Tigers back on the ice Friday after COVID delay

By KELLEN TANIGUCHI on April 14, 2021.

ktaniguchi@medicinehatnews.com@@kellentaniguchi

After suspending all team activities last weekend when listed as a close contact of the Calgary Hitmen who had a positive case of COVID-19, the Medicine Hat Tigers have been cleared to play and return to the ice Friday.

The league adjusted the schedule and the Tigers will play a three-game series with the Red Deer Rebels. Friday’s and Monday’s games will be at Co-op Place in the Hat, while Saturday’s game will be in Red Deer – all games are scheduled for a 7 p.m. puck drop.

Medicine Hat swept the Rebels in a two-game series to open the season, winning by scores of 5-4 in overtime and 7-2.

While the Tigers are allowed to play again, the Hitmen remain suspended at this time, according to the Western Hockey League.

SÃ¸gaard signs with Ottawa

Former Medicine Hat Tigers goalie Mads SÃ¸gaard signed a three-year entry level contract with the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday afternoon.

The 20-year-old most recently finished his first full professional season in Denmark’s premier hockey league, helping his team the Esbjerg Energy to within two victories of the league final. He recorded a 10-5-1 record in 16 regular season games and posted team highs with a save percentage of .922 and a goals against average of 2.58. He also won three of six playoff starts.

“Mads’ development continued to strongly progress while playing overseas in 2020-21,” said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion in a news release. “He’s a big, athletic presence in the net and showcases a very competitive style. We’re anticipating a nice transition to North America next season.”

Before playing professionally in Denmark, SÃ¸gaard spent two seasons with the Tigers in the Western Hockey League. He posted a career best 21-13-2 record and recorded four shutouts in 37 games during the 2019-20 campaign.

SÃ¸gaard recorded seven shutouts in his two seasons in Medicine Hat, which ties him for fourth all-time in the franchise.