The Warriors defeated the Pats 5-2 Friday night to take their series in 5 games. The Warriors received scoring and contributions up and down their lineup, including upstart 15 year old Brayden Point who potted 3 goals in 5 games.
Their was an article before the playoffs started about Moose Jaw's injured Defenceman Morgan Riley possibly returning to their lineup for game 5, however he wasn't dressed. Their is a post on whlfans saying that he was confirmed to not be playing in the first round and he was still listed as week to week, as the doctor didn't clear him to play.
Riley is a projected top 10 draft pick for this years NHL entry Draft.
The Warriors, like the blades have a physical back-end however they will be a lot healthier. Moose Jaw has a ton of depth up front and one of the Hat's fan favorite's in the ever lovable Cody Beach.
During the regular season Moose Jaw's Home record was down right dominating with only 3 regulation losses, their road record surprisingly was a game below .500.
The Tigers will start the series on the road in Moose Jaw and face a tough task at trying to wrestle away a win or two in a building in which Moose Jaw has dominated in.
Every game during the regular season between these two teams were outright wars. With Moose Jaw making a couple trades for the playoffs and them being the #2 seed I think the Tigers will be considered under-dogs for the series. I was hoping for this series to develop as I think it will be a highly entertaining and nail-biting series.
Moose Jaw 3 Tigers 2
Tigers 6 Moose Jaw 3
Moose Jaw 6 Tigers 0
Tigers 6 Moose Jaw 0
MOOSE JAW (2) vs. MEDICINE HAT (4)
(Series J)
Game 1 - Fri Apr 6 7:00 PM Medicine Hat at Moose Jaw
Game 2 - Sat Apr 7 7:00 PM Medicine Hat at Moose Jaw
Game 3 - Tues Apr 10 7:00 PM Moose Jaw at Medicine Hat
Game 4 - Wed Apr 11 7:00 PM Moose Jaw at Medicine Hat
Game 5 - Fri Apr 13 7:00 PM Medicine Hat at Moose Jaw
Game 6 - Sun Apr 15 6:00 PM Moose Jaw at Medicine Hat
Game 7 - Tues Apr 17 7:00 PM Medicine Hat at Moose Jaw
For the Tigers Kale Kessy, Jayden Hart and Rhyse Dieno, Gavin Broadhead are out with injuries. Dieno being the only one that will indeed not return this series.
It was a bit confusing from the MH news article as to whether they were going to be ready to go or not.
Tabbies Enjoy Rest
"I think that we are hopeful with all three," said Clouston. "I think there would be a good chance we would see one of them, but probably not all three.
"I think that there will be a good chance that those guys will be ready to go."
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
OFF TO ROUND TWO
Tigers Defeat the Blades 5-0. Sweeping the series in 4 straight games.
No Roster Changes from Last Night
1st Period
No Scoring. Tigers get 2 power-plays, to the blades 1. The Tigers whiffed on a couple good scoring chances in the slot.
Some Bad News as Boston Leier left the game midway through the first period and hasn't returned. It looked like an innocent play as he was trying to skate past a fallen blades player, he then he grabbed his leg and hobbled to the bench. Tigers have been doing a bit of line juggling to fill the void.
2nd Period
Boston Leier is back on the ice.
Tigers get into some penalty trouble late in the second period. Brendan Hurley caught up to a blades player, skated in front of him, threw a hit and got charged for a tripping penalty. A minute later the Tigers tried to clear the zone and rimmed the puck off the glass. Their was a jump puck as Curtis Valk and Mathew Pufahl both jumped for it. The puck bounced off of Valk's glove into the stands and Valk was penalized.
The Tigers managed to kill the first penalty off as Bunz made a nice stop, and fired the puck down the ice.
During the 5 on 4 Emerson Etem picked off a pass to the defenceman and used to speed to break through the defenceman for a shorthanded breakaway. He went top shelf glove side. 1-0 Tigers
Late in the period Duncan Siemens threw a late hit at the Buzzer on Emerson Etem and a big scrum developed. The camera panned away but when it came back Etem was holding down Lukas Sutter.
Both blades top defenseman Siemens, Thrower, and Lukas Sutter were given 2 minute roughing penalties. Etem and Konan were given 2 minute roughing penalties. Tigers will start the Third Period on the powerplay.
After the Tiger scored the blades put on a lot of pressure. Bunz made a couple good stops in the second period.. Gonna be an exciting third period.
3rd Period
Tigers completely break the game open.
Boston Leier took a huge hit to make a pass out to Scott McKay in front. McKay did a quick turned a beat Makarov. 2-0 Tigers
A minute and a half later the Tigers strike again. Emerson Etem created a turnover he passed the puck out from the corner to the slot, and the puck bounced right to Dylan Bredo who snapped a quick shot past Andrei Makarov 3-0 Tigers
The blades started taking a few undisciplined penalties as scrums are starting to start after the whistle.
Tigers strike again just after a powerplay ends. Boston Leier pass out to Valk in the slot. Valks shot was partially deflected but got enough on it to Beat Makarov Five-Hole. 4-0 Tigers.
Blades Travis McEvoy runs over Tyler Bunz. On the powerplay Emerson Etem feeds Alex Theriau who takes a slapshot on net. Curtis Valk would get his stick on it and make a nice deflection past Makarov. 5-0 Tigers
-----------------
The Tigers gave a lot of ice time to the third and 4th lines at the end of the game. The Tigers did an excellent job at blocking shots, and getting sticks in the way.
This marks the 9th time in 10 years that the Tigers have made it to at least the second round of the WHL playoffs. This series seemed a lot closer than a sweep. Saskatoon made each game a battle. They will host the Memorial Cup year and they have a lot of returning players. With their lack of success in the post season recently, you gotta wonder if they will empty the cupboards for the upcoming season.
Who's next?
The Tigers will have to wait before they find out their next opponent. Being the 4th seed its likely they start the series on the road.
Edmonton is leading Kootenay 3-0
MJ Leads Regina 3-1
Brandon Leads Calgary 3-1
It looks like the Tigers next opponent could be Moose Jaw, unless massive comebacks happen.
Gamsheet
Game Articles
Blades Swept out of Playoffs - Star Phoenix
Tigers Sweep Blades - MH News
No Roster Changes from Last Night
1st Period
No Scoring. Tigers get 2 power-plays, to the blades 1. The Tigers whiffed on a couple good scoring chances in the slot.
Some Bad News as Boston Leier left the game midway through the first period and hasn't returned. It looked like an innocent play as he was trying to skate past a fallen blades player, he then he grabbed his leg and hobbled to the bench. Tigers have been doing a bit of line juggling to fill the void.
2nd Period
Boston Leier is back on the ice.
Tigers get into some penalty trouble late in the second period. Brendan Hurley caught up to a blades player, skated in front of him, threw a hit and got charged for a tripping penalty. A minute later the Tigers tried to clear the zone and rimmed the puck off the glass. Their was a jump puck as Curtis Valk and Mathew Pufahl both jumped for it. The puck bounced off of Valk's glove into the stands and Valk was penalized.
The Tigers managed to kill the first penalty off as Bunz made a nice stop, and fired the puck down the ice.
During the 5 on 4 Emerson Etem picked off a pass to the defenceman and used to speed to break through the defenceman for a shorthanded breakaway. He went top shelf glove side. 1-0 Tigers
Late in the period Duncan Siemens threw a late hit at the Buzzer on Emerson Etem and a big scrum developed. The camera panned away but when it came back Etem was holding down Lukas Sutter.
Both blades top defenseman Siemens, Thrower, and Lukas Sutter were given 2 minute roughing penalties. Etem and Konan were given 2 minute roughing penalties. Tigers will start the Third Period on the powerplay.
After the Tiger scored the blades put on a lot of pressure. Bunz made a couple good stops in the second period.. Gonna be an exciting third period.
3rd Period
Tigers completely break the game open.
Boston Leier took a huge hit to make a pass out to Scott McKay in front. McKay did a quick turned a beat Makarov. 2-0 Tigers
A minute and a half later the Tigers strike again. Emerson Etem created a turnover he passed the puck out from the corner to the slot, and the puck bounced right to Dylan Bredo who snapped a quick shot past Andrei Makarov 3-0 Tigers
The blades started taking a few undisciplined penalties as scrums are starting to start after the whistle.
