Saturday, January 29, 2011

Tigers Defeat Wheat Kings 4-3

It looked like the Tigers were working on their defensive zone coverage as they were playing cautious and by the book in their own zone in the first period. Despite the opening couple minutes being dictated by the Wheat Kings the Tigers gave them very few scoring chances in the first period, Although old habits started creeping back in the later stages of the game.

Former Tiger Matt Mackay had three Bona-Fida scoring chances late to try and pull the Wheat Kings even. I noticed he thought he scored on one of them as he threw up his hands and kept looking at the ref as he headed to the bench. Deven Dubyk Mentioned on the radio that Matt Mackay rang the iron twice. He looked very good in his return to the Arena.

I thought Linden Vey had an "off" game. He didn't have the energy he normally has, yet he still scored a goal with a Howitzer on the Power Play. The Wheat Kings were playing him very tight.

I was very impressed with the Tigers first powerplay. They threw out some guys who don't normally see power-play time and they scored.

I thought Jace Coyle looked pretty good on the back-end in his first home game back since he injured his knee.

With Tyler Pitlick out of the lineup, Dylan Bredo, and Scott McKay played a lot more minutes. I thought Scott McKay played very well and he reminded me a bit of Colton Grant at forward.

Willie Desjardins was mentioned attending tonight's game. Probably spending some time at home during the NHL All-star break. The Dallas Stars are currently third overall in the Extremely Tight Western Conference.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Tigers Defeat Oil Kings 6-5 SO

The Tigers fought off a 3-0 Deficit and staged a series of comebacks. The Tigers trailed in the game 3 times, and Kellan Tochkin scored the equalizer with just under 2 minutes to play in regulation.

The game went into a shootout and a couple players on the ice thought the game was over prematurely, In fact their was one more Tiger shot to take place to try to tie the shootout

Adrian Van de Mosselaer jumped on the ice early and started celebrating and Tyler Bunz made his way to the dressing room according to the Oil Kings broadcasters.

Well Tyler Pitlick scored on his attempt and the shootout went into extra rounds. Oil King Mark Renners would flub his next shot, and Kellan Tochkin would score the shootout winnter to give the Tigers the 2 points.

Tochkin has 6 points in 6 games for the Tigers.
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Tuesday Game is Live on Shaw
Two Tiger games on SHaw TV is coming up. ON January 25th the Pats Vs Tigers will be televised.


Then NEXT Tuesday (February 8th) Shaw will be broadcasting the Tigers playing the Rebels in Red Deer.
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Gregg Drinnan on his blog managed to find out that Bretton Cameron has moved from the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder to the AHL’s Connecticut Whale on a pro tryout agreement.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Canes Vs Tigers Thoughts

Yes I know I'm super late, but didn't have the time yesterday or today to complete something earlier.

Thoughts
I was looking forward to seeing the new guy Kellan Tochkin play. It looked like he was a bit nervous, not necessarily playing in front of the home crowd, but uncertain or hesitant on where to play and not overstepping other players territory.
We saw some good things from him with a couple quick touch passes that shows he is a quick thinker. He is still adjusting to the new surroundings and line-mates.

I thought Tyler Pitlick had an outstanding game. He was the best player on the ice not named Brandon Anderson.

The Tigers in general had a sluggish/sloppy first half, and their first period penalty troubles didn't help. Devan Dubyk mentally wasn't 100%, he had trouble picking up the puck, and his reaction time was slow.

That Huge save Brandon Anderson made with a minute left in the game off Linden Vey was definitely a play to remember. The goalie just casually caught the puck in his glove while laying on his side. || That close to a tie game.

We also saw why players abandon their sticks if dropped even if the stick is still in good condition. Dylan Businius learned this the hard way after going to pick his stick in the corner after it was slashed out of his hands. He left his post and the Lethbridge player was wide open to snap in a one-timer from the low slot area.

I thought It was a very winnable game but chalk it up as a learning experience.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Tigers Collect 4 of 6 points on B.C Road Trip

2 out of 3 ain't bad. But I bet the Tigers aren't 100% satisfied with losing 2 points to the Western Conference Rival Vancouver Giants. (The Tigers get a rematch against them in two weeks at the Arena)

From all indications the Tigers played pretty well on their B.C road trip, despite not dressing two important defensmen. Defeating Kamloops 4-1, Kelowna 5-2, and losing a tough one to the Vancouver Giants on a late powerplay goal. The Giants Broadcaster's were saying the game against the Tigers was one of the Giants best games of the season.

