Medicine Hat Tigers - Feed https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/tag/whl-scholarship-development-program/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:45:50 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Eight Tigers Named In Final 2026 NHL Draft Rankings https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/eight-tigers-named-in-final-2026-nhl-draft-rankings Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:53:17 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/eight-tigers-named-in-final-2026-nhl-draft-rankings Medicine Hat, AB - Eight Tigers have been listed in the NHL Central Scouting's Final Draft Rankings.   Congratulations to Liam Ruck (20th), Markus Ruck (23rd), Yaroslav Bryzgalov (90th), Kade Stengrim (93rd), Riley Steen (146th), Jonas Woo (179th), Kadon McCann (185th), and Carter Casey (26th) on being named to the final rankings.   Overall, 80 Western Hockey League players were listed in the rankings. The Medicine Hat Tigers have the most players ranked in the NHL Central Scouting's Final Draft Rankings out of any team in the NHL with eight current Tigers players named. The Prince Albert Raiders follow closely with seven players ranked by NHL Central Scouting. The Edmonton Oil Kings and Portland Winterhawks both boast six players, while the Calgary Hitmen, Prince George Cougars, and Vancouver Giants all have five players ranked by NHL Central Scouting.]]> Tigers Advance To Eastern Conference Championship After 5-2 Win Over Hitmen https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/tigers-advance-to-eastern-conference-championship-after-5-2-win-over-hitmen Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:45:41 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/tigers-advance-to-eastern-conference-championship-after-5-2-win-over-hitmen Calgary, AB - The Tigers took on the Hitmen for Game 4 of Round Two on Wednesday, April 15th in the Scotiabank Saddledome.   Medicine Hat had Calgary on the brink of elimination going into Game 4 as they carried a 3-0 series lead and were looking to complete the sweep with one more win to make their second consecutive Easter Conference Finals appearance.   Their effort to closing out the series was great out of the gate as the Tigers were the first on the board with Noah Davidson's fourth of the playoffs at 5:59. After Luke Cozens battled the puck to Davidson, he fired a laser of a wrist shot over Eric Tu's shoulder for a stunning goal to make it 1-0 Tigers.   Calgary pressed hard on Medicine Hat to get back in the game, posting 12 shots in the first period. They eventually responded with Blake Vanek's first goal of the playoffs at 9:49.   The Tigers took their game to another level in the middle frame, putting 14 shots on goal to Calgary's nine.   Veeti Väisänen restored the Tiger lead at 10:23 in the second period with an incredibly accurate wrist shot from the point off of a switch play with Bryce Pickford.   For the first time since 12:19 in the third period of Game 2, the Tigers were given a power play opportunity and they did not waste it. Jonas Woo one-timed home a smooth passing play from Liam and Markus Ruck to extend the Tigers lead to two.   In addition to dominating the second period on the scoresheet, the Tigers were dominating in the hits department as well with the likes of Davidson and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll making their presence known to keep Calgary at bay.   With their season on the line the Hitmen pushed hard and tallied an early goal from Ethan Moore at 5:04 to bring themselves within one.   The Tigers pushed right back and Kade Stengrim's fifth of the playoffs at 10:43 put the Tigers up by two once again. A quick draw win from Gordon-Carroll fed Stengrim in the slot for a rocket of a wrist shot.   Ethan Neutens' empty netter at 18:19 depleted any hope Calgary had of coming back, and the Tigers completed a 4-0 series sweep to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year.  
Special Teams:
  • PP: 1/3 – 33.3%
  • PK: 1/1 – 100.0%
  Stringam Law Three Stars:
  1. Ethan Moore (1G) - Calgary
  2. Axel Hurtig - Calgary
  3. Harrison Lodewyk (1A) - Calgary
  Supplement King Hardest Worker:
  • Veeti Vaisanen
  The Tigers will take on the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2026 Eastern Conference Championship, schedule is to be determined.
]]> Game Preview: Round 2 – Game 4 AT Hitmen https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/game-preview-round-2-game-4-at-hitmen Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:00:47 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/game-preview-round-2-game-4-at-hitmen Printable Roster

