Friday, December 6, 2013

Tiger Aquire Goaltender Christopher Tai

Medicine Hat, AB – The Medicine Hat Tigers announce this morning they have made a trade with the Brandon Wheat Kings for the services of 18-year-old goaltender Christopher Tai. The Wheat Kings will receive a conditional pick in the 2015 bantam draft from the Tigers.

The move to bring Tai onto the roster is a result of Czech-born goalie Marek Langhamer leaving for the 2014 World Junior Hockey Championships next week. Tai is expected to report to the Tigers on Monday.

http://tigershockey.com/article/tigers-obtain-goaltender-from-wheat-kings

Basically just a cover for When Langhamer is gone to the World Juniors. Tai was acquired by Brandon from Lethbridge to help fill in for the injured Starter Curtis Honey who has just returned.

68 comments:

CatFan said...

Not sure I understand this. Don't they have any goaltenders to bring up in this situation. Are they preparing to make a trade with one of our goaltenders? Hmmm.

Anonymous said...

Really liked the Koules, Owre and Butcher line last night|

Anonymous said...

Regarding the game last night, it was a good win. We also got a lot of shots in close to the goal and 2-3 shots on net at a time. So what changed? Was a totally different game and then previous 3!

Anonymous said...

Why not use a prospect instead?

Anonymous said...

maybe seeing if Tai is worth keeping around for next season if Langhamer isn't kept as a 20 year old?

Anonymous said...

So was our captain and team leader just resting for World Juniors or what? When was the last time he actually showed he deserved to be captain? How he got an invite is beyond me. I'm not the only one who thinks this way either. Tiger fans are starting to notice he doesn't care about the Tigers and WHL followers are starting to notice as well.

TigerTurf said...

One thing I don't like is that the Tigers are now 2-8-1-0 against teams with a record of near .600 or better.

They are taking advantage of the weak teams but are having trouble against the top teams.

With the better teams their size difference is a lot more noticeable.

If they think this season is a season to go for it they are going to need some help with bigger bodies up front.

Tai is insurance, basically got him for nothing.

Anonymous said...

Totally agree with the last anonymous post. With the huge loss to our team of Leier and our "captain" basically not showing up this season (how pathetic) we need another power forward and new Tiger wearing the C on his jersey.

Anonymous said...

The Tigers don't know how to develop NA goalie prospects. They just pick up kids that have been groomed by other organizations. What does a move like this say to the prospects in their system?

Anonymous said...

Too many little players that cant make it into the slot forced outside is too far away for a decent shot...no shots from the slot means no goals..no gouts no glory.. we finish in 6-8th place!

longtimefan said...

Tai was brought in because Langhammer may be gone for up to a month. Bringing in a 16 year old affiliate player wouldn't work because they can only dress for a maximum of 5 games, so more that one would be needed.

Anonymous said...

Glad we traded away a heart and soul 20 goal scorer so we can protect our captain....who doesn't care one bit if he's a Tiger. Never was and never will be captain material. Me me me. Media and fans have been have been duped, but are finally figuring it out.
Go Tigers

Anonymous said...

After his fight in Sunday's game, Jacob Doty did not return.

TigerTurf said...

I didn't see what happened to Doty on the camera's.

The camera wasn't panned in at the start of the fight so maybe he took a good shot there.

Doty did end up with the jersey over his head, but it was hard to see what happened by the camera feed.

longtimefan said...

Didn't realize Nathan Mortlock had been dropped from the Tigers protected list. He's been recalled by the Pats.

Anonymous said...

doty hurt his hand not broke be back soon

TigerTurf said...

I don't think the Doty experiment has worked out as well as intended, although I didn't agree with the move from the start....more later in my christmas post which is turning into a book.

In regards to goalies they are highly volatile compared to other positions.

Their is a reason that counting the last 7 bantam drafts their were only 6 goalies taken in round 1. They are extremely volatile.

Anonymous said...

It's good to see that the captain is healthy enough to play for team whl but not the tigers. Selfish, give it to valk

Anonymous said...

To the anonymous that thinks there's to many small players, take a look at the top 3 points leaders on the team, just sayin... Do you watch the games?

Anonymous said...

Agree give the "C" to Valk and the "A" he was wearing to McVeigh.

Anonymous said...

The "C" could go to Bredo too always standing up for guys and is a rock on D considering he was a forward this time last year

TigerTurf said...

Local Kid Preston Kopeck has just been traded to Red Deer.

The rebels made a deal with portland for the Rights to Mathew Dumba should he return after the world juniors.

Anonymous said...

Is Hunter really hurt as I have heard rumors that he has/had some sort of hip injury?

Anonymous said...

trevor cox is so cute do they make a trevor cox teddy bear?

