TIGERS FALL 2-0 IN SEASON OPENER
The Tigers headed to Swift Current for the first time since January 31, 2020 to open up the 2021-22 WHL Regular Season.
The Broncos jumped out to an early lead with a power play goal midway through the first period. Owen Pickering found Mathew Ward coming down on the right side of the slot and he scored the Broncos’ first goal of the season on a one timer. Rylan Thiessen also picked up an assist on the opening goal.
The Tigers controlled the play in the second period outshooting the Broncos 7-2 in the frame. The Tigers had to kill off a double minor early in the period but were given a couple chance of their own midway through the period. Isaac Poulter stood tall in the Broncos net though and kept his team up a goal heading into the final period.
The refs were busy throughout the third period and the Tigers often found themselves on the wrong side of the whistle. The Broncos weren’t able to capitalize on any of their power play time but were able to add an insurance marker early in the final frame to go up two goals. Carter Stebbings grabbed his first of the year 2:51 into the third off a nice backdoor feed from Connor Hvidston. The Tigers battled hard to get back into the game but weren’t able to mount any offensive being a man down for most of the period.
Gavin Bjorklund was steady in net after returning back from Washington Capitals training camp. He allowed two goals against on 23 shots against.
Three Stars:
- Isaac Poulter – Swift Current Broncos
- Mathew Ward – Swift Current Broncos
- Connor Hvidston – Swift Current Broncos
| Shots | Power Play | Penalty Kill | |
| Medicine Hat | 20 | 0-4 | 7-8 |
| Swift Current | 23 | 1-8 | 4-4 |
The Tigers’ next game is the back end of the home and home series on Saturday night at Co-op Place against the Swift Current Broncos. Game time is 7:00 (MST) and can be heard live on CHAT 94.5 FM at tigershockey.com or watched via webcast at watch.chl.ca.