  Medicine Hat, AB – The Tigers and Hitmen faced off eight times in the regular season. Medicine Hat had a 7-1-0-0 against their Central Division rivals this year. Markus Ruck (3G, 11A) led the team with 14 points.   2025-26 Season Series:
Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 8 (Feb 28 2026) Calgary 6 @ Medicine Hat 7 (Nov 22 2025) SO
Medicine Hat 3 @ Calgary 2 (Feb 27 2026) OT Medicine Hat 6 @ Calgary 2 (Nov 19 2025)
Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 4 (Jan 20 2026) Medicine Hat 2 @ Calgary 4 (Oct 10 2025)
Medicine Hat 3 @ Calgary 2 (Nov 23 2025) OT Calgary 1 @ Medicine Hat 7 (Oct 4 2025)
    2025-26 Standings:
Medicine Hat Calgary
50-10-5-3 38-21-8-1
Central – 1st Central – 3rd
East – 2nd East – 4th
League – 3rd League – 8th
Home – 28-3-2-1 Home – 20-10-4-0
Away – 22-7-3-2 Away – 18-11-4-1
    Round 2 Schedule:
  • Game 1 – Calgary 2 @ Medicine Hat 3 OT
  • Game 2 – Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 4
  • Game 3 – Medicine Hat 5 @ Calgary 2
  • Game 4 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Wednesday, April 15 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 5 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Friday, April 17 (6:00pm MT)*
  • Game 6 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Sunday, April 19 (4:00pm MT)*
  • Game 7 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Tuesday, April 21 (7:00pm MT)*
*If necessary   Previous Game: The Tigers beat the Hitmen 5-2 on Monday, April 13th in the Scotiabank Saddledome to take a 3-0 series lead. Liam Ruck (3G, 1A) led the team with four points including his first career playoff hat trick. Markus Ruck and Ethan Neutens were the only other Tigers to find the back of the net. Carter Casey stood on his head stopping 34 of 36 shots on goal.   Special Teams (Playoffs):
Medicine Hat Calgary
Power Play: 23.1% (7th) Power Play: 16.0% (11th)
Penalty Kill: 87.5% (2nd) Penalty Kill: 85.7% (T-3rd)
    2025-26 Tigers Statistical Leaders (Playoffs):
Skater Stats Goalie Stats
Points – Andrew Basha (13) GAA – Carter Casey (1.81)
Goals – Liam Ruck & Bryce Pickford (5) Save % – Carter Casey (.937)
Assists – Andrew Basha (10) Wins – Jordan Switzer (4)
PIMs – Kadon McCann (15)
Plus/Minus – Jonas Woo (+14)
    League Top 10s (Playoffs):
Stat Categories Player (Rank)
Points Andrew Basha – 13 (3rd) Jonas Woo – 10 (T-10th)
Goals Bryce Pickford – 5 (T-9th) Liam Ruck – 5 (T-9th)
Assists Andrew Basha – 10 (2nd)
Power Play Goals Andrew Basha – 2 (T-5th) Bryce Pickford – 2 (T-5th)
Power Play Assists Markus Ruck – 5 (T-1st) Andrew Basha – 4 (T-6th)
Short Handed Goals Liam Ruck – 1 (T-1st)
Game Winning Goals Bryce Pickford – 2 (T-2nd) Jonas Woo – 1 (T-9th) Liam Ruck – 1 (T-9th) Cam Parr – 1 (T-9th) Josh Van Mulligen – 1 (T-9th) Markus Ruck – 1 (T-9th)
Insurance Goals Bryce Pickford – 1 (T-4th) Andrew Basha – 1 (T-4th) Noah Davidson – 1 (T-4th) Liam Ruck – 1 (T-4th)
Penalty Minutes Kadon McCann – 15 (T-6th)
Plus/Minus Jonas Woo - +14 (1st) Bryce Pickford - +11 (T-2nd)
Goals Against Average Carter Casey – 1.81 (3rd) Jordan Switzer – 2.80 (9th)
Save Percentage Carter Casey – 0.937 (2nd)
Wins Jordan Switzer – 4 (T-5th) Carter Casey – 3 (9th)
    Roaring Runs (Playoffs):
Player Name Streak
Bryce Pickford 4 Game Point Streak – 5 Points
Gavin Kor 2 Game Point Streak – 3 Points
Kadon McCann 2 Game Point Streak – 2 Points
    Special Teams (Regular Season):
Medicine Hat Calgary
Power Play: 32.2% (1st) Power Play: 31.7% (2nd)
Penalty Kill: 78.6% (11th) Penalty Kill: 79.2% (9th)
    2025-26 Tigers Statistical Leaders (Regular Season):
Skater Stats Goalie Stats
Points – Markus Ruck (108) GAA – Jordan Switzer (2.85)
Goals – Liam Ruck & Bryce Pickford (45) Save % – Jordan Switzer (.889)
Assists – Markus Ruck (87) Wins – Jordan Switzer (30)
PIMs – Cam Parr (102) Shutouts – Jordan Switzer & Carter Casey (2)
Plus/Minus – Jonas Woo (+63)
    League Top 10s (Regular Season):
Stat Categories Player (Rank)
Points Markus Ruck – 108 (1st) Liam Ruck – 104 (2nd) Jonas Woo – 86 (T-10th)
Goals Bryce Pickford – 45 (T-2nd) Liam Ruck – 45 (T-2nd)
Assists Markus Ruck – 87 (1st) Liam Ruck – 59 (5th) Jonas Woo – 57 (6th)
Power Play Goals Bryce Pickford – 19 (1st) Liam Ruck – 16 (T-3rd)
Power Play Assists Markus Ruck – 38 (1st) Liam Ruck – 23 (T-7th)
Short Handed Goals Jonas Woo – 4 (T-1st) Liam Ruck – 3 (T-8th)
Game Winning Goals Bryce Pickford – 11 (T-1st) Liam Ruck – 10 (T-3rd)
Insurance Goals Liam Ruck – 6 (T-3rd) Bryce Pickford – 5 (T-8th)
Penalty Minutes Cam Parr – 102 (T-9th)
Plus/Minus Jonas Woo - +63 (2nd) Bryce Pickford - +55 (7th)
Wins Jordan Switzer – 30 (3rd)
    Roster Makeup: 26 Players – 15 Forwards – 8 Defence – 3 Goaltenders
2005 Neutens, Van Mulligen, Basha
2006 Reschny, Cunningham, Woo, Väisänen, Muhonen, Pickford, Parr, Cozens
2007 Kor, McCann, Bryzgalov, Stengrim, Moss, Casey, Switzer
2008 Gordon-Carroll, L. Ruck, M. Ruck, Davidson, Steen
2009 Ruptash, Christie, Warrener
    Geographical Breakdown:
Alberta (8) Kadon McCann, Carter Cunningham, Ethan Neutens, Josh Van Mulligen, Bryce Pickford, Jordan Switzer, Andrew Basha, Luke Ruptash
U.S.A. (6) Gavin Kor, Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, Kade Stengrim, Noah Davidson, Carter Casey, Luke Warrener
British Columbia (5) Liam Ruck, Markus Ruck, Tyson Moss, Riley Steen, Cash Christie
Manitoba (2) Cam Parr, Jonas Woo
Finland (2) Veeti Väisänen, Niilopekka Muhonen
Yukon (1) Luke Cozens
Saskatchewan (1) Dayton Reschny
Belarus (1) Yaroslav Bryzgalov
    NHL Drafted Players:
NHL Team Player Drafted
Calgary Flames Andrew Basha 2024, Round 2, 41st Overall
Montreal Canadiens Bryce Pickford 2025, Round 3, 81st Overall
Dallas Stars Niilopekka Muhonen 2024, Round 5, 158th Overall
Utah Mammoth Veeti Väisänen 2024, Round 3, 96th Overall
    Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings (North American Skaters):
Ranking Player
#26 Liam Ruck
#31 Markus Ruck
#99 Yaroslav Bryzgalov
#188 Riley Steen
#215 Kadon McCann
    Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings (North American Goaltenders):
Ranking Player
#12 Carter Casey
    Tigers Schedule:
Last Five Results Next Five Time
@ Calgary Hitmen 5-2 W *VS Calgary Hitmen – Friday, April 17th 6:00pm MT
VS Calgary Hitmen 4-3 W *@ Calgary Hitmen – Sunday, April 19th 4:00pm MT
VS Calgary Hitmen 3-2 OTW *VS Calgary Hitmen – Tuesday, April 21st 7:00pm MT
VS Regina Pats 5-4 OTW
@ Regina Pats 4-2 W
*If necessary]]> Tigers Beat Hitmen 5-2 To Take 3-0 Series Lead https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/tigers-beat-hitmen-5-2-to-take-3-0-series-lead Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:49:41 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/tigers-beat-hitmen-5-2-to-take-3-0-series-lead Calgary, AB – The Tigers took on the Hitmen on Monday, April 13th for game three of the second round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs in the Scotiabank Saddledome.   The Tigers were looking to take a 3-0 series lead after winning both previous games of the series at home in Co-op Place.   Medicine Hat had a strong offensive first period outshooting Calgary 13-9 in the opening frame.   However, the Hitmen were the first on the board with a quick goal to start the game on an early power play. Ethan Moore scored his eighth goal of the playoffs to put the Hitmen up 1-0 at 1:04.   There was little time for the Hitmen to get comfortable with the lead as Liam Ruck evened the score with his third of the playoffs just 0:15 later. Andrew Basha banked a rebound off Eric Tu’s left pad that bounced to Ruck in the slot who buried a one-timer to tie the game 1-1.   Calgary jumped back in front with Wyatt Pisarczyk’s first of the post-season at 7:34 after a deflection out front.   The Tigers would remain down by one until the second period where Liam Ruck scored his second of the night at 4:49 to tie the game. Liam fired a rocket of a wrist shot from the left circle on a short handed opportunity, scoring his second tying goal of the night.   The CHL’s leading scorers continued to work their magic as Markus Ruck followed up his brother’s tying goal with a tally of his own to give the Tigers their first lead of the night. Andrew Basha sent a cross-ice feed to Liam Ruck who fed his brother Markus out front for a quick deflection to make it 3-2 Tigers at 11:51.   While Calgary outshot Medicine Hat 11-7 in the second period, they couldn’t get past the iron as they rang a couple high-danger opportunities off of the post and the Tigers came out of the middle frame ahead by one.   The Hitmen made a massive push to tie the game in the third period but the Tigers' defensive play and the goaltending showcase put on by Carter Casey kept them at bay.   Even though Calgary had a 5-on-3 power play in the third period, they were no match for the stellar Tigers PK unit and Casey's leather.   Empty net goals from Liam Ruck and Ethan Neutens completed Liam's hat trick and sealed the 5-2 win for the Tigers.   Special Teams:
  • PP: 0/0
  • PK: 5/6 – 83.3%
  Stringam Law Three Stars:
  1. Liam Ruck (3G, 1A) - Medicine Hat
  2. Carter Casey (36SH, 34SV) - Medicine Hat
  3. Eric Tu (26SH, 23SV) - Calgary
Supplement King Hardest Worker:
  • Josh Van Mulligen
  The Tigers are back in action for Game 4 on Wednesday, April 15th in the Scotiabank Saddledome.]]> Game Preview: Round 2 – Game 3 AT Hitmen https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/game-preview-round-2-game-3-at-hitmen Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:00:34 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/game-preview-round-2-game-3-at-hitmen Printable Roster

