Cubs return to Kinplex for home-opening weekend

By JAMES TUBB on September 26, 2025.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

After opening the HJHL season with a split on the road, the Medicine Hat Cubs are back at the Kinplex for some home cooking.

The Cubs host the Cochrane Generals tonight for the first of a two-game home set at the Kinplex after a 1-1 record on the road last weekend.

Tonight’s game is at 7:30 and the Cubs host the Airdrie Thunder on Sunday for a 3 p.m. contest.

Head coach Trent Derzaph says there is a lot of excitment to get back in their home rink and in front of the Cubs’ faithful.

“We’ve got Cochrane coming in, they’re looking strong from their start of their season but we’re just absolutely pumped,” Derzaph sad. “We had a pretty good turnout for our exhibition game and I’m pumped to see all the fans come out for a second game. I know what energy is about, from last year with a hard working team there too.

“We’ve got a skilled team coming in on Friday night and a hard working team coming in Sunday, so just gotta enjoy the first two games at home and get a weekend at home where the guys can relax a little bit and play our style of game.”

The Cubs opened the season with an 8-3 win Sept. 19 over the High River Flyers, losing to the Coaldale Copperheads 1-0 on Sept. 21. Derzaph liked what he saw from the opening weekend on the road.

“To split the first two games isn’t a bad thing, Coaldale is going to be a tough team and they always are being our rival,” Derzaph said. “So we’d like to see a little bit better of a result, but we crawled back into that game. The first game the top line pumped in 13 points, so that’s huge. We just have to play 60 minutes every game and we’ll be fine.”

Forward Kyle Woolridge leads the Cubs with three goals and six points through two games in his fourth season with the HJHL club. Nolan Sutherland and Mason Osisnki each have four points, with Sutherland tallying three goals and an assist and Osinski scoring the inverse totals.

Beyond the top line, Derzaph has liked the early look at his youngest skater, 2008-born defenceman Lucas Dulle of Dunmore.

“Coming in as a still midget-aged player and he’s surprised the heck out of us,” Derzaph said. “He’s been playing steady with us in our lineup right through exhibition and started the season and will be this weekend again.”

It’s Derzaph’s first season behind the Cubs’ bench and he’s enjoyed the first month, getting to know the group and the HJHL. Working alongside longtime assistant coach Johnny Stehr, he says their goal is a simple one for the year ahead.

“We’re absolutely pumped to get this things going and with the talent we have brought in, we’re looking forward to making a heck of a run for the championship,” Derzaph said.

The Cubs are offering five-game packs of tickets for $50 and have season tickets available at $145 for all 18 home games. Games are also available to be streamed on FloHockeyTV.

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