Tigers strike again just after a powerplay ends. Boston Leier pass out to Valk in the slot. Valks shot was partially deflected but got enough on it to Beat Makarov Five-Hole. 4-0 Tigers.
Blades Travis McEvoy runs over Tyler Bunz. On the powerplay Emerson Etem feeds Alex Theriau who takes a slapshot on net. Curtis Valk would get his stick on it and make a nice deflection past Makarov. 5-0 Tigers
-----------------
The Tigers gave a lot of ice time to the third and 4th lines at the end of the game. The Tigers did an excellent job at blocking shots, and getting sticks in the way.
This marks the 9th time in 10 years that the Tigers have made it to at least the second round of the WHL playoffs. This series seemed a lot closer than a sweep. Saskatoon made each game a battle. They will host the Memorial Cup year and they have a lot of returning players. With their lack of success in the post season recently, you gotta wonder if they will empty the cupboards for the upcoming season.
Who's next?
The Tigers will have to wait before they find out their next opponent. Being the 4th seed its likely they start the series on the road.
Edmonton is leading Kootenay 3-0
MJ Leads Regina 3-1
Brandon Leads Calgary 3-1
It looks like the Tigers next opponent could be Moose Jaw, unless massive comebacks happen.
Gamsheet
Game Articles
Blades Swept out of Playoffs - Star Phoenix
Tigers Sweep Blades - MH News
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tigers Defeat Blades 3-2 OT
Pre-Game
Tigers Trevor Cox Returns to the lineup.
Kale Kessy is out
Saskatoon's Michael Burns returns from injury
Saskatoon's Darren Deitz returns from a 1 game Suspension
1st Period
The Tigers started off the game with some real good pressure.
Tigers get on the board first, after some pressure by the Blades Emerson Etem had some room down the right wing side and wristed a shot past Andrei Makarov. 1-0 Tigers
The Blades started putting on lots of pressure. They eventually cracked Tyler Bunz after a boneheaded pass out of thier own zone. Matt Konan fed a cross Ice pass to Cole Grbavac who was a little too slow in turning around to get it. The blades Michael Burns and Lukas Sutter had a 2 on 1 the other way. Not really sure how the puck went in as their was a big pile of bodies in front but it beat Bunz as the net was knocked off. 1-1 Tie
The Tigers would play a little better later in the period as Boston Leier had a chance out front but had the puck poked away. Emerson Etem was left alone in the slot and Makarov stopped him with a nice glove hand.
Late in the first Lukas Sutter Cross checked Hunter Shinkaruk into the net and they were both given co-incidental penalties.
Summary: Blades spent more time in the Tigers zone. The Tigers had a little trouble breaking out. The prime scoring chances were relatively equal. Shots 14-7 for the Blades
--------
2nd Period
Much better period by the Tigers. They came out really hard again. Boston Leier hit the post after Bunz quickly relayed the puck up ice on a Blades change, giving the Tigers a 3 on 1. Leier deked out Makarov but couldn't beat the post. Shots were 14-7 for the Tigers.
No scoring and each team received one power-play. Looks like Makarov has realized the Tigers are trying to go top shelf.
-------
3rd Period
Tigers Grbavac gets called for an iffy penalty. Cole Grbavac ran over Josh Nicholls when he was reaching for the puck mid-ice and gets called for charging after gliding into him.
Emerson Etem Shorthanded goal. Josh Nicholls and Ryan Olsen got caught up at the point, and Emerson Etem had a clear cut breakaway from his own blueline. Emerson goes five-hole.
2-1 Tigers
Bredo gets called for a trip..tigers kill it off with no blade shots on goal.
Blades Tie the Game Up with 3 minutes left. Dalton Thrower throws a soft shot on net. As the puck was coming to the net Matej Stransky cross checked James Bettauer out of the way then popped in the loose puck sitting at the side of the net. 2-2 Tie
Blades started really throwing their weight around and they started getting carried away. Brett Bensen off for charging, after The Tigers couldn't convert on a 3-1 on a delayed call.
Blades started really pressing the tigers late in the period. With 10 seconds left the Tigers get a 3 on 2 rush and Curtis Valk gets hooked down...no call.
Saskatoon Outshoots the Tigers 11-10. Going into Overtime
-------------------------------
1st OT
Tigers with massive pressure to start overtime. Curtis Valk hit the post not once but twice.
Blades were on a line change as the puck whipped around the boards in the Tigers end trying to match lines against the Etem Line that just came on. It looked like a blades defense-man pinched in at the point as Bredo One-handed whacked a puck past him against the boards.
It sent Emerson Etem and Hunter Shinkaruk in on a 2 on 1 chance. Emerson Passed over to Shinkaruk waited past a sliding Blades defender and slid a perfect pass over to Emerson Etem who tapped it in on an empty cage. 3-2 Tigers Win
Didn't even realize at first but the OT goal gave Etem a Hat-trick.
Tigers have a 3-0 Series Lead with a chance to Sweep Wednesday Night.
Game Sheet
Game Articles
Etem eat's em up - MH News
Siemens High Risk Play - Sportsnet
Blades Pushed To Brink After O.T Loss - Star Phoenix
Tigers Trevor Cox Returns to the lineup.
Kale Kessy is out
Saskatoon's Michael Burns returns from injury
Saskatoon's Darren Deitz returns from a 1 game Suspension
1st Period
The Tigers started off the game with some real good pressure.
Tigers get on the board first, after some pressure by the Blades Emerson Etem had some room down the right wing side and wristed a shot past Andrei Makarov. 1-0 Tigers
The Blades started putting on lots of pressure. They eventually cracked Tyler Bunz after a boneheaded pass out of thier own zone. Matt Konan fed a cross Ice pass to Cole Grbavac who was a little too slow in turning around to get it. The blades Michael Burns and Lukas Sutter had a 2 on 1 the other way. Not really sure how the puck went in as their was a big pile of bodies in front but it beat Bunz as the net was knocked off. 1-1 Tie
The Tigers would play a little better later in the period as Boston Leier had a chance out front but had the puck poked away. Emerson Etem was left alone in the slot and Makarov stopped him with a nice glove hand.
Late in the first Lukas Sutter Cross checked Hunter Shinkaruk into the net and they were both given co-incidental penalties.
Summary: Blades spent more time in the Tigers zone. The Tigers had a little trouble breaking out. The prime scoring chances were relatively equal. Shots 14-7 for the Blades
--------
2nd Period
Much better period by the Tigers. They came out really hard again. Boston Leier hit the post after Bunz quickly relayed the puck up ice on a Blades change, giving the Tigers a 3 on 1. Leier deked out Makarov but couldn't beat the post. Shots were 14-7 for the Tigers.
No scoring and each team received one power-play. Looks like Makarov has realized the Tigers are trying to go top shelf.
-------
3rd Period
Tigers Grbavac gets called for an iffy penalty. Cole Grbavac ran over Josh Nicholls when he was reaching for the puck mid-ice and gets called for charging after gliding into him.
Emerson Etem Shorthanded goal. Josh Nicholls and Ryan Olsen got caught up at the point, and Emerson Etem had a clear cut breakaway from his own blueline. Emerson goes five-hole.
2-1 Tigers
Bredo gets called for a trip..tigers kill it off with no blade shots on goal.
Blades Tie the Game Up with 3 minutes left. Dalton Thrower throws a soft shot on net. As the puck was coming to the net Matej Stransky cross checked James Bettauer out of the way then popped in the loose puck sitting at the side of the net. 2-2 Tie
Blades started really throwing their weight around and they started getting carried away. Brett Bensen off for charging, after The Tigers couldn't convert on a 3-1 on a delayed call.
Blades started really pressing the tigers late in the period. With 10 seconds left the Tigers get a 3 on 2 rush and Curtis Valk gets hooked down...no call.
Saskatoon Outshoots the Tigers 11-10. Going into Overtime
-------------------------------
1st OT
Tigers with massive pressure to start overtime. Curtis Valk hit the post not once but twice.