  Medicine Hat, AB – The Tigers and Hitmen faced off eight times in the regular season. Medicine Hat had a 7-1-0-0 against their Central Division rivals this year. Markus Ruck (3G, 11A) led the team with 14 points.   2025-26 Season Series:
Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 8 (Feb 28 2026) Calgary 6 @ Medicine Hat 7 (Nov 22 2025) SO
Medicine Hat 3 @ Calgary 2 (Feb 27 2026) OT Medicine Hat 6 @ Calgary 2 (Nov 19 2025)
Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 4 (Jan 20 2026) Medicine Hat 2 @ Calgary 4 (Oct 10 2025)
Medicine Hat 3 @ Calgary 2 (Nov 23 2025) OT Calgary 1 @ Medicine Hat 7 (Oct 4 2025)
    2025-26 Standings:
Medicine Hat Calgary
50-10-5-3 38-21-8-1
Central – 1st Central – 3rd
East – 2nd East – 4th
League – 3rd League – 8th
Home – 28-3-2-1 Home – 20-10-4-0
Away – 22-7-3-2 Away – 18-11-4-1
    Round 2 Schedule:
  • Game 1 – Calgary 2 @ Medicine Hat 3 OT
  • Game 2 – Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 4
  • Game 3 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Monday, April 13 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 4 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Wednesday, April 15 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 5 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Friday, April 17 (6:00pm MT)*
  • Game 6 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Sunday, April 19 (4:00pm MT)*
  • Game 7 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Tuesday, April 21 (7:00pm MT)*
*If necessary   Previous Game: The Tigers beat the Hitmen 4-3 on Saturday, April 11th in Co-op Place to take a 2-0 series lead. Kadon McCann, Kade Stengrim, Jonas Woo, and Josh Van Mulligen each tallied one goal for the Tigers. Jordan Switzer secured his fourth win of the playoffs after a great performance that saw him stop 27 shots.     Special Teams (Playoffs):
Medicine Hat Calgary
Power Play: 23.1% (7th) Power Play: 15.8% (11th)
Penalty Kill: 88.5% (2nd) Penalty Kill: 85.7% (T-3rd)
    2025-26 Tigers Statistical Leaders (Playoffs):
Skater Stats Goalie Stats
Points – Jonas Woo & Andrew Basha (10) GAA – Carter Casey (1.73)
Goals – Bryce Pickford (5) Save % – Carter Casey (.932)
Assists – Andrew Basha (7) Wins – Jordan Switzer (4)
PIMs – Kadon McCann (13)  
Plus/Minus – Jonas Woo (+11)  
    League Top 10s (Playoffs):
Stat Categories Player (Rank)
Points Andrew Basha – 10 (T-6th) Jonas Woo – 10 (T-6th)
Goals Bryce Pickford – 5 (T-6th)
Assists Andrew Basha – 7 (T-5th) Markus Ruck – 6 (T-9th) Jonas Woo – 6 (T-9th) Yaroslav Bryzgalov – 6 (T-9th)
Power Play Goals Andrew Basha – 2 (T-5th) Bryce Pickford – 2 (T-5th)
Power Play Assists Markus Ruck – 5 (T-1st) Andrew Basha – 4 (T-4th)
Game Winning Goals Bryce Pickford – 2 (T-2nd) Jonas Woo – 1 (T-8th) Liam Ruck – 1 (T-8th) Cam Parr – 1 (T-8th) Josh Van Mulligen – 1 (T-8th)
First Goals Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll – 1 (T-10th) Yaroslav Bryzgalov – 1 (T-10th) Kade Stengrim – 1 (T-10th)
Insurance Goals Bryce Pickford – 1 (T-3rd) Andrew Basha – 1 (T-3rd) Noah Davidson – 1 (T-3rd)
Penalty Minutes Kadon McCann – 13 (T-9th)
Plus/Minus Jonas Woo - +11 (1st) Bryce Pickford - +8 (T-8th) Yaroslav Bryzgalov - +8 (T-8th) Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll - +8 (T-8th)
Goals Against Average Carter Casey – 1.73 (3rd) Jordan Switzer – 2.75 (9th)
Save Percentage Carter Casey – 0.932 (3rd)
Wins Jordan Switzer – 4 (T-4th) Carter Casey – 2 (T-9th)
    Roaring Runs (Playoffs):
Player Name Streak
Jonas Woo 6 Game Point Streak – 10 Points
Noah Davidson 5 Game Point Streak – 7 Points
Bryce Pickford 3 Game Point Streak – 4 Points
Yaroslav Bryzgalov 3 Game Point Streak – 3 Points
Kade Stengrim 2 Game Point Streak – 3 Points
Gavin Kor 2 Game Point Streak – 3 Points
Kade Stengrim 2 Game Goal Streak – 2 Goals
    Special Teams (Regular Season):
Medicine Hat Calgary
Power Play: 32.2% (1st) Power Play: 31.7% (2nd)
Penalty Kill: 78.6% (11th) Penalty Kill: 79.2% (9th)
    2025-26 Tigers Statistical Leaders (Regular Season):
Skater Stats Goalie Stats
Points – Markus Ruck (108) GAA – Jordan Switzer (2.85)
Goals – Liam Ruck & Bryce Pickford (45) Save % – Jordan Switzer (.889)
Assists – Markus Ruck (87) Wins – Jordan Switzer (30)
PIMs – Cam Parr (102) Shutouts – Jordan Switzer & Carter Casey (2)
Plus/Minus – Jonas Woo (+63)
    League Top 10s (Regular Season):
Stat Categories Player (Rank)
Points Markus Ruck – 108 (1st) Liam Ruck – 104 (2nd) Jonas Woo – 86 (T-10th)
Goals Bryce Pickford – 45 (T-2nd) Liam Ruck – 45 (T-2nd)
Assists Markus Ruck – 87 (1st) Liam Ruck – 59 (5th) Jonas Woo – 57 (6th)
Power Play Goals Bryce Pickford – 19 (1st) Liam Ruck – 16 (T-3rd)
Power Play Assists Markus Ruck – 38 (1st) Liam Ruck – 23 (T-7th)
Short Handed Goals Jonas Woo – 4 (T-1st) Liam Ruck – 3 (T-8th)
Game Winning Goals Bryce Pickford – 11 (T-1st) Liam Ruck – 10 (T-3rd)
Insurance Goals Liam Ruck – 6 (T-3rd) Bryce Pickford – 5 (T-8th)
Penalty Minutes Cam Parr – 102 (T-9th)
Plus/Minus Jonas Woo - +63 (2nd) Bryce Pickford - +55 (7th)
Wins Jordan Switzer – 30 (3rd)
    Roster Makeup: 26 Players – 15 Forwards – 8 Defence – 3 Goaltenders
2005 Neutens, Van Mulligen, Basha
