Tigers have played much better hockey starting with their back to back to back wins against the OilKings before Christmas. They remain 4 points out of the last playoff spot, and slowly gaining ground. Regina has hit a wall suddenly and the Tigers are catching ground on 7th place as well.
Trade Deadline is on January 10th
Cole Sanford has come out and demanded a trade after rumours point to him asking for one earlier in the season. He did not dress over the Tigers important 3-1 victory over saskatoon. Sanford has 21 goals in 33 games and his scoring presence will be greatly missed.
It is a bit concering that player demands have started becoming a more regular occurance. Hobbs last year, Jensen the year before, sanford this season. I think their will always be players in situations they don't like, but having players come out publicly 3 years in a row is concerning.
The Tigers should be building for the future, as well as trying to get into that last playoff spot. Him demanding a trade could be a good thing IF the Tigers actually get a decent return for him. It could easily be a bad thing if the return doesn't align with their long-term goals and scoring becomes an issue.
Demanding a trade so close to the deadline is risky, as he is essentially showcasing himself for a possible pro career. It would be harder to do when he is not playing as his first half has been up and down, however his past reputation should speak for itself in terms of being a goal scorer.
We don't know what goes on in the dressing room but rumors are being leaked out about more and more dysfunction. Whether they are true or not it's hard to say, but nonetheless as a long time Tigers Fan it's tough to hear.
Possible Destinations For Sanford
If we look at some of the Teams that may be looking for an overage scorer: Victoria, PG, Seattle are possible destinations. I wonder if a team like Moose Jaw might make a pitch. Their could be elements of a multi player deal there.
Other possible Trade Bait: Fischer and Forrest could potentially be swung over in deals as they are 18's behind the others on the depth charts. However their defense is a bit lean so Forrest may not be available.
The Tigers 17's are starting to show how great a group they have. Gerlach, Shaw and Quenneville will all become good core players. I think the Tigers should really try to supplement this 16/17 yr old age group if they can, although with other teams no trade clauses it may be difficult to do.
23 comments:
Anonymous Anonymous said...
What is this 5? 6? Years in a row with players demanding trades? There were rumors a vet asked for a trade when Cox was moved no surprise now it was Sanford. Should of never been given the "C" to begin with, just because you lead the team in goals does not mean you lead the locker room. I hope the Tigers gut the older players go young and get ride of this joke of a coach/GM. Keeping a 20 year old back up in this league should be asking to be fired, what a waste of a impact player
January 9, 2016 at 12:05 PM Delete
Anonymous CatFan said...
My vote for captain? Mason Shaw!!
January 9, 2016 at 12:17 PM Delete
Anonymous Anonymous said...
To Catfan, these players especially the older ones have put up with the coachs' lies and bullying for a number of years Sanford respectfully requested a trade months ago yet continued to play to help the team but the coach/gm ignored him and lied that he didn't want a trade. At some point the player needs to take a stand for himself. He didn't quit he took a stand based on the coach/gm's lies. The vet that asked to be moved before Cox wasn't Cole or Cox but another vet that reinforced that request as recently as a week ago. Unless you are the player, his family or agent you truly don't know what has happened or not. Rest assured there are as many as 4 long term Tigers that are fed up with Clouston and his act and have expressed their desire to be traded.
January 9, 2016 at 12:55 PM Delete
Anonymous Anonymous said...
I totally agree that having a 20 yo backup is insane, give your head a shake clouston....I do like being euroless and do like the way our young team plays as a team...note to Sanford there is no 'I' in team. A team needs to play together we don't need the "Cancer" players..Why let 1 bad apple spoil the whole damn bunch??? They played awesome last night against the Blades 53 shot wow nice work ethic!!!!!
January 9, 2016 at 1:30 PM Delete
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Let Sanford sit at home. More than likely we'll get the short end of the stick in a trade anyway, so why bother. Being able to play in the WHL is a privilege. Sanford, nor any kid has the right to make any demands. Play the game your hardest cause you love it. Sure there are many kids out there that would love to have that chance and opportunity and work hard at it.
January 9, 2016 at 2:10 PM Delete
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Maybe it is time the Medicine Hat Tiger assistances stand up for these players. Stop supporting the disfunction. How many long term employees are they going to lose. Why is everyone afraid to speak the truth? As fans we need to get on board and support our Tigers not the organization.
January 9, 2016 at 2:41 PM Delete
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Anonymous 1:30 the dressing room has a different opinion than you. Players meeting last night if Sanford not traded they want him back in the line up after the coach/gm said that Sanford wouldnt be welcomed back. Clouston has lost touch with the team and should be relieved of duties
January 9, 2016 at 2:48 PM Delete
From what I've read and heard the player isn't the one that has made this a public issue, the team did. The rumor is he had asked the team for a trade well before Christmas and the team hasn't obliged him with that request. This is his way of forcing the hand of the team. I'm guessing the Tigers have had talks with teams since his request but probably felt the return wasn't sufficient to do a deal. Problem now is the Tigers are dealing from a point of weakness with everyone knowing what's going on with the player. Another question is, what happens if a trade doesn't get done? Would be a difficult position for both sides.
I would trade Sanford for a goalie prospect + pick, Cut Shields and start shopping around for displaced overagers and euro's on teams that are making moves there could be some available cheap. Schneider is playing better and will continue to improve if he knows the spot is his, 2 veterans that can play 2 way hockey would easily replace Sanford.
If that can't happen let him sit.