Blades were on a line change as the puck whipped around the boards in the Tigers end trying to match lines against the Etem Line that just came on. It looked like a blades defense-man pinched in at the point as Bredo One-handed whacked a puck past him against the boards.
It sent Emerson Etem and Hunter Shinkaruk in on a 2 on 1 chance. Emerson Passed over to Shinkaruk waited past a sliding Blades defender and slid a perfect pass over to Emerson Etem who tapped it in on an empty cage. 3-2 Tigers Win
Didn't even realize at first but the OT goal gave Etem a Hat-trick.
Tigers have a 3-0 Series Lead with a chance to Sweep Wednesday Night.
Game Sheet
Game Articles
Etem eat's em up - MH News
Siemens High Risk Play - Sportsnet
Blades Pushed To Brink After O.T Loss - Star Phoenix
Best Names in Hockey (Fun Poll)
The Hockey news is putting on a "Best Names in Hockey" march madness bracket style poll. They scoured over all the leagues with the exception of the NHL.
2 Tigers have places in the bracket Boston Leier, and Hunter Shinkaruk
Boston Leier is in the SANSREGRET BRACKET (Voting April 2-4)
The Boston Leier(2) name is taking on Godric Tham(15) from the Melfort Mustangs of the sjhl
Hunter Shinkaruk is in the DIRK BRACKET (Voting April 4-6)
The Hunter Shinkaruk(12) name is taking on Ludovic Kabambi(5) from Acadie-Bathrust of the qmjhl
Voting for the DUNDAS BRACKET is first up. I'll mention this again with the direct link to the voting page when Leier, and Shinkaruks brackets are up for voting.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/pages/puck_poll.html?page=1
------------
I will be ordering the webcast tonight and will have a recap of Tonights Playoff Game between the Tigers and the Blades. In the mean time here are a couple news articles from the Medicine Hat News and Saskatoon's The Star Phoenix
Just another Home Game for Leier
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/local-sports/just-another-home-game-for-leier-03272012.html
Blades Look To Bounce Back as Series Shifts To Home
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/sports/hockey/blades-hockey/Blades+look+bounce+back+series+shifts+home/6363687/story.html
Rhyse Dieno
Tweeted yesterday that he was cleared to begin skating again.
2 Tigers have places in the bracket Boston Leier, and Hunter Shinkaruk
Boston Leier is in the SANSREGRET BRACKET (Voting April 2-4)
The Boston Leier(2) name is taking on Godric Tham(15) from the Melfort Mustangs of the sjhl
Hunter Shinkaruk is in the DIRK BRACKET (Voting April 4-6)
The Hunter Shinkaruk(12) name is taking on Ludovic Kabambi(5) from Acadie-Bathrust of the qmjhl
Voting for the DUNDAS BRACKET is first up. I'll mention this again with the direct link to the voting page when Leier, and Shinkaruks brackets are up for voting.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/pages/puck_poll.html?page=1
------------
I will be ordering the webcast tonight and will have a recap of Tonights Playoff Game between the Tigers and the Blades. In the mean time here are a couple news articles from the Medicine Hat News and Saskatoon's The Star Phoenix
Just another Home Game for Leier
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/local-sports/just-another-home-game-for-leier-03272012.html
Blades Look To Bounce Back as Series Shifts To Home
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/sports/hockey/blades-hockey/Blades+look+bounce+back+series+shifts+home/6363687/story.html
Rhyse Dieno
Tweeted yesterday that he was cleared to begin skating again.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Deitz Suspension Finalized
03/24/12 - Darren Dietz - Saskatoon
One game for slash major and g.m. at Medicine Hat on March 23
http://www.whl.ca/page/WHL-discipline
Also the Blades tweeted that Michael Burns will be back for game 3. Burns had 55 points in 62 games during the regular season. The blades get 2 big pieces of thier puzzle back for tuesday's game.
One game for slash major and g.m. at Medicine Hat on March 23
http://www.whl.ca/page/WHL-discipline
Also the Blades tweeted that Michael Burns will be back for game 3. Burns had 55 points in 62 games during the regular season. The blades get 2 big pieces of thier puzzle back for tuesday's game.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Tigers Defeat Blades 5-3
Another great game for the Tigers.
Attendance: 3946....60 short of a sellout.
1st Period
Tigers got on the board very early. The blades took a couple undisciplined penalties early in the game and the Tigers made them pay. Emerson Etem popped in 2 power-play goals top shelf. The Blades would respond a few minutes later as they started a push pack. Matthew Pufhal fired a howitzer over Bunz shoulder. (2-1 Tigers)
I believe Pufhal was a game time decision with a wonky ankle, and with blades Darren Deitz suspended it was a situation where he almost had to play.
We will find out Monday on the length of Darren Deitz suspension. I think Deitz was trying to slash high on the stick of Etem on the play and the stick rode up into Emerson's face. A pretty dangerous situation. I don't believe Deitz meant for that to happen but their should never be any situation which calls for a 2 handed slash.
2nd Period
The blades caught the Tigers on the ropes and took their first lead of the series. The Tigers made 2 big mistakes during this period and blades jumped on them.
Brett Stovin took a low shot from near the blueline, might have been going wide and Bunz went to deflect it into the corner and it somehow deflected into the net. 2-2 Tie
The blades Josh Nichols potted his first goal of the series after he picked off an errant Hunter Shinkaruk pass out of his zone. Nicholls walked in on a 2 on 1 , ran out of room and did a quick wrap around which beat Bunz. 3-2 Blades and the Arena was a bit stunned.
All of a sudden Tigers were bobbling the puck and had troubles making straight passes. The coaches called a Time-Out after Tyler Bunz stopped a 2 on 1 rush to settle the troops. It took a couple shifts but the Tigers eventually got back on track.
Soon after James Bettauer rifled a shot top corner from the high slot area which beat Makarov high glove. The arena was rocking again as both teams took a 3-3 Tie into the second Intermissions.
3rd Period
Tigers stepped up big in the third. I thought the tigers managed 3 or 4 chances for every chance the blades had. Finally with 5 minutes left to play the Tigers got a break. Dylan Bredo fed Emerson Etem for a 2 on 1 with Hunter Shinkaruk. Etem made a perfect pass over to Shinkaruk who shot it top corner blocker side over a sprawling Andrei Makarov and the Arena was a rockin.
Late in the third some good work by Hunter Shinkaruk forced Connor Cox to hold onto him in the slot. Cox was called for holding and the blades emotions got the better of them. Duncan Siemens was given a slashing penalty and Lorne Mollekin went crazy at the bench and earned his team another penalty to give the Tigers a 5 on 3. The blades were arguing that Matt Konan tripped up a blades when they were both going for the puck, and the penalty to Connor Cox made Blades coach Lorne Mollekin snap.
Shorthanded 5 on 3 The blades tried to send one forward up high on a bit of a hail mary, and it ended up with basically a 4 on 1 down low. Curtis Valk's intial couple shots were stopped but with Makarov down and out Valk finally managed to flip it over him giving the Tigers the insurance goal for a 5-3 Victory. After the play the blades mobbed Etem and Valk throwing a couple punches at both players heads. It ended with Kyle Schmidt getting a roughing penalty, and Duncan Siemens was given a 10 minute misconduct.
Thoughts
I thought Hunter Shinkaruk had a bit of an off night despite getting 4 points. He looked a little frustrated in the first 2 periods but fought it off and scored the game winner. Kale Kessy was missing in the third period, and the Tigers moved everybody up a slot and they did a fantastic job filling in.
The blades showed some strong push-back in the second period, but the Tigers managed to get their feet back under them and upped the tempo.
I liked how the Tigers stayed away from the rough stuff. It frustrates the other team and all the chirping and after the whistle rough stuff takes a physical and emotional toll. When Shinkaruk stopped chirping he played better in the third.
Tigers take a 2-0 Series Lead into Saskatoon for the next 2 games. Saskatoon had a pretty good record at home during the regular season, and the Tigers had a pretty good road record. It will be another battle. Medicine Hat's Trevor Cox was hoping to get back into the lineup for game 3.