2006 Reschny, Cunningham, Woo, Väisänen, Muhonen, Pickford, Parr, Cozens
2007 Kor, McCann, Bryzgalov, Stengrim, Moss, Casey, Switzer
2008 Gordon-Carroll, L. Ruck, M. Ruck, Davidson, Steen
2009 Ruptash, Christie, Warrener
    Geographical Breakdown:
Alberta (8) Kadon McCann, Carter Cunningham, Ethan Neutens, Josh Van Mulligen, Bryce Pickford, Jordan Switzer, Andrew Basha, Luke Ruptash
U.S.A. (6) Gavin Kor, Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, Kade Stengrim, Noah Davidson, Carter Casey, Luke Warrener
British Columbia (5) Liam Ruck, Markus Ruck, Tyson Moss, Riley Steen, Cash Christie
Manitoba (2) Cam Parr, Jonas Woo
Finland (2) Veeti Väisänen, Niilopekka Muhonen
Yukon (1) Luke Cozens
Saskatchewan (1) Dayton Reschny
Belarus (1) Yaroslav Bryzgalov
    NHL Drafted Players:
NHL Team Player Drafted
Calgary Flames Andrew Basha 2024, Round 2, 41st Overall
Montreal Canadiens Bryce Pickford 2025, Round 3, 81st Overall
Dallas Stars Niilopekka Muhonen 2024, Round 5, 158th Overall
Utah Mammoth Veeti Väisänen 2024, Round 3, 96th Overall
    Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings (North American Skaters):
Ranking Player
#26 Liam Ruck
#31 Markus Ruck
#99 Yaroslav Bryzgalov
#188 Riley Steen
#215 Kadon McCann
    Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings (North American Goaltenders):
Ranking Player
#12 Carter Casey
    Tigers Schedule:
Last Five Results Next Five Time
VS Calgary Hitmen 4-3 W @ Calgary Hitmen – Wednesday, April 15th 7:00pm MT
VS Calgary Hitmen 3-2 OTW *VS Calgary Hitmen – Friday, April 17th 6:00pm MT
VS Regina Pats 5-4 OTW *@ Calgary Hitmen – Sunday, April 19th 4:00pm MT
@ Regina Pats 4-2 W *VS Calgary Hitmen – Tuesday, April 21st 7:00pm MT
@ Regina Pats 8-2 W    
*If necessary]]> Tigers Comeback To Beat Hitmen 4-3, Lead 2-0 In The Series https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/tigers-comeback-to-beat-hitmen-4-3-lead-2-0-in-the-series Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:54:26 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/tigers-comeback-to-beat-hitmen-4-3-lead-2-0-in-the-series Medicine Hat, AB – The Tigers took on the Hitmen on Saturday, April 11th in Co-op Place as they looked to take a 2-0 series lead after a win in game 1 of round 2 just one night prior.   The Tigers faced some adversity from the Hitmen early in the game as Calgary put up 13 shots in the first period.   Calgary opened the game with back-to-back goals, their first from Caine Wilke at 4:45 and their second from Keaton Jundt at 9:47.   Kadon McCann responded with a rocket of a wrist shot after Bryce Pickford shut down a Calgary breakout attempt and set up McCann at 10:32.   The Hitmen scored one more goal before the end of the first period to regain their two-goal lead. Their third goal of the game came from Ethan Moore on the power play at 12:53.   The next 20 minutes of hockey went well for the orange and black as the Tigers outscored the Hitmen 2-0 in the middle frame and outshot them 10-9.   One of the hottest Tigers as of late, Kade Stengrim, sent a wrist shot with authority after a cross-ice pass from Veeti Väisänen at 4:28.   Jonas Woo tied the game 3-3 with a maximum effort goal at 7:50. Woo muscled his way to the front of the net on a 1-on-1 with the Hitmen defender and put home a backhand shot past Eric Tu for his fourth of the playoffs.   The Hitmen’s best chance of the period came right at the buzzer with a 2-on-1 opportunity that was shut down by two huge saves from Jordan Switzer. The teams remained tied 3-3 after two periods.   Both teams made a big push in the third period and had some high-danger opportunities. Calgary narrowly edged out Medicine Hat in the shots department for the final frame of the game 8-7.   Switzer continued to keep the Hitmen at bay and fended off some dangerous plays to prevent them from taking the lead. Thanks to the support from Switzer, the lone goal scored in the third period from Josh Van Mulligen was enough for the Tigers to complete the comeback and secure the win. After a cross-ice backhand pass from Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, Van Mulligen fired a perfectly placed wrist shot from the top of the left circle for his first goal of the playoffs at 4:30.   A late push from the Hitmen that had the Tigers on their heels was not enough to beat Switzer or the Tabbies strong defence that kept them to the outside. The Hitmen couldn't net the equalizer and the Tigers secured a 4-3 win to go up 2-0 in the series.   Special Teams:
  • PP: 0/1 – 0.0%
  • PK: 1/3 – 66.7%
  Stringam Law Three Stars:
  1. Jordan Switzer (30SH, 27SV) - Medicine Hat
  2. Ethan Moore (1G, 1A) - Calgary
  3. Kade Stengrim (1G, 1A) - Medicine Hat
  Supplement King Hardest Worker:
  • Kadon McCann
  The Tigers are back in action on Monday, April 13th to take on the Hitmen in the Saddledome for game 3 of the second round. Tune in at victoryplus.com to watch the Tigers for FREE.]]> Game Preview: Round 2 – Game 2 VS Hitmen https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/51391-2 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:00:41 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/51391-2 Printable Roster          Lineup Card