Anonymous said...

why are trever cox and cole sandford not on the under 18 team..they are having banner season?

Anonymous said...

what happened to the air gun for shooting t shirts to the awesome fans>What happened to the hit of the night.when do we get a booble head fan appreciation night?

Anonymous said...

What a coincidence no Hunter in the lineup tonight and the Tabbies win.

TigerTurf said...

Dylan Bredo should have been a star He was phenomenal and was making up for some of the defensive lapses Tyler Lewington had.

Anonymous said...

Do the coaches take stats? Face offs as a team are at like 20%, which means there chasing the puck. Valk won 1 face off tonight, maybe let Sanford or cox take a few since they usually seem to win them. Also the defencemens gap control has been awful, maybe something the coaches should notice but what do I know.

Anonymous said...

Hope the Tigers tweak the lines a bit before the next game against the Hitmen. Must find some new scoring combinations.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous December 10, 2013 at 12:55 PM.....If Hunter is really hurt, he should be hurt for the WJ camp. He just doesn't care about the Tigers anymore, its quite obvious. I don't know how his teammates can put up with someone so selfish. There is no "I" in TEAM, but there is in "shInkaruk".

Anonymous said...

I don't think the team has to put up with it, but the coaches should tighten up the leash and stop letting him do what he wants

TigerTurf said...

Friday the 13th rematch against the Hitmen will be televised on sportsnet!!

Anonymous said...

How do people know he is not actually hurt? Careful public ally calling someone selfish when you don't actually know!

TigerTurf said...

Watched an interview with the Canucks director of amateur scouting that says he has been fighting injuries even since Canucks training camp.

Maybe its an excuse for not scoring goals, but its not an excuse to take retaliatory penalties, whining to the ref and shirking your defensive responsibilities.

Anonymous said...

If he is hurt for the Tigers, then he definitely can't and shouldn't be playing hurt and taking up a healthy roster spot anywhere else. If your hurt, then get the proper treatment. Don't miss games with your Club team just to get healthy for Team Canada camp.

Anonymous said...

I hope management and Hunter read what the fans post on here and 1. Trade his complaining baby @$$ and let him be another teams problem or 2. He completely 180s his attitude

TigerTurf said...

I'd rather see Hunter on this team, but with an increased work ethic, commitment to team defense and change in attitude.

Anonymous said...

Really? So Hunter has been apparently hurt all year, yet has put himself before the team, what a joke, I hate to say but I've been told in the past he was a selfish individual that all but confirms what I already knew.

Anonymous said...

Hurt or not, Hunter is practicing with team Canada today. Would love to know why he has not played with the Tigers especially in the last game if he was well enough to play in the team Canada practice.

Anonymous said...

Wish the coaching staff and media would realize there is more than Hunter on the Tigers team.

The way they talk about him and baby him is pathetic. I for one will not be cheering for Team Canada if he makes the Jr. Team.

Anonymous said...

Defence was god awful against calgary, turnover central. Might be time to get a few new ones that are hard of the puck

Anonymous said...

Humiliated on National TV again. Way to Go! Time to start drafting some size and grit.

Anonymous said...

"Humiliated on national TV again" what a dumb comment! When was the last tome? I didn't read any comments about size when the Tigers went into Calgary last year and won what was is 10-1! These games happen, no one likes it but to make it out like its a regular occurrence is just ridiculous. In my opinion this whole Hunter thing has been very disruptive and the coaching staff needs to get the dressing room settled once and for all.

longtimefan said...

Really anon 3:50pm. Because of one guy on a team you aren't going to cheer for your country in an international event. What a terrific patriot you are. Don't need people like you rooting for them anyways.

Also it wasn't just the defence giving the puck away last night. Almost everyone on the ice did it at some point.

Anonymous said...

Tigers always seem to wet themselves when they have to be on national tv. I remember it being that way back in the 90's too. Need to grow a pair, they don't lose 7-0 any other time.

Anonymous said...

i think they are also being out coached by the other teams. They don't adjust to their plays which is what a coach should do.

Anonymous said...

kudos to the tigers, bredo on forward = a great move lots of face offs were won and a lot of body checks by bredo and McVeigh and even koules good game team!!time for Becker and Jensen to step it up?

longtimefan said...

Rumors abound last night at the old barn. One involving number 9 and another with the team and its future.

The Shinkaruk rumor(s) are that he has played his last game in Medicine Hat and that, a, he will be traded after the christmas break and b, when he returns from the world juniors he will opt to have surgery on his injured hip and be done for the season.

Second tidbit I heard is that with the Tigers moving to the new building in a couple years the Maser family may entertain the thought of selling the team. The name being tossed around as a possible new owner is none other than Willie Desjardins.

TigerTurf said...