Attendance: 3946....60 short of a sellout.
1st Period
Tigers got on the board very early. The blades took a couple undisciplined penalties early in the game and the Tigers made them pay. Emerson Etem popped in 2 power-play goals top shelf. The Blades would respond a few minutes later as they started a push pack. Matthew Pufhal fired a howitzer over Bunz shoulder. (2-1 Tigers)
I believe Pufhal was a game time decision with a wonky ankle, and with blades Darren Deitz suspended it was a situation where he almost had to play.
We will find out Monday on the length of Darren Deitz suspension. I think Deitz was trying to slash high on the stick of Etem on the play and the stick rode up into Emerson's face. A pretty dangerous situation. I don't believe Deitz meant for that to happen but their should never be any situation which calls for a 2 handed slash.
2nd Period
The blades caught the Tigers on the ropes and took their first lead of the series. The Tigers made 2 big mistakes during this period and blades jumped on them.
Brett Stovin took a low shot from near the blueline, might have been going wide and Bunz went to deflect it into the corner and it somehow deflected into the net. 2-2 Tie
The blades Josh Nichols potted his first goal of the series after he picked off an errant Hunter Shinkaruk pass out of his zone. Nicholls walked in on a 2 on 1 , ran out of room and did a quick wrap around which beat Bunz. 3-2 Blades and the Arena was a bit stunned.
All of a sudden Tigers were bobbling the puck and had troubles making straight passes. The coaches called a Time-Out after Tyler Bunz stopped a 2 on 1 rush to settle the troops. It took a couple shifts but the Tigers eventually got back on track.
Soon after James Bettauer rifled a shot top corner from the high slot area which beat Makarov high glove. The arena was rocking again as both teams took a 3-3 Tie into the second Intermissions.
3rd Period
Tigers stepped up big in the third. I thought the tigers managed 3 or 4 chances for every chance the blades had. Finally with 5 minutes left to play the Tigers got a break. Dylan Bredo fed Emerson Etem for a 2 on 1 with Hunter Shinkaruk. Etem made a perfect pass over to Shinkaruk who shot it top corner blocker side over a sprawling Andrei Makarov and the Arena was a rockin.
Late in the third some good work by Hunter Shinkaruk forced Connor Cox to hold onto him in the slot. Cox was called for holding and the blades emotions got the better of them. Duncan Siemens was given a slashing penalty and Lorne Mollekin went crazy at the bench and earned his team another penalty to give the Tigers a 5 on 3. The blades were arguing that Matt Konan tripped up a blades when they were both going for the puck, and the penalty to Connor Cox made Blades coach Lorne Mollekin snap.
Shorthanded 5 on 3 The blades tried to send one forward up high on a bit of a hail mary, and it ended up with basically a 4 on 1 down low. Curtis Valk's intial couple shots were stopped but with Makarov down and out Valk finally managed to flip it over him giving the Tigers the insurance goal for a 5-3 Victory. After the play the blades mobbed Etem and Valk throwing a couple punches at both players heads. It ended with Kyle Schmidt getting a roughing penalty, and Duncan Siemens was given a 10 minute misconduct.
Thoughts
I thought Hunter Shinkaruk had a bit of an off night despite getting 4 points. He looked a little frustrated in the first 2 periods but fought it off and scored the game winner. Kale Kessy was missing in the third period, and the Tigers moved everybody up a slot and they did a fantastic job filling in.
The blades showed some strong push-back in the second period, but the Tigers managed to get their feet back under them and upped the tempo.
I liked how the Tigers stayed away from the rough stuff. It frustrates the other team and all the chirping and after the whistle rough stuff takes a physical and emotional toll. When Shinkaruk stopped chirping he played better in the third.
Tigers take a 2-0 Series Lead into Saskatoon for the next 2 games. Saskatoon had a pretty good record at home during the regular season, and the Tigers had a pretty good road record. It will be another battle. Medicine Hat's Trevor Cox was hoping to get back into the lineup for game 3.
Blades Deitz suspension TBD
Saskatoon - Darren Dietz, tbd for slash major and g.m. at Medicine Hat on March 23.
You can view the slash in the game highlights at the end of the video
http://tigershockey.com/video/index/id/8f68d4e9efe85f965f9c3a0956f23c74
You can view the slash in the game highlights at the end of the video
http://tigershockey.com/video/index/id/8f68d4e9efe85f965f9c3a0956f23c74
I guess that means he is out for tonight.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Tigers Draw First Blood 5-2
Attendance was only 3879, lots of leftover tickets. The fans that did attend the game were pretty noisy.
I thought the Tigers played a smart game tonight. The Defenceman did a very good job at making the first pass out of the zone. Both teams were playing more of a defensive, patient style of game.
The Tigers 4th line played amazing tonight. Their line generated 2 goals. I thought the Blades at times were a little overly physical and it cost them in penalties.
The Blades for the most part only sent one guy deep, but sometimes they sent 2 guys in attacking the puck carrier from behind the net. The first time it generated a scoring chance but I thought the Tigers did a good job recognizing this afterwards getting rid of the puck quickly.
Lukas Sutter and Jake Trask were trying to get Hunter Shinkaruk off his game, likewise Kale Kessy was all over Josh Nicholls.
When the score was 4-2 The Blades thought they scored a goal to get within 1. Bunz immediately signaled to the ref that the puck went through the net somehow. They would go upstairs to review and the goal was called off.
Medicine Hat Born Darren Deitz took a 5 minutes major for slashing and a game misconduct against Emerson Etem while he potted an empty net goal. I wonder if that will prompt a suspension for tomorrow. I did see Deitz gear up for a 2 handed slash but watched the puck go into the net and didn't see where the slash landed
Despite getting out shot 31-30 I thought the Tigers generated more scoring chances. The Tigers had about 15 clear shots go over the net and hit glass.
Game Two Saturday Night.
I thought the Tigers played a smart game tonight. The Defenceman did a very good job at making the first pass out of the zone. Both teams were playing more of a defensive, patient style of game.
The Tigers 4th line played amazing tonight. Their line generated 2 goals. I thought the Blades at times were a little overly physical and it cost them in penalties.
The Blades for the most part only sent one guy deep, but sometimes they sent 2 guys in attacking the puck carrier from behind the net. The first time it generated a scoring chance but I thought the Tigers did a good job recognizing this afterwards getting rid of the puck quickly.
Lukas Sutter and Jake Trask were trying to get Hunter Shinkaruk off his game, likewise Kale Kessy was all over Josh Nicholls.
When the score was 4-2 The Blades thought they scored a goal to get within 1. Bunz immediately signaled to the ref that the puck went through the net somehow. They would go upstairs to review and the goal was called off.
Medicine Hat Born Darren Deitz took a 5 minutes major for slashing and a game misconduct against Emerson Etem while he potted an empty net goal. I wonder if that will prompt a suspension for tomorrow. I did see Deitz gear up for a 2 handed slash but watched the puck go into the net and didn't see where the slash landed
Despite getting out shot 31-30 I thought the Tigers generated more scoring chances. The Tigers had about 15 clear shots go over the net and hit glass.