  Medicine Hat, AB – The Tigers and Hitmen faced off eight times in the regular season. Medicine Hat had a 7-1-0-0 against their Central Division rivals this year. Markus Ruck (3G, 11A) led the team with 14 points.   2025-26 Season Series:
Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 8 (Feb 28 2026) Calgary 6 @ Medicine Hat 7 (Nov 22 2025) SO
Medicine Hat 3 @ Calgary 2 (Feb 27 2026) OT Medicine Hat 6 @ Calgary 2 (Nov 19 2025)
Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 4 (Jan 20 2026) Medicine Hat 2 @ Calgary 4 (Oct 10 2025)
Medicine Hat 3 @ Calgary 2 (Nov 23 2025) OT Calgary 1 @ Medicine Hat 7 (Oct 4 2025)
    2025-26 Standings:
Medicine Hat Calgary
50-10-5-3 38-21-8-1
Central – 1st Central – 3rd
East – 2nd East – 4th
League – 3rd League – 8th
Home – 28-3-2-1 Home – 20-10-4-0
Away – 22-7-3-2 Away – 18-11-4-1
    Round 2 Schedule:
  • Game 1 – Calgary 2 @ Medicine Hat 3 OT
  • Game 2 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Saturday, April 11 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 3 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Monday, April 13 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 4 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Wednesday, April 15 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 5 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Friday, April 17 (6:00pm MT)*
  • Game 6 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Sunday, April 19 (4:00pm MT)*
  • Game 7 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Tuesday, April 21 (7:00pm MT)*
*If necessary   Previous Game: The Tigers beat the Hitmen 3-2 in overtime on Friday, April 10th in Co-op Place to take a 1-0 series lead. Bryce Pickford (2G) scored the game winner with 1:00 remaining in the first overtime period. Kade Stengrim was the only other Tiger to find the back of the net. Carter Casey had a great night in net stopping 27 of 29 shots on goal.   Special Teams (Playoffs):
Medicine Hat Calgary
Power Play: 24.0% (7th) Power Play: 12.5% (12th)
Penalty Kill: 91.3% (1st) Penalty Kill: 84.6% (5th)
    2025-26 Tigers Statistical Leaders (Playoffs):
Skater Stats Goalie Stats
Points – Andrew Basha (10) GAA – Carter Casey (1.73)
Goals – Bryce Pickford (5) Save % – Carter Casey (.932)
Assists – Andrew Basha (7) Wins – Jordan Switzer (3)
PIMs – Kadon McCann (13)
Plus/Minus – Jonas Woo (+10)
    League Top 10s (Playoffs):
Stat Categories Player (Rank)
Points Andrew Basha – 10 (T-4th) Jonas Woo – 9 (T-9th)
Goals Bryce Pickford – 5 (T-4th)
Assists Andrew Basha – 7 (T-2nd) Markus Ruck – 6 (T-6th) Jonas Woo – 6 (T-6th)
Power Play Goals Andrew Basha – 2 (T-4th) Bryce Pickford – 2 (T-4th)
Power Play Assists Markus Ruck – 5 (T-1st) Andrew Basha – 4 (T-4th)
Game Winning Goals Bryce Pickford – 2 (T-2nd) Jonas Woo – 1 (T-7th) Liam Ruck – 1 (T-7th) Cam Parr – 1 (T-7th)
First Goals Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll – 1 (T-10th) Yaroslav Bryzgalov – 1 (T-10th) Kade Stengrim – 1 (T-10th)
Insurance Goals Bryce Pickford – 1 (T-2nd) Andrew Basha – 1 (T-2nd) Noah Davidson – 1 (T-2nd)
Penalty Minutes Kadon McCann – 13 (T-7th)
Plus/Minus Jonas Woo - +10 (T-1st) Bryce Pickford - +7 (T-9th)
Goals Against Average Carter Casey – 1.73 (2nd) Jordan Switzer – 2.75 (10th)
Save Percentage Carter Casey – 0.932 (T-4th)
Wins Jordan Switzer – 3 (8th) Carter Casey – 2 (T-9th)
    Roaring Runs (Playoffs):
Player Name Streak
Andrew Basha 6 Game Point Streak – 910 Points
Jonas Woo 5 Game Point Streak – 9 Points
Noah Davidson 4 Game Point Streak – 6 Points
Bryce Pickford 2 Game Point Streak – 3 Points
Gavin Kor 2 Game Point Streak – 3 Points
Yaroslav Bryzgalov 2 Game Point Streak – 2 Points
Bryce Pickford 2 Game Goal Streak – 3 Goals
    Special Teams (Regular Season):
Medicine Hat Calgary
Power Play: 32.2% (1st) Power Play: 31.7% (2nd)
Penalty Kill: 78.6% (11th) Penalty Kill: 79.2% (9th)
    2025-26 Tigers Statistical Leaders (Regular Season):
Skater Stats Goalie Stats
Points – Markus Ruck (108) GAA – Jordan Switzer (2.85)
Goals – Liam Ruck & Bryce Pickford (45) Save % – Jordan Switzer (.889)
Assists – Markus Ruck (87) Wins – Jordan Switzer (30)
PIMs – Cam Parr (102) Shutouts – Jordan Switzer & Carter Casey (2)
Plus/Minus – Jonas Woo (+63)
    League Top 10s (Regular Season):
Stat Categories Player (Rank)
Points Markus Ruck – 108 (1st) Liam Ruck – 104 (2nd) Jonas Woo – 86 (T-10th)
Goals Bryce Pickford – 45 (T-2nd) Liam Ruck – 45 (T-2nd)
Assists Markus Ruck – 87 (1st) Liam Ruck – 59 (5th) Jonas Woo – 57 (6th)
Power Play Goals Bryce Pickford – 19 (1st) Liam Ruck – 16 (T-3rd)
Power Play Assists Markus Ruck – 38 (1st) Liam Ruck – 23 (T-7th)
Short Handed Goals Jonas Woo – 4 (T-1st) Liam Ruck – 3 (T-8th)
Game Winning Goals Bryce Pickford – 11 (T-1st) Liam Ruck – 10 (T-3rd)
Insurance Goals Liam Ruck – 6 (T-3rd) Bryce Pickford – 5 (T-8th)
Penalty Minutes Cam Parr – 102 (T-9th)
Plus/Minus Jonas Woo - +63 (2nd) Bryce Pickford - +55 (7th)
Wins Jordan Switzer – 30 (3rd)
    Roster Makeup: 26 Players – 15 Forwards – 8 Defence – 3 Goaltenders
2005 Neutens, Van Mulligen, Basha
2006 Reschny, Cunningham, Woo, Väisänen, Muhonen, Pickford, Parr, Cozens
2007 Kor, McCann, Bryzgalov, Stengrim, Moss, Casey, Switzer
2008 Gordon-Carroll, L. Ruck, M. Ruck, Davidson, Steen