I guess Spenser Jensen is contemplating going back to school. He is going home and the Tigers are going to contact him in a few days to see what he has decided.

Anonymous said...

For the love of god don't put 3 and 12 together!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Spenser Jensen is not even listed on the Tigers roster anymore.

TigerTurf said...

I Hope Jensen comes back. If he isn't having fun anymore though I respect his decision.

Maybe the Tigers can put him up front to be a bigger body to crash and bang...

Anonymous said...

Hobbs would be a huge upgrade to Jensen, so I this wouldn't hurt my feelers if it played out that way.

longtimefan said...

I believe the rule with 16 year olds is they must play a minimum of 40 games, so seeing that they don't have that many games left in the regular season Hobbs can only play as an affiliate player, therefore he can only five games until his club team is eliminated from play in their league.

TigerTurf said...

Bob McKenzie is saying Shinkaruk is on the bubble for Team Canada.

TigerTurf said...

Also I don't know what has gotten into Dylan Bredo but I like it. He is looking like a man among boys on the ice the past 2 weeks.

longtimefan said...

Based on Shinkaruks play this season its curious as to why he was chosen in the first place and with the rumor that he is having hip surgery when he returns, (Ridley mentioned it on the post game show Sunday) ending his season, would a healthier player not have been a better choice in the first place.

TigerTurf said...

I must have Missed Ridley's part of it on the radio.

If I'm the Canucks and the rumor about Hip Surgery is true I think I would want to send him to Team Canada camp, to get him experience, then shut him down so he is ready next year.

Shinkaruk has a lot of other international experience, and kicks his game up a notch (no nerves) playing for higher profile games, so that is a desirable trait, but the risk of getting injured remains higher.

So if he can't grab a clear cut spot, and is on the bubble It would probably be better to to take a different player with the injury risk. But then again he could be a good option to play lower minutes but give him PP time, and throw him out during times of heavy pressure.

Anonymous said...

If he has hip surgery is it more likely he spends another year in junior?

Anonymous said...

Who doesn't live this time of the year with all the hockey tournaments?

Tiger prospects playing in the world famous Mac's tournament:

Calgary Flames: Mark Rassell, Riley Morris, and Cale Makar (listed as AP might so might see no playing time)

Edmonton South Side Athletic Club: David Quenneville

Lloydminster Bobcats: Austin McGrath and Mason Shaw

Red Deer Optimist Chiefs: Gabe Bast and Chase Olsen

Valley West Hawks:Matt Bradley

Vancouver NE Chiefs:Caleb Fantillo

Vancouver NW Giants:Ty Schultz

The Tabbies have 10 total prospects (not including AP players or who have kids playing at the U-17, the Rebels only have more playing with 11. Oil Kings also have 10. Also Connor Hobbs is playing for Team West at the U-17.

TigerTurf said...

Mark Rassell 5'10 143 lbs Hockey Age:16
Riley Morris 5'10 154 lbs Hockey Age:16
David Quenneville 5'8 172 lbs
Austin McGrath 5'11 148 lbs Hockey Age:15
Mason Shaw 5'7 154 lbs Hockey Age:15
Gabe Bast 5'6 134 lbs Hockey Age:17
Chase Olsen 5'10 154 lb Hockey Age:17
Matthew Bradley 5'19 150lb Hockey Age:16
Caleb Fantillo 5'10 165 lbs Hockey Age:15
Ty Schultz 5'11 150 lbs HOckey Age:16
Cale Makar 5'6 125 lb hockey Age:15

Young kids mind you but not a guy above 6 feet.

Anonymous said...

Shinkaruk didn't look good in Canada's exhibition game, not good for a guy on the bubble. I think he is definitely one the cuts coming.

TigerTurf said...

2 forward cuts, and 1 defensive cut.

Bob Mackenzie is thinking that (Girard or Hudon) will be one cut.
(Shinkaruk or Mantha) will be the other cut

There is speculation that 2 cuts will be made after the Canada Finland Game, which Canada won 4-2



Anonymous said...

IMO Mantha did more then those other 3 listed above today, but then again I'm not Sutter.

Holy hell Connor McDavid is a special talent it seemed like every time he was on the ice he did something. So smooth, so patient and just awesome vision. I can't fathom that he is only 16 either. Best player on the ice without a question.

Anonymous said...

Shinkaruk cut!!

Anonymous said...

Looks like the tigers do have some good prospects coming up with Hobbs playing in the u-17's,Bradley is in the top 5 BC in scoring, Shaw is leading the AB league in scoring as a 15 year old, and Rassel leading the AB league in goals. Anyone know what Bast is doing in RedDeer he is another great D prospect.

Anonymous said...

Love Hobbs!!! Future captain IMO