Game Two Saturday Night.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tigers Playoff Multimedia
Playoff Song by My96
http://soundcloud.com/medicinehatmorningradio/neat-little-audio-project
Unleash The Beast 2012 Playoffs (tigershockey.com)
http://tigershockey.com/video/index/id/a63817a8b4df261d20e68b346b3b54e9
EDIT NEW SONG
Memorial Cup (Cold Shot, Chat 94.5fm)
http://widget.tunecore.com/swf/tc_run_h_v2.swf?widget_id=85213
(Edit 3:00pm mtn)
WHL Year End Award - Eastern Conference
(Western Conference announced tomorow, and the winners announced April 18th)
WHL Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy
Eastern Conference – Tyler Bunz (St. Albert, AB), Medicine Hat Tigers
First Team All-Stars
Goaltender – Tyler Bunz (St. Albert, AB), Medicine Hat Tigers
Forward – Emerson Etem (Long Beach, CA), Medicine Hat Tigers
For the full list visit http://www.whl.ca/article/2012-whl-east-all-stars-award-finalists
http://soundcloud.com/medicinehatmorningradio/neat-little-audio-project
Unleash The Beast 2012 Playoffs (tigershockey.com)
http://tigershockey.com/video/index/id/a63817a8b4df261d20e68b346b3b54e9
EDIT NEW SONG
Memorial Cup (Cold Shot, Chat 94.5fm)
http://widget.tunecore.com/swf/tc_run_h_v2.swf?widget_id=85213
(Edit 3:00pm mtn)
WHL Year End Award - Eastern Conference
(Western Conference announced tomorow, and the winners announced April 18th)
WHL Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy
Eastern Conference – Tyler Bunz (St. Albert, AB), Medicine Hat Tigers
First Team All-Stars
Goaltender – Tyler Bunz (St. Albert, AB), Medicine Hat Tigers
Forward – Emerson Etem (Long Beach, CA), Medicine Hat Tigers
For the full list visit http://www.whl.ca/article/2012-whl-east-all-stars-award-finalists
Monday, March 19, 2012
Oilers Sign Tyler Bunz
The Edmonton Oilers Twitter has reported that they have signed Tyler Bunz to a 3 year NHL entry Level contract. Tyler Bunz was a 5th round 121st overall draft pick in 2010.
- http://twitter.com/#!/NHL_Oilers
Bunz had this to say on his twitter account
Very special day for my family and I. Dream come true to sign a contract with the oilers. Very honored to be apart of the organization.
- http://twitter.com/#!/tylerbunz
Congratulations Tyler Bunz!
- http://twitter.com/#!/NHL_Oilers
Bunz had this to say on his twitter account
Very special day for my family and I. Dream come true to sign a contract with the oilers. Very honored to be apart of the organization.
- http://twitter.com/#!/tylerbunz
Congratulations Tyler Bunz!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Canes Defeat Tigers 5-4 SO
It was a wild affair down in Tiger Town. Lots of hard hits being thrown by both teams. Early in the game Kale Kessy levelled Graham Hood twice with hard open ice hits. Emerson Etem knocked 3 or 4 guys over with hard hits. Lethbridge double teamed both Hunter Shankaruk and James Bettauer with hard hits. Every couple minutes another body was hitting the ice.
Hunter Shinkaruk came very close to getting his 50th goal of the year. He scored a hat-trick by the mid-point of the game, and couldn't convert on an empty net 2-on-1 pass in tight, late in the game.
You could say the Tigers took a bit of a gamble late in the third period.
The Emerson/Shinkaruk/Bredo line was gassed with a faceoff in the Tigers end with the goalie pulled. The coaches kept the Shinkaruk line out. It didn't turn out so well with lethbridge scoring but when Calgary clinched the 3rd spot before the third period started, might as well try to pad some stats, on the other hand it cost Bunz his 40th win of the season. It also marks the first time in 10 years the Tigers failed to reach 20 wins at home.
The Hurricanes Graham Hood tied the game with 16 seconds left off a mad scramble in front, and Russel Maxwell who also scored a hat-trick in the game, potted the shoot-out winner.
Thoughts
The Tigers had troubles on their PK. The defensive play was no-where near as good as against Edmonton of Friday. I was disappointed that Kyle Becker was not dressed he does a lot of the little things right. The Tigers put Spenser Jensen back on the point.
Over the last 1/4 of the season lethbridge is a .500 team. They return a lot of guys next season and might have some tough 20 yr old decisions to make.
Playoffs
Edmonton(1) vs Kootenay (8)
Moose Jaw (2) vs Regina (7)
Calgary (3) Vs Brandon (6)
Tigers (4) vs Saskatoon (5)
I might do a series preview if i have time sometime later in the week. I know that Saskatoon has some guys banged up with injuries as well.
Coaches on the radio said that Tyler Lewington and Trevor Cox will probably be back in the lineup for Game 1 against Saskatoon. Jayden Hart at the earliest wouldn't be available until at least the middle of round 2 if the tigers were to get that far.
Also perhaps its a good thing the Tigers didn't get 3rd place. Brandon is a lengthy road trip and they have been one of the hottest teams in the league to finish the season.
Poll Results ( Were you satisfied with the moves the Tigers made at the trade deadline?)
Should have sold Etem and Bunz - 45 (35%)
I wish they had been buyers --------47 (37%)
Satisfied-------------------------------34 (26%)
Mahoney
The band Mahoney was playing songs during stoppages in play and in the first intermission. As someone who dabbles in guitar I was impressed with their talent and song repertoire. They did a great job and had fans crowding their area during the first intermission. I did miss the goal horn in the first period, but I think the Tigers should bring them back for another gig, they put on a very good performance.
Hunter Shinkaruk came very close to getting his 50th goal of the year. He scored a hat-trick by the mid-point of the game, and couldn't convert on an empty net 2-on-1 pass in tight, late in the game.
You could say the Tigers took a bit of a gamble late in the third period.
The Emerson/Shinkaruk/Bredo line was gassed with a faceoff in the Tigers end with the goalie pulled. The coaches kept the Shinkaruk line out. It didn't turn out so well with lethbridge scoring but when Calgary clinched the 3rd spot before the third period started, might as well try to pad some stats, on the other hand it cost Bunz his 40th win of the season. It also marks the first time in 10 years the Tigers failed to reach 20 wins at home.
The Hurricanes Graham Hood tied the game with 16 seconds left off a mad scramble in front, and Russel Maxwell who also scored a hat-trick in the game, potted the shoot-out winner.
Thoughts
The Tigers had troubles on their PK. The defensive play was no-where near as good as against Edmonton of Friday. I was disappointed that Kyle Becker was not dressed he does a lot of the little things right. The Tigers put Spenser Jensen back on the point.
Over the last 1/4 of the season lethbridge is a .500 team. They return a lot of guys next season and might have some tough 20 yr old decisions to make.
Playoffs
Edmonton(1) vs Kootenay (8)
Moose Jaw (2) vs Regina (7)
Calgary (3) Vs Brandon (6)
Tigers (4) vs Saskatoon (5)
I might do a series preview if i have time sometime later in the week. I know that Saskatoon has some guys banged up with injuries as well.
Coaches on the radio said that Tyler Lewington and Trevor Cox will probably be back in the lineup for Game 1 against Saskatoon. Jayden Hart at the earliest wouldn't be available until at least the middle of round 2 if the tigers were to get that far.
Also perhaps its a good thing the Tigers didn't get 3rd place. Brandon is a lengthy road trip and they have been one of the hottest teams in the league to finish the season.
Poll Results ( Were you satisfied with the moves the Tigers made at the trade deadline?)
Should have sold Etem and Bunz - 45 (35%)
I wish they had been buyers --------47 (37%)
Satisfied-------------------------------34 (26%)
Mahoney
The band Mahoney was playing songs during stoppages in play and in the first intermission. As someone who dabbles in guitar I was impressed with their talent and song repertoire. They did a great job and had fans crowding their area during the first intermission. I did miss the goal horn in the first period, but I think the Tigers should bring them back for another gig, they put on a very good performance.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Oil Kings Defeat Tigers 4-2
Short Recap
Game Thoughts
I thought the Tigers played really well tonight. I thought the Tigers out-played the Oil Kings for the last two periods, they just couldn't bury those chances, and Laurent Brossoit shut the door. Shinkaruk looked liked he was trying to force that 50 goal mark taking quite a few shots on goal himself.
Scoreboard Watching
Kootenay had a 4-0 lead and a 5-3 lead with a minute left in the game. Calgary scored 2 goals in the last minute to tie Kootenay. Calgary then won the game in overtime. With the Tigers loss it means the two teams are now tied. Calgary holds the Tiebreaker in wins, which means the Tigers slip down to 4th, and need to 1 more point than Calgary in the final game to overtake them.
With 1 game left in the season the possible first round playoff match-ups are still clear as mud. The Tigers could still end up playing Saskatoon, Kootenay, Regina.
The Tigers cannot play Brandon anymore as Brandon can only tie Saskatoon and Saskatoon has more wins.
