NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
Medicine Hat Tigers forward Noah Davidson celebrates his third period goal in the 3-2 overtime win Nov. 23 at Calgary over the Hitmen.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
Brick by brick is an album from American singer Iggy Pop. It’s also a solid strategy for building confidence, bit by bit.
It’s been a process of stacking success for Medicine Hat Tigers forward Noah Davidson as he’s getting acclimated in his first WHL season.
The 17-year-old Irvine, Calif. product snapped a 10-game goal-less drought with two straight twine ticklers to get on the scoresheet. He scored in the Tigers’ 7-6 shootout win Nov. 22, also scoring in the shootout itself. He then scored in the 3-2 overtime win the next night in Calgary.
“Obviously when you’re not scoring it’s not as fun and when you score you’re thinking better, you’re more relaxed, making better plays and it’s not always hanging over your head that you haven’t scored,” Davidson said.
Davidson added an assist in the Tigers’ 9-3 blowout win Friday at Saskatoon over the Blades, giving him seven goals and 12 points through 26 games entering play Saturday.
His shootout move in the win Saturday would bring a smile to skating coaches around the game, staying on his edges with an open hip to the net minder before firing a shot on net. It’s a move he’s had in the repertoire for a couple of seasons, using it to throw off goaltenders.
“I think the goalie is saying, ‘what’s this guy doing,'” Davidson said. “And then kind of just beat him along the ice, I’ve been doing it for a couple years here and there, not every move, but here and there I’ll do it and it worked.”
In that game, the Tigers won the shootout on a goal from Liam Ruck and a save from Carter Casey for their first shootout win on the year. It’s a part of the modern game they work on in practice, players and goalies duking it out one-on-one with a flurry of different moves.
Davidson says in-game shootouts can be difficult with pressure increasing as rounds continue on, as that win did, ending in the seventh round.
“Some people grip their sticks a little too hard or try a little too hard, it’s tough to win the shootout,” Davidson said. “But you have to remember, they’re going through the same thing, too.”
Davidson has been playing in between the Rucks as of late, the same line he started the year on before jumping around different pairings. He says getting into the middle of the ice has helped him and his game.
“I feel like we’re spending more time in the O-zone, which is nice,” Davidson said. “Playing centre has more defensive responsibility, but I’m all up for it and it’s working for me and the Rucks right now with me down the middle. So we’re sticking with it for now.”
He says he’s settled into Medicine Hat and being a Tiger, with a lot of help from those around him.
“All the coaches are unbelievable, the players are all great, I have a great billet home, so obviously I’m settling pretty well,” Davidson said.
He’s found a love for Pita Pit, replacing Firehouse Subs as his go to after too many trips to the firefighter-themed sub shop. It’s a reflection of the comfort the 2027 NHL Draft eligible forward has found in Medicine Hat.
He was one of almost a dozen Tigers to make the trip to Lethbridge on Wednesday to watch Liam Ruck play in the second game of the CHL USA Prospects Challenge.
“It was awesome, was great to see him out there, he works really hard,” Davidson said. “For him to get that opportunity to play in that game in front of those people is really cool and we’re just super excited to support him.”
Davidson is eligible to play in the game next year, to be held in two QMJHL markets. It’s an opportunity he’s looking forward to.
“I’d be alright with that,” Davidson said.
