Soakin’ in the Tubb: WHL shines in first week, much more excitement to come

By JAMES TUBB on September 27, 2024.

The Western Hockey League kicked off its 55th season in style.

Moose Jaw defenceman Connor Schmidt (2007) scored the first goal of the 2024-25 season, opening up the championship defence for the Warriors. In the same game, Brandon Wheat Kings forward Roger McQueen (2006) scored four times to accentuate being ranked sixth on Bob McKenzie’s 2025 NHL Draft preseason rankings.

Exceptional status defenceman Landon DuPont (2009) made his WHL debut Saturday with the Everett Silvertips, putting up an assist in the ‘Tips 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Giants.

After the weekend came to a close and the opening weekend magic turned into the start of the second week, teams started the roster narrowing required each season.

The Edmonton Oil Kings waived 20-year-old defenceman Matthew Gallant and overager and longtime goaltender Kolby Hay. The waiving of Hay was met with some surprise around the league. He backed up Sebastian Cossa in the Oil Kings’ 2021-22 championship season and has been the backbone of the franchise as they’ve re-tooled in the seasons since.

The Tri-City Americans also waived 20-year-old net minder Kyle Kelsey, less than a year after sending a ’24 fourth rounder and 2025 second-round pick to the Red Deer Rebels.

Don’t be surprised if Hay or Kelsey find themselves on new teams in the WHL or around the CHL. Both have held their own as starters and could help any team looking to make a push.

In Medicine Hat, goaltending remains a spot of wonder for the Tigers with its well-talked-about trio manning the crease for a second season. Ethan McCallum got first shot at the job, and after a preseason shutout the 18-year-old stopped 23 shots in a 4-2 win over Edmonton on Sept. 21.

Head coach Willie Desjardins liked his performance and is giving the Brandon, Man. product a second opportunity at the starter job as he’s expected to start tonight at Red Deer.

That leaves Saturday’s crease to one of 19-year-old Zach Zahara or 17-year-old Jordan Switzer. Desjardins isn’t a GM to make a sudden move, he prides himself on having a slow approach when it comes to judging roles and whether a player has what he needs – or doesn’t – to fill the role.

It’s worked for the franchise’s winningest head coach in the past and he’ll utilize it again when it comes to deciding who will backstop the early frontrunner for the Ed Chynoweth Cup.

All three will get their chance and all it will take is one of them to run with the job for the decision to become easier.

Tub(b) Thoughts

– The opening night win provided excitement for the young Tigers lineup and gave them a lot to celebrate on a night of firsts. There was one common celebration beyond the victory, as all players were happy to see defenceman Matt Paranych get his first WHL goal. The 17-year-old put in the work last season, hitting a lot of posts in his first season. Getting the first one out of the way put a lot of smiles on Tiger faces, none larger than his.

– Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll had a lot of hype and excitement around him leading up to the Tigers signing him in April. He lived up to it in his debut, with a goal and an assist as well as winning nine of 13 face-offs. His play, as well as Liam and Markus Ruck’s performances, will make tough choices for the Tigers’ staff when the roster fully comes together.

– After serving a one-game suspension carried over from his time with the Wenatchee Wild, Jonas Woo is set to make his Tigers debut. The 18-year-old shined in the preseason and will make splashes on the blue line. Fans will quickly come to love his skating and offensive prowess, and he should draw attention from NHL scouts who passed on him in the 2024 Draft.

– A total of 4,822 fans in attendance for opening night at Co-op Place. That number tops all but one game in Medicine Hat last season; Game 5 of their first-round series against Red Deer that drew 5,263. It was a welcomed sight in the locker room and one that, with the excitement around this team, should continue.

James Tubb is sports reporter with the Medicine Hat News. He can be reached at jtubb@medicinehatnews.com