WARRIORS TAKE DOWN TIGERS 4-2
Medicine Hat, AB — The Medicine Hat Tigers were looking for their third straight victory against the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors, who were at the Canalta Centre for the first time this season. The Tigers were also looking to extend their home winning streak versus Moose Jaw to 9 straight games.
The opening period was quite the sleeper between the two clubs and most of the 4092 fans in attendance would say so as well as the Tigers and Warriors were caught in a defensive battle. Medicine Hat was on their heels for majority of the first 5 minutes, fending off a quick Warrior attack that seemed to never end. Nick Schneider played well once again in the Tiger net, stopping 9 of 10 shots. Medicine Hat only was able to fire 4 shots at Zach Sawchenko. Ryan Bowen got the visitors on the board first as a errand pass hit a Tigers defenders skate and right on his stick to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
The Tigers would get back to playing their game in second period as a line mixed with Alex Mowbray, Mark Rassell and Cole Sanford started taking over the game. Mowbray was a force on the puck and created chances every time he was in the offensive zone. Sanford, who is always dangerous with the puck, had multiple chances but the biggest chance came courtesy of Max Gerlach who had a clear cut breakaway on Sawchenko, but the Warriors netminder stuck out the block for a good save. Chad Butcher however would break the shutout just before the midway point of the frame, netting his 11th of the season with a wrister through the arm of a moving Sawchenko. The game stayed tied at 1 heading to the third period.
The final period saw an influx in goals as 4 were put up on the board but only one for the Tabbies. Cole Sanford finished off a beautiful passing play on the Tigers first man advantage of the game. David Quenneville and Butcher teamed up for the goal which would make highlight reels around the league on Tuesday night. Moose Jaw would tally 3 goals in the period to seal the game despite a late power play and late push by the Tigers.
THREE STARS OF THE GAME:
1. RYAN BOWEN – MJ – (2G, 1A)
2. NICK SCHNEIDER – MH – (28 SAVES, L)
3. JAYDEN HALBGEWACHS – MJ – (1G)
Medicine Hat is back in action on the weekend as they travel to Saskatoon and Prince Albert Friday and Saturday before coming back home to face the visiting Kamloops Blazers next Wednesday night.
