TIGERS DOMINATE OIL KINGS ON ROUTE TO 5-2 VICTORY

Medicine Hat, AB – Heading into their final Sunday matchup against the Edmonton Oil Kings the Tigers looked to put together a small streak heading into their large game Wednesday with BC Division leaders Prince George. With the spectacle of Rogers Place in the background the Tigers were able to dominate the Oil Kings and although had few blunders, managed to go home with a 5-2 victory.

Medicine Hat dominated the game from the puck drop, holding off just an early surge by the home side, typical considering the Tigers played less than 24 hours prior. Nick Schneider got the call in net after sitting Saturday’s game out as newcomer Michael Bullion got the start and victory. The Tigers would give Schneider the early lead as John Dahlstrom potted his second goal in as many nights and 19^th of the season 5 minutes into the opening frame. Notables in the period would be the play from all 4 lines as it looked like the team that started the season. Rolling 4 lines of depth wears down your opponent and the Oil Kings were no match for the strength and skills of Medicine Hat.

Zach Fischer showed off his physical strength for Medicine Hat’s second goal of the game. Fischer worked the corner and showed off some quick agility and fought off a defender as he drove the net, tucking home his 21^st of the year and 2-0 lead. Later, Edmonton would squeak one through Schneider on the power play to cut into the lead and send the game to the intermission.

In the second period it was much of the same for Medicine Hat despite getting outshot 13-11. The Tigers rolled their lines and controlled majority of the play. There were times where Tiger fans in attendance would be on the edge of their seats as Edmonton pinned Medicine Hat in their own end a handful of times. The backbreaking goal would be scored in the period as well. Matt Bradley and Mason Shaw on the penalty kill would team up for a shorthanded goal to increase the lead to 3-1. The goal would eventually stand as the game winner. Just over 2 minutes later Fischer made his mark on the game again with his 22^nd of the season to add insurance heading into the break.

Edmonton came out of the intermission looking to climb back into the game and would cut into the 3 goal deficit just 1:44 in as Adam Berg, who extended his modest point streak to 3 games with the goal. After the goal however Medicine Hat would bear down and get back to business, controlling the period and outshooting their opponents 18-5 in the frame. Medicine Hat would get one more from James Hamblin, who hit double digits in goals with his 10^th of the season in front of family and friends. Schneider would close the door and Medicine Hat cruised to their 29^th victory on the year.

TIGERS STAT LINES:

• Brad Forrest – 2A
• Matt Bradley – 1G
• Zach Fischer – 2G
• James Hamblin – 1G
• Steven Owre – 1A
• John Dahlstrom – 1G
• Max Gerlach – 1A
• Mason Shaw- 2A
• Chad Butcher – 1A
• Mark Rassell – 1A

THREE STARS OF THE GAME

1. Zach Fischer – MH – 2G
2. Brad Forrest – MH – 2A
3. Trey Fix-Wolansky – EDM – 1G

Medicine Hat now has 2 home games this week with games against Prince George Wednesday and Friday night against the Swift Current Broncos, both at the Canalta Centre.