One thing the Tigers may want to keep an eye on is the amount of penalties they have taken lately. They have been shorthanded 19 times in the last 3 games. The Tigers were in the box way to many times against Kamloops, and Vancouver.

Scoreboard Watching
The Tigers lost ground to Red Deer, Saskatoon, Kootenay, Friday night, then reclaimed a little ground on Saskatoon, and Kootenay Saturday Night.

Which means Red Deer, Kootenay, and the Tigers winning percentage is a virtual tie. The Tigers have a couple less points, but also have games in hand on those two teams. The Tigers have been knocking on Red Deer and Kootenay's doorstep for a while now. Red Deer comes to Town on Friday for a big 4 point game.


Post Trade Tracker
Ryan Harrison has played two games with the Everett Silvertips. His first game he went pointless, but in his second game he had a big 4 point night with 2 goals and 2 assists.

Kellan Tochkin has racked up 4 points in 3 games, all assists.
Alex Theriau is recovering from an injured ankle.

WHL Scoring Lead
Linden Vey has reclaimed the top spot for the whl scoring leader. Vey had a big 4 point night against the Kelowna Rockets, a 2 point night over Kamloops, and 1 point against the Giants. Vey has a 4 point cushion over the 2nd place scorer Brendon Ranford of the Kamloops Blazers.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Big Trade

Everett Silvertips Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert announced Monday that the club has acquired forward Ryan Harrison and a second round draft pick from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for forward Kellan Tochkin and defenseman Alex Theriau.

Harrison, 18, has recorded 122 points (41-81-122) in 176 WHL games along with 295 penalty minutes. In 40 games with the Tigers in 2010-11, the 5’10, 185 pound Kelowna, BC native has produced 33 points (13-20-33) in 40 games played. He was selected in the second round (29th overall) of the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft by the Prince Albert Raiders.

Tochkin, 19, was Everett’s first round selection (13th overall) in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft. In 185 career games with the Silvertips, the 5’9, 167 pound forward out of Abbotsford, BC has recorded 178 points (65-113-178) and 133 penalty minutes. He was signed to a free agent contract with the Vancouver Canucks in July, 2009. In 38 games with Everett in 2010-11, Tochkin has recorded 36 points (17-19-36) and 30 penalty minutes.

Theriau, 18, was acquired by the Silvertips in January, 2009 along with Daniel Iwanski and a first round draft pick from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for Kyle Beach and Mike Alexander. Originally selected in the first round (6th overall) by the Hurricanes, the 6’2, 193 pound defenseman out of Duncan, BC has recorded 36 points (5-31-36) and 125 penalty minutes in 166 career WHL games. He was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In 37 games with Everett in 2010-11, Theriau has recorded seven assists and 27 penalty minutes.

“It’s tough to trade two players who have been a key part of our organization for a long time, and we appreciate what Kellan and Alex have meant to the Silvertips on the ice and in the community. We wish them the best of luck in Medicine Hat,” Soetaert said. “We were looking to add an 18 year old center that has skill and grit, and Ryan helps build the identity that we’re trying to promote here in Everett.”

http://www.everettsilvertips.com/article/tips-acquire-harrison-second-rounder-from-tigers
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Kellan Tochkin compares to former Tigers Chris Stevens. A smaller heavy player who isn't that fast, but posses some good hands, passing ability and vision on the ice.

Alex Theriau very poised and makes good smart decisions with the puck, a good skater, not overly physical. Likes to play it safe in his own end.

I love the deals that Brad McEwen made the last couple days. Basically gave up a 2nd and a conditional 4th for a lot of help. Theriau being 18 is likely back next year. Tochkin has a contract with the canucks and could move on to the ahl next year.


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Comments From Tigers Gm Brad Brad McEwen

"We have been trying to obtain Alex Theriau for the past couple of months," said Tigers' general manager. "He is a good player I know from the past and feel he will be a good fit with our group here in The Hat."