2009 Ruptash, Christie, Warrener
    Geographical Breakdown:
Alberta (8) Kadon McCann, Carter Cunningham, Ethan Neutens, Josh Van Mulligen, Bryce Pickford, Jordan Switzer, Andrew Basha, Luke Ruptash
U.S.A. (6) Gavin Kor, Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, Kade Stengrim, Noah Davidson, Carter Casey, Luke Warrener
British Columbia (5) Liam Ruck, Markus Ruck, Tyson Moss, Riley Steen, Cash Christie
Manitoba (2) Cam Parr, Jonas Woo
Finland (2) Veeti Väisänen, Niilopekka Muhonen
Yukon (1) Luke Cozens
Saskatchewan (1) Dayton Reschny
Belarus (1) Yaroslav Bryzgalov
    NHL Drafted Players:
NHL Team Player Drafted
Calgary Flames Andrew Basha 2024, Round 2, 41st Overall
Montreal Canadiens Bryce Pickford 2025, Round 3, 81st Overall
Dallas Stars Niilopekka Muhonen 2024, Round 5, 158th Overall
Utah Mammoth Veeti Väisänen 2024, Round 3, 96th Overall
    Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings (North American Skaters):
Ranking Player
#26 Liam Ruck
#31 Markus Ruck
#99 Yaroslav Bryzgalov
#188 Riley Steen
#215 Kadon McCann
    Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings (North American Goaltenders):
Ranking Player
#12 Carter Casey
    Tigers Schedule:
Last Five Results Next Five Time
VS Regina Pats 5-4 OTW VS Calgary Hitmen – Saturday, April 11 7:00pm MT
@ Regina Pats 4-2 W @ Calgary Hitmen – Monday, April 13th 7:00pm MT
@ Regina Pats 8-2 W @ Calgary Hitmen – Wednesday, April 15th 7:00pm MT
VS Regina Pats 4-2 L *VS Calgary Hitmen – Friday, April 17th 6:00pm MT
VS Regina Pats 6-2 W *@ Calgary Hitmen – Sunday, April 19th 4:00pm MT
*If necessary]]> Pickford OT Winner Gives Tigers 1-0 Series Lead https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/pickford-ot-winner-gives-tigers-1-0-series-lead Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:05:02 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/pickford-ot-winner-gives-tigers-1-0-series-lead Medicine Hat, AB – The Tigers took on the Hitmen for their first game of round two on Friday, April 10th in Co-op Place. Medicine Hat had a 7-1-0-0 record against Calgary in the regular season.   Both teams were left off the scoresheet through the first 20 minutes of play as they spent the first period feeling each other out.   Calgary outshot Medicine Hat 6-5 and while the goalies weren’t busy in the first frame they came up big when it counted.   The first period set a physical tone that gave fans an idea of what to expect from the rest of the game.   Fans were on the edge of their seats during the second period as the action picked up as both teams tried get on the board.   The Tigers thought they were the first on the board after Kade Stengrim jammed home a rebound kicked out by Eric Tu, but after further review the goal was called off due to a hand pass from Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll. The game stayed stagnant at 0-0.   Medicine Hat wanted that goal back and continued their offensive pressure on the Hitmen, outshooting them 14-9 in the middle frame.   Yaroslav Bryzgalov had a high-danger chance in the slot and sent a rocket of a wrist shot towards the Calgary net, but the puck rang off of the crossbar.   The relentless offensive pressure from the Tabbies paid off as Stengrim redeemed his called off goal earlier with a late tally at 18:53. Jonas Woo followed up a rebound the net and chopped it out front to Stengrim who buried the puck and secure a good hockey goal to make it 1-0 Tigers.   Just 0:46 later the Hitmen tied the game back at 1-1 with a goal from Kale Dach just before the period ended.   The Hitmen wasted no time taking away the Tigers lead, and Bryce Pickford wasted no time getting it back at the start of the third period. Pickford walked through Calgary's defenders from the left wall and fired a wrist shot from the high slot to restore the Tigers lead at 1:41 on the power play.   While the Tigers offensive pressure had the Hitmen on their heels, Calgary turned the tables on Medicine Hat late in the third. The Hitmen forced overtime with an Ethan Moore goal at 11:39 in the third period.   The Tigers posted a staggering 15 shots on goal in the overtime period to the Hitmen's six and had plenty of high danger chances.   With exactly 1:00 remaining in the first overtime period, Pickford one-timed a centering pass from Bryzgalov after they were both digging at a loose puck in the crease. Co-op Place erupted at the long awaited game winner and the Tigers took a 1-0 series lead.   Special Teams:
  • PP: 1/3 – 33.3%
  • PK: 2/2 – 100.0%
  Stringam Law Three Stars:
  1. Bryce Pickford (2G, OT GWG) - Medicine Hat
  2. Carter Casey (29SH, 27SV) - Medicine Hat
  3. Eric Tu (43SH, 40SV) - Calgary
  Supplement King Hardest Worker:
  • Veeti Väisänen
  The Tigers are back in action on Saturday, April 11th in Co-op Place to take on the Hitmen for game two of round two. Tickets are available at Tixx.ca or at the door.]]> Game Preview: Round 2 – Game 1 VS Hitmen https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/game-preview-round-2-game-1-vs-hitmen Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:00:44 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/game-preview-round-2-game-1-vs-hitmen Printable Roster          Lineup Card