Scenario
If Brandon defeats Regina in extra time and Calgary defeats Kootenay in extra time, with a Saskatoon loss their would be a 4 way tie for 5th place.
Next Games
Tigers play Lethbridge
Calgary plays Kootenay
Saskatoon plays Swift Current
Brandon plays Regina
Injuries
Spenser Jensen returned tonight
Tyler Lewington is slated to return for the start of the playoffs
Jayden Hart and Trevor Cox will be out longer and their return is unknown.
Rhyse Dieno is likely done for the year
Game Thoughts
I thought the Tigers played really well tonight. I thought the Tigers out-played the Oil Kings for the last two periods, they just couldn't bury those chances, and Laurent Brossoit shut the door. Shinkaruk looked liked he was trying to force that 50 goal mark taking quite a few shots on goal himself.
Scoreboard Watching
Kootenay had a 4-0 lead and a 5-3 lead with a minute left in the game. Calgary scored 2 goals in the last minute to tie Kootenay. Calgary then won the game in overtime. With the Tigers loss it means the two teams are now tied. Calgary holds the Tiebreaker in wins, which means the Tigers slip down to 4th, and need to 1 more point than Calgary in the final game to overtake them.
With 1 game left in the season the possible first round playoff match-ups are still clear as mud. The Tigers could still end up playing Saskatoon, Kootenay, Regina.
The Tigers cannot play Brandon anymore as Brandon can only tie Saskatoon and Saskatoon has more wins.
Scenario
If Brandon defeats Regina in extra time and Calgary defeats Kootenay in extra time, with a Saskatoon loss their would be a 4 way tie for 5th place.
Next Games
Tigers play Lethbridge
Calgary plays Kootenay
Saskatoon plays Swift Current
Brandon plays Regina
Injuries
Spenser Jensen returned tonight
Tyler Lewington is slated to return for the start of the playoffs
Jayden Hart and Trevor Cox will be out longer and their return is unknown.
Rhyse Dieno is likely done for the year
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Scoreboard Watching
Wednesday Games
Lethbridge defeated Calgary 5-2 Wednesday Night.
Brandon and Kootenay each got single points while Regina picked up 2.
With 2 games remaining for all eastern conference teams the Tigers still hold a 2 point edge on Calgary for the third spot. Calgary still holds a potential tiebreaker in total wins at this point if they were to catch up in points.
Possible First round Matchups
Regina - possible
Saskatoon - possible
Kootenay - possible
Brandon - less likely but still possible
Games Left
Brandon plays Regina twice
Calgary plays Kootenay twice
Saskatoon plays Swift Twice
Tigers play Edmonton and Lethbridge at home. Edmonton is fighting for the points lead in the whl, as they have a 1 point lead over Tri-City so Fridays game will be tough, although they did rest 2 veterans in their SO win over Kootenay.
WHL Standings Link
Lethbridge defeated Calgary 5-2 Wednesday Night.
Brandon and Kootenay each got single points while Regina picked up 2.
With 2 games remaining for all eastern conference teams the Tigers still hold a 2 point edge on Calgary for the third spot. Calgary still holds a potential tiebreaker in total wins at this point if they were to catch up in points.
Possible First round Matchups
Regina - possible
Saskatoon - possible
Kootenay - possible
Brandon - less likely but still possible
Games Left
Brandon plays Regina twice
Calgary plays Kootenay twice
Saskatoon plays Swift Twice
Tigers play Edmonton and Lethbridge at home. Edmonton is fighting for the points lead in the whl, as they have a 1 point lead over Tri-City so Fridays game will be tough, although they did rest 2 veterans in their SO win over Kootenay.
WHL Standings Link
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Rebels Defeat Tigers 4-2
WHL Playoff Schedules
Tigers have confirmed the first two dates.
Game 1 - Fri Mar 23 7:30 PM at Medicine Hat
Game 2 - Sat Mar 24 7:30 PM at Medicine Hat
Bob Ridley
Ridley Mentioned on Hockey Night in Canada. His 3000th regular season broadcast was on Saturday when the Tigers faced the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
http://whl.ca/video/index/id/368c377...
Emerson Etem WHL & CHL Player of the Week
http://whl.ca/article/tigers-etem-chl-player-of-the-week
Kale Kessy
Suspended One Game for his Game Misconduct against Lethbridge. After Jayden Hart was hit from behind, Kessy got tossed from the game before play had resumed.
Patrik Parkkonen
The Medicine Hat News reported that patrik Parkkonen will return to the lineup tonight.
Other Injuries
#5, Tyler Lewington, Lower body, 1 week
#7, Spenser Jensen, Upper body, day to day
#10, Gavin Broadhead, Upper body, 1 week
#19, Jayden Hart, Upper body, 2 weeks
#28, Rhyse Dieno, Upper body, 1 month+
#36, Trevor Cox, Upper body, 1 week
Chad Labelle has also been listed as an addition to the lineup.
Game Thoughts
Not sure if it was just cause I was tired but I thought the game was a little dull up until the third period, yet It was a physical affair with the rebels as it usually is.
The fans were furious at referee Ryan Bonnet.
Bonnet called a holding penalty to Alex Theriau in the 2nd after a rebel player sneakily hugged onto his stick which prompted Bonnet to call Theriau for holding
Tiger fans were even more-so enraged after a series of non-calls including one where Chad Labelle managed to get past a rebel defender who then swung his stick along the ice and tripped Labelle up negating a possible 2 on 1 down low....less than a minute later the rebels Tyson Ness ended up scoring the game winning goal...One of those situations where a non-call is magnified after the other team scored.
Devan Dubyk
I thought Dubyk played really well in net for the rebels. Despite the loss its nice to see him play well. He has put up a respectable .906 save percentage so far with the rebels who are below .500 in the standings.
Scoreboard Watching
The loss opens the door for Calgary to take 3rd. If Calgary can win their game in hand against Lethbridge Wednesday they will be tied in points with the Tigers, and Calgary will have 1 more win which gives them the Tiebreaker. So I guess we are cheering for a Lethbridge win on Wednesday.
Edit: Also quite a few estern Conference games tonight. After the game's are done everyone will have 70 games played, and its likely that However I wouldn't be suprised if the playoff picture still remains murky.
Calgary plays lethbridge and Kootenay(2)
Tigers play Edmonton and Lethbridge.
For the first round who is 3rd and who is 4th may not really matter with the backlog of teams from 6-8th. However It could play a big factor if either of those teams reach round 2 with home ice.
MH News Article
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/local-sports/dubyk-bests-old-mates-03142012.html
Tigers have confirmed the first two dates.
Game 1 - Fri Mar 23 7:30 PM at Medicine Hat
Game 2 - Sat Mar 24 7:30 PM at Medicine Hat
Bob Ridley
Ridley Mentioned on Hockey Night in Canada. His 3000th regular season broadcast was on Saturday when the Tigers faced the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
http://whl.ca/video/index/id/368c377...
Emerson Etem WHL & CHL Player of the Week
http://whl.ca/article/tigers-etem-chl-player-of-the-week
Kale Kessy
Suspended One Game for his Game Misconduct against Lethbridge. After Jayden Hart was hit from behind, Kessy got tossed from the game before play had resumed.
Patrik Parkkonen
The Medicine Hat News reported that patrik Parkkonen will return to the lineup tonight.
Other Injuries
#5, Tyler Lewington, Lower body, 1 week
#7, Spenser Jensen, Upper body, day to day
#10, Gavin Broadhead, Upper body, 1 week
#19, Jayden Hart, Upper body, 2 weeks
#28, Rhyse Dieno, Upper body, 1 month+
#36, Trevor Cox, Upper body, 1 week
Chad Labelle has also been listed as an addition to the lineup.
Game Thoughts
Not sure if it was just cause I was tired but I thought the game was a little dull up until the third period, yet It was a physical affair with the rebels as it usually is.
The fans were furious at referee Ryan Bonnet.
Bonnet called a holding penalty to Alex Theriau in the 2nd after a rebel player sneakily hugged onto his stick which prompted Bonnet to call Theriau for holding
Tiger fans were even more-so enraged after a series of non-calls including one where Chad Labelle managed to get past a rebel defender who then swung his stick along the ice and tripped Labelle up negating a possible 2 on 1 down low....less than a minute later the rebels Tyson Ness ended up scoring the game winning goal...One of those situations where a non-call is magnified after the other team scored.
