Cubs excited for return to Kinplex for home opener

By JAMES TUBB on September 26, 2024.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

After starting the HJHL season on the road, the Medicine Hat Cubs are back at the Kinplex.

The Cubs return to home ice for the home opener of their 51st season, facing the High River Flyers on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. They also host the Three Hills Thrashers on Sunday at 3 p.m.

They come into the home weekend off two road wins to kick off the season, tied for first atop the HJHL standings. The Cubs won 3-2 over the Okotoks Bisons on Sept. 21 and beat the Coaldale Copperheads 3-2 in a shootout the next afternoon.

High River has lost both of their games to start the season, falling 5-3 to Okotoks on Sept. 20 and 4-3 in overtime to the Strathmore Wheatland Kings. Three Hills is 2-0, beating the Rocky Rams 4-2 on Sept. 20 and topping the Ponoka Stampeders 5-4 the next night.

Head coach and general manager Randy Wong likes starting on the road but is looking forward to his team getting back on home ice.

“Starting on the road gives us a chance to play a couple games, regardless of the emotion that you get from a home opener,” Wong said. “So that part, we can check that box off and get ready for a home opener because they’re always exciting.

“The guys like playing in front of friends and family. We hope there’s lots of people in the building. It’s a chance for our fans to see our guys in action for the first time this season. So we’re hoping that we can fill that Kinplex up and make it an exciting level of hockey that they want to come back to all season long.”

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