As I read the Med Hat News today I can't ignore the comments by Clouston “That happened on the way up (to Saskatoon),” said Clouston. “He’s decided to go that direction. He wants to be traded and decided he wasn’t going to play.” Yet Sanfords agent Tobin Wright posted yesterday in response to Bob Ridleys tweet on twitter Cole asked for a trade in Nov Gm has refused to take multiple offers. Cole has played his butt off! @tigershockey @TheWHL. As I process both comments imo i would have to say Clouston is not being honest. My thoughts are when you don't tell the truth you loose track of all your lies. I would tend to take the players side on this one as it takes big character to stand up to not only a GM but your Coach in the same title. We forget about all the abuse that happens in Junior Hockey or team sport. I believe the WHL would have a speak out program in place for the players. I give Sanford a lot of credit for standing up for himself and his teammates. We don't know what happens behind closed doors but certainly the players, Sanford, Clouston all know the real truth. Once the trade happens or doesn't happen I'm sure to truth will be told.
The easy solution is to fire the coach/gm. Getting rid of him altogether will totally change the team dynamics. I am totally behind Sanford's decision. He has put up with his crap for 4 years and finally this year he has had it. Clouston has totally ruined everything that Willie built - a strong, proud organization that everyone to play for. Every year he has been in charge someone has wanted out. Why do you think he has former players as assistant coaches - he can control them. These players need to take a stand and no longer put up with that crap. I would like to see the other 5 players that want out become vocal. Maybe that will wake up that Masers. Right now the Masers are showing they don't care but if it started to affect their bottom line they sure would care. Maybe some fans will have to do the fire Clouston chant like I heard earlier in the year to get some attention. I sure do hope that he doesn't trade Sanford for his stepson - that is all we need.
longtimefan i heard the samething that it was Clouston that exploited Sanford as they arrived in Saskatoon by stripping his C and sending him to the hotel before the game then confronting his teammates. I also heard after the game Clouston quarantined Sanford to his own room as he moved a vet his roommate into his own room. I learnt that his teammates made their way to his room and supported him after the game, so i think they also side with Sanford. Its no secret that Clouston has been a difficult guy to deal with in the past and its no coincidence that former players Hart, Jensen, Hobbs have asked out. If I'm the owners I'm concerned that their's an underlying issue with the Coach/GM and especially the way this trade request in Nov was handled yesterday in front of the team and would relieve him of his duties and bring Sanford back.
If I'm the owners I would take the best offer for Sanford. You never know if a WHL 1st round or 3rd round or 6th round could be the next 1st round draft pick in the NHL. Thats $150,000 for the Tiger owners if that happens moving forward. Its better than not making a trade and you better your WHL Club for the next 4 years as opposed to Sanford who is done his WHL career in 3 mos.
Sigh, It's very hard to hear all of the above comments and sort out what is true or not. I too would like to see a change in ownership and management of this team but I fear that is not going to happen. I feel for these players but they have to realize that in life you are not always going to like the boss but you have to play for your pride, your career, your teammates and ultimately the fans. Sad to see a great organization come to this.
The owners are at fault also not just Clouston. Owners still can't sign a lease in the new arena. I understand they are bi-weekly. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Obviously the coach is the issue. Hes truly "Clueless" and has no respect for his players. If the best players are wanting out its obviously a coaching issue.
Sanford has put up numbers for 3 years and plays like a beast. Team should respect his wishes to trade him and thank him for his service. To decline a veterns wishes for what? a few ticket sales? This is a classless move by Clouston.
Evan Marble has joined the Kelowna Coaching Staff, I could be mistaken but I think he was one of the Tigers Scouts in BC.
I believe Evan Marble took over Brad McEwens position when he was hired with Flames. I'm not sure when Evan Marble left the Tigers but I think was last year. I just googled him and he was a Scout and Executive Assistant for the Tigers. Come to mind Doug Russell was also a Scout for the Tigers 2012, 2013 & 2014. Both obviously left/resigned from the Tigers organization. I believe thats when a shuffle happened when Darren Krueger was promoted from Associate Coach to fill Rick Carriers position of Senior Director of Player Development.
Both Marble and Russell resigned because they couldn't work with Clouston and his autocratic management style. It's not just the players that want out because of Clouston.
Hi Tigers Fans. As a Lethbridge Hurricanes Long Time Fan I'm all too Familiar with what the Hat is Dealing with as Lethbridge was a Joke for years with there GM and Coaches. When Willie left years ago I thought ok it'll take 2-3 yeara max for the new GM/Coach to screw up what Willie Built. It took longer than I thought but that time has arrived. If Medicine Hat wants to fix most of the there problems they should Fire Cloustan and start over. Might be enough to show players the owners mean Business. Bring a new GM And Great Coach sure has Helped Lethbridge like Crazy.
Sanford traded to the Pats.
Sanford to Regina in his facebook page
I wonder if the Masors are watching the Canucks carefully, I could justify waiting another half a year if it means Willie becomes available. He loves Medicine Hat and they could give him his exact role back
With all the $$ Willie has made at the pro ranks, It would be awesome if he purchased the team and took it all under his wing!!!!!1
This supposed deal with Regina is taking a very long time to be announced. Makes me think there's a problem on one end with a player reporting.
Yea. RUmour saying COle wanted to go to a good team, and may not report. On the other hand if their are prospects/young kids coming back, it could very well that they need to contact the parents and have a no trade released.
I agree with you, think the problem is the Regina end. Cole doesn't have much of a choice here. It's Regina or nowhere. Well maybe back here but that would be an uncomfortable situation.
Some of the posters on TT are real good posting rumours and running with it.
Looked at his twitter CSanford95 Retweeted a tweet from his agent Good Luck with your new team @WHLPats.
Both Tigers & Regina just announced the trade details on both their sites.
Its Funny how none of the Tigers tweeters never wished Cole the best in Regina??? #Freedom Floater....Maybe cole will get in his first Whl fight when the Tigers meet the Pats in February??? #Eurofighter.....;o)
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