Devan Dubyk
I thought Dubyk played really well in net for the rebels. Despite the loss its nice to see him play well. He has put up a respectable .906 save percentage so far with the rebels who are below .500 in the standings.
Scoreboard Watching
The loss opens the door for Calgary to take 3rd. If Calgary can win their game in hand against Lethbridge Wednesday they will be tied in points with the Tigers, and Calgary will have 1 more win which gives them the Tiebreaker. So I guess we are cheering for a Lethbridge win on Wednesday.
Edit: Also quite a few estern Conference games tonight. After the game's are done everyone will have 70 games played, and its likely that However I wouldn't be suprised if the playoff picture still remains murky.
Calgary plays lethbridge and Kootenay(2)
Tigers play Edmonton and Lethbridge.
For the first round who is 3rd and who is 4th may not really matter with the backlog of teams from 6-8th. However It could play a big factor if either of those teams reach round 2 with home ice.
MH News Article
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/local-sports/dubyk-bests-old-mates-03142012.html
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Tigers Defeat Lethbridge 3-1
First Period
Tigers take a quick 2-0 lead. Some good work behind the net by Hunter Shinkaruk as he found Etem in front who snapped it home. 1-0 Tigers
Ten minutes later the Tigers would increase their lead as Boston Leier made a nice fake, went short side and roofed it on a 2 on 1 play. 2-0 Tigers
Second Period
The Hurricanes would get on the board as Juraj Bezuch snapped one past Tyler Bunz. Bezuch snuck his way into the slot and Russell Maxwell made a perfect pass to him.
Jayden Hart
Jayden Hart was hugging the boards with the puck. Hurricane Tyler Kizuik laid a hit and Hart dropped to the ice. The replay showed Kizuik finishing his check hitting Hart in the back and Jayden's head snapped off the glass. The Lethbridge player was not penalized besides the 5 minutes for fighting after Brendan Hurley came to his defense.
The hit didn't really look that bad, however it was still clearly from behind, and I was a little surprised that their wasn't at least a minor for checking from behind.
Kale Kessy would also receive a game misconduct for presumably trying to teach the ref of his experiences with hits from behind.
Hart was taken out of the game in a stretcher...I would suspect at the very least he has a concussion.
Third Period
Etem hit the post shorthanded in the opening minutes of the period.
Late in the third with the Goalie pulled Lethbridge hit the post after intercepting a pass from Matt Konan. Dylan Bredo would fire a shot down the ice off the post in an empty net attempt.
Etem's 60th
Emerson Etem would pot his 60th of the season on an empty net goal.
EDIT: Sunday 10:45 PM
First Round Matchup Scenario's
Kootenay - Possible
Regina - Possible
Saskatoon - Possible
Brandon - Possible
The Tigers will end up with either the 3rd or 4th seed. With Calgary's Victory over the Rebels on Sunday it eliminates them from a possible first round matchup.
Regina and Brandon play each other twice
Calgary and Kootenay play each other twice.
Saskatoon plays twice against Swift Current.
Tigers Clinch Home Ice
With 89 points Kootenay can no longer pass us in the standings and the Tigers are guaranteed at least the 4th seed for the playoffs.
Tigers take a quick 2-0 lead. Some good work behind the net by Hunter Shinkaruk as he found Etem in front who snapped it home. 1-0 Tigers
Ten minutes later the Tigers would increase their lead as Boston Leier made a nice fake, went short side and roofed it on a 2 on 1 play. 2-0 Tigers
Second Period
The Hurricanes would get on the board as Juraj Bezuch snapped one past Tyler Bunz. Bezuch snuck his way into the slot and Russell Maxwell made a perfect pass to him.
Jayden Hart
Jayden Hart was hugging the boards with the puck. Hurricane Tyler Kizuik laid a hit and Hart dropped to the ice. The replay showed Kizuik finishing his check hitting Hart in the back and Jayden's head snapped off the glass. The Lethbridge player was not penalized besides the 5 minutes for fighting after Brendan Hurley came to his defense.
The hit didn't really look that bad, however it was still clearly from behind, and I was a little surprised that their wasn't at least a minor for checking from behind.
Kale Kessy would also receive a game misconduct for presumably trying to teach the ref of his experiences with hits from behind.
Hart was taken out of the game in a stretcher...I would suspect at the very least he has a concussion.
Third Period
Etem hit the post shorthanded in the opening minutes of the period.
Late in the third with the Goalie pulled Lethbridge hit the post after intercepting a pass from Matt Konan. Dylan Bredo would fire a shot down the ice off the post in an empty net attempt.
Etem's 60th
Emerson Etem would pot his 60th of the season on an empty net goal.
EDIT: Sunday 10:45 PM
First Round Matchup Scenario's
Kootenay - Possible
Regina - Possible
Saskatoon - Possible
Brandon - Possible
The Tigers will end up with either the 3rd or 4th seed. With Calgary's Victory over the Rebels on Sunday it eliminates them from a possible first round matchup.
Regina and Brandon play each other twice
Calgary and Kootenay play each other twice.
Saskatoon plays twice against Swift Current.
Tigers Clinch Home Ice
With 89 points Kootenay can no longer pass us in the standings and the Tigers are guaranteed at least the 4th seed for the playoffs.
Friday, March 9, 2012
History of the Regional Event Centre
The Tigers website just put up a new video about the Arena and the already long history of the new Events Center that hasn't been built yet.
If your a tiger fan or curious about the how long this process has taken I reccomend watching it.
Link
http://tigershockey.com/video/index/id/856de4a79828ecb1c037b3d0fb88d682
March 9th marks the 43rd anniversary of the fire that destroyed the original Arena Gardens.
It seems a little ridiculous that 2 million dollars have been spent on Various Committees and Studies regarding the New "Events Center" and nothing has been built yet.
Tigers Vs Kootenay
No recap of tonight's game due to other commitments. With the Tigers Victory Tonight 1 Tiger point or Kootenay loss of point will ensure the Tigers Home Ice in the first round. The First Tie-Breaker is wins and Kootenay cannot pass the Tigers in the wins department, despite the season series being tied at 3-3.
Good News as Cole Grbavac Returned to the lineup. Chad Labelle was also dressed.
Possible First Round Playoff Opponents
Calgary = slim but possible
Brandon = unlikely but possible
Regina = possible
Saskatoon = possible
Kootenay = possible
With Brandon losing tonight and Saskatoon and Regina Winning, it pushes Brandon down to the unlikely but possible stage.
Red Deer The best they can do is Tie Brandon for a tiebreaker game. 1 Brandon point gained or Red Deer point lost equals no playoffs for Red Deer. Gotta be pretty dissapointing for the Rebels. Not getting Ryan Nugent-Hopkins back then losing their starting goaltender for the season as well as plagued with multiple injuries throughout the season.
Last Update: 12:35 AM MTN Saturday March 10th.
If your a tiger fan or curious about the how long this process has taken I reccomend watching it.
Link
http://tigershockey.com/video/index/id/856de4a79828ecb1c037b3d0fb88d682
March 9th marks the 43rd anniversary of the fire that destroyed the original Arena Gardens.
It seems a little ridiculous that 2 million dollars have been spent on Various Committees and Studies regarding the New "Events Center" and nothing has been built yet.
Tigers Vs Kootenay
No recap of tonight's game due to other commitments. With the Tigers Victory Tonight 1 Tiger point or Kootenay loss of point will ensure the Tigers Home Ice in the first round. The First Tie-Breaker is wins and Kootenay cannot pass the Tigers in the wins department, despite the season series being tied at 3-3.
Good News as Cole Grbavac Returned to the lineup. Chad Labelle was also dressed.
Possible First Round Playoff Opponents
Calgary = slim but possible
Brandon = unlikely but possible
Regina = possible
Saskatoon = possible
Kootenay = possible
With Brandon losing tonight and Saskatoon and Regina Winning, it pushes Brandon down to the unlikely but possible stage.