"We moved a real good player in Ryan Harrison to Everett. Kellan is a proven offensive player in this league and has had two good years with Everett. He will fit in with our skill and pace to our game and will be a real good addition to our line up," stated McEwen.

"Ryan contributed to the success of our club since his arrive and we want to thank him for his time in Medicine Hat. We wish Ryan and his family all the best in the future," said McEwen.
http://www.tigershockey.com/article/tigers-make-deadline-deal

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This puts the roster at 9 defenceman. I assume they will move Scott Mckay up to forward for the rest of the season, which leaves 8 D-men.

So Parkkonen and Businius may see some healthy scratch time when everyone is healthy. Untill Coyle is healthy they probably rotate in and out, unless one player starts to stand out. It will suck for Businius being his draft year.

Deadline Just Rolled Over

No News as of Yet, but something may have gone down

A Vancouver broadcaster just twittered this minutes ago

"Now that #WHL trade deadline has passed, will be a while before some deals are confirmed. TC, CGY, MH, POR all believed to have made moves"

http://twitter.com/kenwardskorner

Update:
http://twitter.com/WHLcoryflett
WHL Communications director just tweeted.

Their are 4 deals left to be announced upon notification of the players. The Tigers are rumoured to be involved in one of those deals.

Update 2: Former Tiger Tanner Sohn Is headed to Saskatoon for A 2013 10th-round bantam pick.

Update 3: Chat TV just commented on facebook that the Tigers were involved in a last minute deal. Details unknown I'll keep ya posted when I find out.

Central Scouting Rankings

No Big news yet. I'll be hitting F5 all day, and will post if something comes out. Dont expect any of the trades to be announced untill a mad rush plop out at the 3pm mountain deadline.

A couple Tigers were ranked on NHL central Scouting mid-term rankings today.

109 KESSY, KALE MEDICINE HAT WHL 6' 2.5" 184 C
194 BUSENIUS, DYLAN MEDICINE HAT WHL 6' 0.25" 179 D

A little surprised that Dylan Bredo wasn't on the list. He has played very well the last month, and projects to be a smart defensive player. I bet he does make the list by the end of the year.

Full list can be found here

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Trade Scenarios

With Zakaryan gone and Dezman out long term the Tigers depth has shrunk. Until Dezman is healthy their are no spares at forward, without callups. Unless they use McKay at forward as he has played their before. Keep an eye on any unusual scratches tonight.

Scenario #1: It's possible that the Tigers stand pat and use Scott Mckay as a forward to give the forwards a spare and the defense one spare.

Scenario #2: Perhaps they acquire a forward to play in the top 6, or 3rd line. Which may push either Shinkaruk, Harrison Petryk down and Valk/Leier rotate games. The Tigers are somewhat short on forward depth depending on Dezman's situation.

Scenario #3: They trade Carr perhaps Coyle for an upgrade 20 yr old at forward or defence. Although I really doubt this option happens.

Scenario #4: Some sort of upgrade package which sees a defenceman or forward coming in and a forward/defenceman going out. (Mckay,businsius,leier,valk are most likely candidates) Although those 3 players are the type of players in normal circumstances I would like to see kept, as the Tigers keep a bunch of talent next year and these 3 will have a better chance.

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Tigers defeat Broncos 7-1

Thoughts
Broncos came out flat tonight. The Tigers didn't play spectacular they just played solid. They were a little sloppy in the first period, but got their game going and their was a good balance of scoring all over.

The Tigers also dominated the fights with 2 knockouts. When Thomas Carr buckled Andy Blanke's knees, and Cole Grbavac knocked out Graeme Craig. I'm not 100% but I dont remember Blanke back on the ice after the fight.

Scott Ramsay
So far I liked what I saw from him. Keeps it simple strong smart passes.
He was trying to pick out fights during the third period but the broncos weren't having any of it and he got caught out of position, but that's good to see he was trying to make his mark.

He was a team high +5 on the night. He also sounds pretty well spoken on the radio.

Eakin Traded to Kootenay

Good News: The Tigers wont have to deal with Eakin playing for the Broncos tonight.

Bad News: Looks like the Tigers competition just got a whole lot better, but Kootenay paid dearly for half a season of Eakins' services.

