TIGERS SIGN VENNE

Medicine Hat, AB – The Medicine Hat Tigers are excited to announce that they have signed 2004 born goaltender James Venne to a Standard WHL Player Agreement.

Venne, who hails from Saskatoon, SK was in his rookie season with the Saskatoon Blazers of the SMAAAHL where he was off to a 2-0 start, sporting a 1.5 GAA and .949 SV% with one shutout before their season was halted.

“James is a bigger goalie that moves well laterally. His compete level and athleticism make him hard to score on and he never quits on a play.” Said Tigers Director of Player Personnel Bobby Fox.

When asked about his play Venne said “I’m a well rounded goalie who is incredibly determined and competitive. I excel at reading pucks and plays while being able to make desperation saves when needed and also helping the team out by playing the puck and communicating.” Venne continued ” I’m incredibly excited to be given this opportunity and I can’t wait to get out and meet everyone. None of this would be possible without the help and support of my coaches, teammates and family.”

During the 2019-2020 season, Venne suited up for the Saskatoon Riverkings U18AA where he appeared in 18 games. He finished the season with a 7-7-3 record to go along with a 3.39 GAA and a .910 SV%.

Tigers General Manager and Head Coach Willie Desjardins said “We’re really excited to add James to our team. He will help solidify our goaltending combination and he’s has come a long way over the last two years. We believe he is a very good young goaltender and we like what we have seen in him.”

Venne will go into self-isolation for two weeks, then join up with the Tigers squad.