Red Deer The best they can do is Tie Brandon for a tiebreaker game. 1 Brandon point gained or Red Deer point lost equals no playoffs for Red Deer. Gotta be pretty dissapointing for the Rebels. Not getting Ryan Nugent-Hopkins back then losing their starting goaltender for the season as well as plagued with multiple injuries throughout the season.
Last Update: 12:35 AM MTN Saturday March 10th.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Kootenay Defeats Tigers 2-1
Weeknight short recap.
The Tigers had one of those games where nothing seemed to click. It was almost comical at times when they would develop a good chance and then pucks would stick to the ice, hop over sticks, or just plain missread good passes and made bad decisions. 4 Days off and a full moon, its a little weird that the Tigers have a better record on the road this year, as in years past they have been dominant at home.
The Ice played really well in the first two periods and then the Tigers started coming back in the third but things still weren't 100% clicking right. The Tigers got on the board late in the third when Emerson Received a cross ice feed and elimated Nathan Lieuwen's shutout bid with Bunz pulled and an extra attacker on the ice.
The Tigers had one glorious chance where I dont know how they didn't manage to score on. They shot the puck inches wide through the crease, then another tiger picked the puck up and shot it inches wide through the crease again when Lieuwen was down scrambling....one of those games.
Tigers play Kootenay on Friday down in Cranbrook. With the loss tonight calgary remains just 2 points back, and Kootenay is 5 points back.
Saskatoon, Brandon and Regina the 6,7,8 place teams are within 1 point of each other. With 5 games left to go for most teams, who they are going to play in the first round is still wide open for everybody.
MH News Article on the Kootenay game
http://www.medicinehatnews.com
The Tigers had one of those games where nothing seemed to click. It was almost comical at times when they would develop a good chance and then pucks would stick to the ice, hop over sticks, or just plain missread good passes and made bad decisions. 4 Days off and a full moon, its a little weird that the Tigers have a better record on the road this year, as in years past they have been dominant at home.
The Ice played really well in the first two periods and then the Tigers started coming back in the third but things still weren't 100% clicking right. The Tigers got on the board late in the third when Emerson Received a cross ice feed and elimated Nathan Lieuwen's shutout bid with Bunz pulled and an extra attacker on the ice.
The Tigers had one glorious chance where I dont know how they didn't manage to score on. They shot the puck inches wide through the crease, then another tiger picked the puck up and shot it inches wide through the crease again when Lieuwen was down scrambling....one of those games.
Tigers play Kootenay on Friday down in Cranbrook. With the loss tonight calgary remains just 2 points back, and Kootenay is 5 points back.
Saskatoon, Brandon and Regina the 6,7,8 place teams are within 1 point of each other. With 5 games left to go for most teams, who they are going to play in the first round is still wide open for everybody.
MH News Article on the Kootenay game
http://www.medicinehatnews.com
Friday, March 2, 2012
Tigers Defeat Giants 6-4
Tigers got off to a rough start but kept battling, and got some key powerplay goals. They played a real good road game and their PK came up big.
Crashing The Crease
Vancouver's Brendan Gallagher was crashing into Tyler Bunz every chance he got. The first two goals Vancouver scored was a result of Gallagher crashing into Bunz.
The first goal Vanocuver scored was when Brendan Gallgaher was given a bump and flew overtop of Bunz pinning Bunz down as the Giants Marek Tvrdon shot into a partially open net.
The second goal looked liked it deflected off something and went five-hole as Gallagher made contact with Bunz' pad cutting cross crease.
After those couple goals Bunz was absolutely livid and started swinging at players as they crashed on top of him. He was called twice for penalties.
Vancouver would get called 3 times for Goaltender Interference throughout the game and by the second period it was becoming a team effort to forcefully remove Vancouver forwards from crashing the net. By the third period everyone that got close was landing on their butt and vancouver stopped pressing as hard.
Powerplay and Penalty Kill
Both came up huge. The Tigers powerplay went 3 for 7.
Their penalty kill was a perfect 7 for 7. The Tigers have struggled on their PK and they did an excellent job on it tonight. Vancouver spent lots of time chasing the puck into their own end, and the Tigers might have even had the better scoring chances.
Callups
Chad Butcher, Blake Penner and Kyle Becker all dressed again. They were used sparingly in the last half of the game.
Goal Scorers
Etem (54,55)
Konan (8)
Hart (13)
Bettauer (20)
Leier (13)
Scoreboard Watching
Calgary won in overtime against the Blades so the Tigers remain 4 points up with 1 more game played. Calgary battles Kootenay Saturday night.
The Tigers now get a good 4 days off. Before facing Kootenay in a home and home. By my calculations a combination of 7 Tiger points and/or Kootenay loss of points will give the Tigers home ice in the first round.
Special Night on Wednesday
When Kootenay comes into Town on Wednesday Bob Ridley will have an opportunity to Broadcast his 3000th regular season game.
EDIT
Apparently it will only be Bob's 2998 regular season game tonight according to the Medicine Hat News.
Injuries
Tyler Lewington 2 weeks
Spenser Jensen 1 week
Gavin Broadhead 1 week
Cole Grbavac 1 week
Patrik Parkkonen 1 week
Rhyse Dieno 1 month +
Crashing The Crease
Vancouver's Brendan Gallagher was crashing into Tyler Bunz every chance he got. The first two goals Vancouver scored was a result of Gallagher crashing into Bunz.
The first goal Vanocuver scored was when Brendan Gallgaher was given a bump and flew overtop of Bunz pinning Bunz down as the Giants Marek Tvrdon shot into a partially open net.
The second goal looked liked it deflected off something and went five-hole as Gallagher made contact with Bunz' pad cutting cross crease.
After those couple goals Bunz was absolutely livid and started swinging at players as they crashed on top of him. He was called twice for penalties.
Vancouver would get called 3 times for Goaltender Interference throughout the game and by the second period it was becoming a team effort to forcefully remove Vancouver forwards from crashing the net. By the third period everyone that got close was landing on their butt and vancouver stopped pressing as hard.
Powerplay and Penalty Kill
Both came up huge. The Tigers powerplay went 3 for 7.
Their penalty kill was a perfect 7 for 7. The Tigers have struggled on their PK and they did an excellent job on it tonight. Vancouver spent lots of time chasing the puck into their own end, and the Tigers might have even had the better scoring chances.
Callups
Chad Butcher, Blake Penner and Kyle Becker all dressed again. They were used sparingly in the last half of the game.
Goal Scorers
Etem (54,55)
Konan (8)
Hart (13)
Bettauer (20)
Leier (13)
Scoreboard Watching
Calgary won in overtime against the Blades so the Tigers remain 4 points up with 1 more game played. Calgary battles Kootenay Saturday night.
The Tigers now get a good 4 days off. Before facing Kootenay in a home and home. By my calculations a combination of 7 Tiger points and/or Kootenay loss of points will give the Tigers home ice in the first round.
Special Night on Wednesday
When Kootenay comes into Town on Wednesday Bob Ridley will have an opportunity to Broadcast his 3000th regular season game.
EDIT
Apparently it will only be Bob's 2998 regular season game tonight according to the Medicine Hat News.
Injuries
Tyler Lewington 2 weeks
Spenser Jensen 1 week
Gavin Broadhead 1 week
Cole Grbavac 1 week
Patrik Parkkonen 1 week
Rhyse Dieno 1 month +
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Bunz Earns WHL Goalie of the Month
http://www.whl.ca/article/tigers-bunz-vaughn-whl-goalie-of-the-month
"His 1.86 goals-against average and 0.941 save percentage led all WHL goaltenders through the month that had played a minimum three games. Bunz allowed just 13 goals on 220 shots-against in his 420 minutes played with his efforts earning him a Three Star selection three times through the month."
Not bad considering he missed 2.5 weeks with an injury.
"His 1.86 goals-against average and 0.941 save percentage led all WHL goaltenders through the month that had played a minimum three games. Bunz allowed just 13 goals on 220 shots-against in his 420 minutes played with his efforts earning him a Three Star selection three times through the month."
Not bad considering he missed 2.5 weeks with an injury.
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