  Medicine Hat, AB – The Tigers and Hitmen faced off eight times in the regular season. Medicine Hat had a 7-1-0-0 against their Central Division rivals this year. Markus Ruck (3G, 11A) led the team with 14 points.   2025-26 Season Series:
Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 8 (Feb 28 2026) Calgary 6 @ Medicine Hat 7 (Nov 22 2025) SO
Medicine Hat 3 @ Calgary 2 (Feb 27 2026) OT Medicine Hat 6 @ Calgary 2 (Nov 19 2025)
Calgary 3 @ Medicine Hat 4 (Jan 20 2026) Medicine Hat 2 @ Calgary 4 (Oct 10 2025)
Medicine Hat 3 @ Calgary 2 (Nov 23 2025) OT Calgary 1 @ Medicine Hat 7 (Oct 4 2025)
    2025-26 Standings:
Medicine Hat Calgary
50-10-5-3 38-21-8-1
Central – 1st Central – 3rd
East – 2nd East – 4th
League – 3rd League – 8th
Home – 28-3-2-1 Home – 20-10-4-0
Away – 22-7-3-2 Away – 18-11-4-1
    Round 2 Schedule:
  • Game 1 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Friday, April 10 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 2 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Saturday, April 11 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 3 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Monday, April 13 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 4 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Wednesday, April 15 (7:00pm MT)
  • Game 5 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Friday, April 17 (6:00pm MT)*
  • Game 6 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary – Sunday, April 19 (4:00pm MT)*
  • Game 7 – Calgary @ Medicine Hat – Tuesday, April 21 (7:00pm MT)*
*If necessary   Previous Game: The Tigers beat the Pats 5-4 in overtime on Saturday, April 4th in Co-op Place to advance to the second round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs. Cam Parr (1G) scored the overtime winner 0:51 into the extra period. Liam Ruck, Bryce Pickford, Andrew Basha, and Noah Davidson also found the back of the net for the Tigers. Jordan Switzer stopped 17 of 21 shots faced.   Special Teams (Playoffs):
Medicine Hat Calgary
Power Play: 22.7% (9th) Power Play: 14.3% (12th)
Penalty Kill: 90.5% (2nd) Penalty Kill: 90.0% (3rd)
    2025-26 Tigers Statistical Leaders (Playoffs):
Skater Stats Goalie Stats
Points – Andrew Basha (9) GAA – Carter Casey (2.00)
Goals – Four Players Tied (3) Save % – Carter Casey (.933)
Assists – Andrew Basha & Markus Ruck (6) Wins – Jordan Switzer (3)
PIMs – Kadon McCann (13)
Plus/Minus – Jonas Woo (+8)
    League Top 10s (Playoffs):
Stat Categories Player (Rank)
Points Andrew Basha – 9 (T-5th)
Assists Andrew Basha – 6 (T-2nd) Markus Ruck – 6 (T-2nd)
Power Play Goals Andrew Basha – 2 (T-3rd)
Power Play Assists Markus Ruck – 5 (T-1st) Andrew Basha – 3 (T-5th)
Game Winning Goals Jonas Woo – 1 (T-4th) Bryce Pickford – 1 (T-4th) Liam Ruck – 1 (T-4th) Cam Parr – 1 (T-4th)
First Goals Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll – 1 (T-10th) Yaroslav Bryzgalov – 1 (T-10th)
Insurance Goals Bryce Pickford – 1 (T-2nd) Andrew Basha – 1 (T-2nd) Noah Davidson – 1 (T-2nd)
Penalty Minutes Kadon McCann – 13 (T-6th)
Plus/Minus Jonas Woo - +8 (T-3rd)
Goals Against Average (Qualified Goalies) Jordan Switzer – 2.75 (T-9th)
Wins (Qualified Goalies) Jordan Switzer – 3 (8th)
    Roaring Runs (Playoffs):
Player Name Streak
Andrew Basha 5 Game Point Streak – 9 Points
Markus Ruck 5 Game Point Streak – 7 Points
Jonas Woo 4 Game Point Streak – 7 Points
Noah Davidson 3 Game Point Streak – 5 Points
Gavin Kor 2 Game Point Streak – 3 Points
Liam Ruck 2 Game Point Streak – 2 Points
Noah Davidson 3 Game Goal Streak – 3 Goals
Liam Ruck 2 Game Goal Streak – 2 Goals
    Special Teams (Regular Season):
Medicine Hat Calgary
Power Play: 32.2% (1st) Power Play: 31.7% (2nd)
Penalty Kill: 78.6% (11th) Penalty Kill: 79.2% (9th)
    2025-26 Tigers Statistical Leaders (Regular Season):
Skater Stats Goalie Stats
Points – Markus Ruck (108) GAA – Jordan Switzer (2.85)
Goals – Liam Ruck & Bryce Pickford (45) Save % – Jordan Switzer (.889)
Assists – Markus Ruck (87) Wins – Jordan Switzer (30)
PIMs – Cam Parr (102) Shutouts – Jordan Switzer & Carter Casey (2)
Plus/Minus – Jonas Woo (+63)
    League Top 10s (Regular Season):
Stat Categories Player (Rank)
Points Markus Ruck – 108 (1st) Liam Ruck – 104 (2nd) Jonas Woo – 86 (T-10th)
Goals Bryce Pickford – 45 (T-2nd) Liam Ruck – 45 (T-2nd)
Assists Markus Ruck – 87 (1st) Liam Ruck – 59 (5th) Jonas Woo – 57 (6th)
Power Play Goals Bryce Pickford – 19 (1st) Liam Ruck – 16 (T-3rd)
Power Play Assists Markus Ruck – 38 (1st) Liam Ruck – 23 (T-7th)
Short Handed Goals Jonas Woo – 4 (T-1st) Liam Ruck – 3 (T-8th)
Game Winning Goals Bryce Pickford – 11 (T-1st) Liam Ruck – 10 (T-3rd)
Insurance Goals Liam Ruck – 6 (T-3rd) Bryce Pickford – 5 (T-8th)
Penalty Minutes Cam Parr – 102 (T-9th)
Plus/Minus Jonas Woo - +63 (2nd) Bryce Pickford - +55 (7th)
Wins Jordan Switzer – 30 (3rd)
    Roster Makeup: 26 Players – 15 Forwards – 8 Defence – 3 Goaltenders
2005 Neutens, Van Mulligen, Basha
2006 Reschny, Cunningham, Woo, Väisänen, Muhonen, Pickford, Parr, Cozens
2007 Kor, McCann, Bryzgalov, Stengrim, Moss, Casey, Switzer
2008 Gordon-Carroll, L. Ruck, M. Ruck, Davidson, Steen
2009 Ruptash, Christie, Warrener
    Geographical Breakdown:
Alberta (8) Kadon McCann, Carter Cunningham, Ethan Neutens, Josh Van Mulligen, Bryce Pickford, Jordan Switzer, Andrew Basha, Luke Ruptash
U.S.A. (6) Gavin Kor, Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, Kade Stengrim, Noah Davidson, Carter Casey, Luke Warrener
British Columbia (5) Liam Ruck, Markus Ruck, Tyson Moss, Riley Steen, Cash Christie
Manitoba (2) Cam Parr, Jonas Woo
Finland (2) Veeti Väisänen, Niilopekka Muhonen
Yukon (1) Luke Cozens
Saskatchewan (1) Dayton Reschny
Belarus (1) Yaroslav Bryzgalov
    NHL Drafted Players:
NHL Team Player Drafted
Calgary Flames Andrew Basha 2024, Round 2, 41st Overall
Montreal Canadiens Bryce Pickford 2025, Round 3, 81st Overall
Dallas Stars Niilopekka Muhonen 2024, Round 5, 158th Overall
Utah Mammoth Veeti Väisänen 2024, Round 3, 96th Overall
    Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings (North American Skaters):
Ranking Player
#26 Liam Ruck
#31 Markus Ruck
#99 Yaroslav Bryzgalov
#188 Riley Steen
#215 Kadon McCann
    Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings (North American Goaltenders):
Ranking Player
#12 Carter Casey
    Tigers Schedule:
Last Five Results Next Five Time
VS Regina Pats 5-4 OTW VS Calgary Hitmen – Saturday, April 11 7:00pm MT
@ Regina Pats 4-2 W @ Calgary Hitmen – Monday, April 13th 7:00pm MT
@ Regina Pats 8-2 W @ Calgary Hitmen – Wednesday, April 15th 7:00pm MT
VS Regina Pats 4-2 L *VS Calgary Hitmen – Friday, April 17th 6:00pm MT
VS Regina Pats 6-2 W *@ Calgary Hitmen – Sunday, April 19th 4:00pm MT
*If necessary]]> Pickford & Rucks Named Finalists For Four Broncos Memorial Trophy https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/pickford-rucks-named-finalists-for-four-broncos-memorial-trophy Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:01:41 +0000 Gino De Paoli https://chl.ca/whl-tigers/article/pickford-rucks-named-finalists-for-four-broncos-memorial-trophy Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the 2025-26 finalists for the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL’s Player of the Year.