Christian Magnus, listed players Ryan Bloom, Jarett Zentner, Colby Cave and Steven Myland along with a 1st and 2nd round pick in 2011 and a 3rd round pick in 2012 is what Kootenay gave up.

That's potentially an 8 for 1 deal, depending on if players report, good enough to crack the roster and draft picks make the team. That's just bananas. The pressure will be on Kootenay to make it to the conference and whl final.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

SATURDAY'S GAME POSTPONED

http://www.tigershockey.com/article/tigers-vs-broncos-postponed-til-sunday-at-6pm_89509

Due to poor weather and road conditions, tonight's WHL matchup between the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Swift Current Broncos has been rescheduled for Sunday at 6pm at the Medicine Hat Arena.

Please bring your ticket for tonight's contest to the game Sunday for admission.

Both the Tigers and Broncos wish to thank our fans for their understanding.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Tigers Acquire D man from Seattle

The Medicine Hat Tigers are pleased to announce they have made a trade today. The team has acquired 19-year-old defenceman Scott Ramsay from the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for a conditional 4th round 2011 draft pick.

http://www.tigershockey.com/article/tigers-acquire-d-man
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This move puts the Tigers at 8 defenceman with Jace Coyle week to week with a knee injury. You would think with 8 guys on the back-end that something else is up.

Ramsay has missed some time with a concussion injury at the beginning of the season as well as taking time off for an illness in his family. From what I've read Ramsay will provide some toughness and a veteran presence, he is similar to the Tanner Sohn mould with more upside. He is a guy that opposition players hate playing against.

Edit:
I've been reading the Seattle Thunderbird fan blogs and they have only good things to say about Scott Ramsay in past articles. He was looking for more ice-time than the thunder-birds were willing to give him.
Article by Birds blogger on the trade.

The more I read about him the more I think he will be a very good addition to this Tigers teams. For his NHL rights I beleive he is a free agent but was invited to Anaheim's prospect tourney at the beginning of the season.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Two Former Tigers Done With Vancouver

Matt Mackay
Yesterday Matt Mackay was traded to the Brandon Wheat Kings for Darren Bestland and a 4th round pick.

Matt Mackay was traded to Vancouver in the offseason to reduce the Tigers overage players. (The Tigers received the Giants 4th round pick)



Tanner Sohn
Tanner Sohn has returned home to Medicine Hat to await a possible trade. With Vancouver's recent acquisitions D-men Joel Rogers and Darren Bestland and a couple players returning from injury Tanner Sohn became expendable.

http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/dubhub/archive/2011/01/06/sohn-done-with-giants.aspx

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Tigers Defeat Oil Kings 5-2

I thought tonight the Tigers responded well after the Oil Kings came out very hard for the first ten minutes. Ryan Harrison's powerplay seemed to spark some life and the Tigers started playing much better hockey.

I liked the play of Scott McKay and Patrik Parkkonen they stepped up and provided some solid defense with Jace Coyle out of the lineup. Tyler Bunz played very well keeping the game scoreless in the first period.

I also really liked Tyler Pitlick, and Dylan Bredo. I thought they both played very strong games. Gotta give props to Cole Grbavac for his fight. Adam Van de Mosselaer was taking liberties on Tiger players through the game. After a long wrestle and some short tied up punches, Grbavac popped him with a good couple shots and knocked him over.


New Guys
Riley Sheen, Jayden Hart

I liked what I saw from the new guys, I especially liked Jayden Hart. Nice wheels and has good hockey sense. I like his future with the Tigers.

Game Sheet
http://www.whl.ca/schedule/show/game/44910

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Hunter Shinkaruk
Hunter Shinkaruk should be returning shortly. Team Pacific won 5-4 in Overtime to win the Bronze Medal at the under 17's.

Overall Shinkaruk was 4th in scoring for the tournament racking up 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points in 6 games.

Emerson Etem will try for the Bronze Wednesday. He may or may not be back this weekend as he might be given a week break before coming back to "paradise". (Meant as a joke, dont take it seriously.)

Weekly Report
Jace Coyle is week to week with his knee sprain.
Sam Dezman Concussion - indefinite
Boston Leier - Concussion day to day