition was full of surprises and new expectations heading into next season.

In the final part of our Year in Review, we recap the overall season and look ahead to next season!

Check out the Medicine Hat Tigers Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from April 4, 2016


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