The most prestigious individual award in the WHL, the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy is named in memory of the four members of the Swift Current Broncos who died in a tragic bus crash December 30, 1986. Trent Kresse, Scott Kruger, Chris Mantyka, and Brent Ruff all died when the Broncos bus crashed while en route to a game in Regina.

Finalists for WHL Awards are voted upon by WHL General Managers.

Winners of 2026 WHL Awards will be announced from Tuesday, April 21, through Wednesday, May 6.

Four Broncos Memorial Trophy – Eastern Conference Finalists

Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat Tigers Liam Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers

Four Broncos Memorial Trophy – Western Conference Finalists

JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets Cameron Schmidt, Seattle Thunderbirds

Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat Tigers

The 19-year-old product of Chauvin, Alta., had a breakout campaign, registering 45 goals, 83 points, and a plus-55 rating in 55 games as captain of the Tigers. The 6-foot-1, 186-pound right-shot blueliner’s 45 goals were tied for second in the WHL, while his 83 points finished second among all WHL defencemen. With 11 game-winning goals, the smooth-skating defender finished tied for first in among all WHL skaters.  Pickford’s 45 goals set a Medicine Hat Tigers franchise record for goals by a defenceman, surpassing the previous mark of 32 set by Kris Russell in 2006-07. A two-time WHL Champion (Seattle – 2023; Medicine Hat – 2025), Pickford was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round (81st overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. Originally selected by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the second round (38th overall) of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, Pickford has played 224 career WHL regular season games, tallying 165 points (73G-92A).

Liam Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers

The 18-year-old product of Osoyoos, B.C., finished second in WHL scoring with 104 points (45G-59A) in 68 games. The 6-foot, 175-pound right winger’s 45 goals were tied for second in the WHL, while his 59 assists ranked fifth across the League. Ruck’s 16 power-play goals were tied for third best in the WHL, and his 10 game-winning goals were also tied for third in the League. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Ruck is ranked 26th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings. In November, he was selected to represent Team CHL at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge. He followed that in February by being named to Team East for the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. Originally selected by the Tigers in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Ruck has skated in 132 career WHL regular season games, recording 147 points (71G-76A). Ruck was a member of the Tigers 2025 WHL Championship.

Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers

The 18-year-old product of Osoyoos, B.C., and twin brother of Liam, finished first in WHL scoring with 108 points (21G-87A) in 68 games. The 6-foot, 167-pound centre’s 87 assists were tops in the WHL this season, leading the next best skater by 21. Ruck’s 38 power-play assists were best in the WHL. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Ruck is ranked 31st among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings. In February, he was selected to represent Team East for the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. Originally selected by the Tigers in the first round (21st overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Ruck has played in 132 career WHL regular season games, tallying 137 points (29G-108A). Ruck was a member of the Tigers 2025 WHL Championship.

JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers

The 17-year-old product of Allen, Texas, exploded onto the WHL as a rookie, posting 97 points (42G-55A) in 68 games with the Blazers. Hurlbert’s 97 points were fourth in the WHL, while his 42 goals were tied for fourth. He led all WHL rookies in scoring. The 6-foot, 182-pound right winger served as an alternate captain for the Blazers in his first WHL season. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Hurlbert is ranked 10th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings. The first-year WHL forward was named to Team CHL for the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in November, before representing Team West in the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. He was originally selected by the Blazers in the first round (20th overall) of the 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets

The 19-year-old product of Lake Country, B.C., returned following an injury-shortened 2024-25 season to lead the WHL in points per game (1.88), registering 90 points (41G-49A) in 48 games with the Rockets. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound centre established new career highs in both assists and points, best his previous marks from 2023-24 when he tallied 37 assists and 84 points in 64 games. Iginla finished sixth in both goals and points among all WHL skaters. Selected by the Utah Mammoth in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, Iginla has played 184 career WHL regular season games, posting 225 points (108G-117A). Prior to arriving in Kelowna, he was a member of Seattle’s 2023 WHL Championship squad. Iginla was originally selected by the Thunderbirds in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.

Cameron Schmidt, Seattle Thunderbirds

The 19-year-old product of Prince George, B.C., finished third in WHL scoring with 100 points. He was one of only three WHL players to reach the 100-point plateau and was the lone WHL player to register 50 goals in 2025-26. Having split the season between the Vancouver Giants and Thunderbirds, the 5-foot-8, 158-pound right winger finished tied for first in the WHL with 11 game-winning goals. Selected by the Dallas Stars in the third round (94th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft, Schmidt has collected 237 points (123G-114A) in 195 career WHL regular season games. Schmidt was originally selected by the Giants in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

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