Haden making the most of added responsibility with Tigers

By Ryan McCracken on October 19, 2017.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com @MHNMcCracken

After spending a large portion of last season as a healthy scratch, Gary Haden has received some added responsibility with the Medicine Hat Tigers this year—and he’s been making the most of it.

The sophomore centre is well on his way to a career year after starting the season alongside rookies Henry Rybinski and Dawson Heathcote, and ever since Zach Fischer’s departure from the team earlier this month, Haden has been establishing himself as a true offensive threat in the Western Hockey League.

“That was my motivation going into summer,” said Haden, who has two goals and three assists in his first eight games. “I only played 32 games (last season) and if that doesn’t motivate you to work harder I don’t know what would. Playing every game is super nice, and I’m starting to contribute, I already have half my point total from last year.”

On top of increased ice time and added responsibilities like a place on the power play, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound centre has also assumed a leadership role alongside linemates Dawson Heathcote and Henry Rybinski.

While he only has 44 games of WHL experience, Haden has been through the gamut when it comes to the rookie experience and has taken it upon himself to guide his linemates through the ups and downs of the season.

“It’s amazing watching them develop. They’re both great players. I was not where they are when I came into the league, so I’m just telling them to keep going,” said Haden. “There will be some frustrating nights in this league, it’s 72 games, but they have great skill and are poised to do great things in this league.”

Haden’s young line earned some added ice time with Fischer’s departure last week, and they’ve been using it to the fullest. In the two games since Fischer opted to part ways with the Tigers, Haden has recorded three assists while the line has combined for six points.

One of those helpers came on Heathcote’s first career goal in Wednesday’s 5-4 win over the Everett Silvertips. After setting up the marker, Haden broke away from the on-ice celebration to ensure he could retrieve the milestone puck for his teammate.

“He’s just flat out a great person. He’s extremely likeable. We were talking about that as a coaching staff — it would be almost impossible not to like Gary Haden,” said Tigers head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston. “He’s thoughtful, puts his teammates first and he’s very conscientious.”

Clouston — who acquired Haden at the 2015-2016 trade deadline in the transaction that sent former captain Cole Sanford to the Regina Pats — added he knows being scratched for more than half of last season’s calendar wasn’t easy for him, but he stuck with it and now he’s reaping the benefits.

“It was hard for him last year. He didn’t play a lot and he struggled with that. He did a great job and didn’t show it, but it was hard for him not to dress,” said Clouston. “It’s really exciting to see a young player go through that and not give up and then get rewarded. I think he’s going to be a real big player for us for a number of years.”

Haden and the Tigers (5-3-0-0) return to acton at the Canalta Centre on Friday when they play host to the Kootenay Ice (4-5-1-0).