Tigers expecting competitive season opener against Oil Kings

By JAMES TUBB on September 20, 2024.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

The Medicine Hat Tigers will look for the first win of a new season against the Edmonton Oil Kings.

The Tigers kick off the 2024-25 WHL season at home Saturday against the Oil Kings, a team they beat in all six matchups last season.

After two seasons of being at the bottom of the Central division, following the franchises’s third WHL title in 2022, they’ve made some internal improvements and acquisitions that should help them work their way back into the playoff picture.

The internal growth of NHL drafted forward Adam Jecho, Gavin Hodnett and 16-year-old rookie Joe Iginla will help offensively. Edmonton traded for 19-year-old Gracyn Sawchyn last season and he had 43 points in 37 games. They signed his younger bother Lukas on Thursday. The 17-year-old spent last season in the USHL, with four goals and 15 points in 60 games.

Tigers’ associate coach Joe Frazer says it will be an early battle for them as they look to defend home ice.

“They’re going to come hard at us. Last year they had the lead on us a couple games, fortunately, we were able to crawl our way back,” Frazer said. “But it’s a clean slate for everybody. They’re excited for a brand new season, but it’s our home opener and we have to make sure we’re all working and ready to go right from puck drop.”

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