Cubs open provincials with a 4-2 win over host Lloydminster

By James Tubb on April 1, 2026.

Medicine Hat News

The Medicine Hat Cubs kicked off their provincials run on a high note.

The 2026 Heritage Junior Hockey League Champions beat the host Lloydminster Banditss 4-2 tonight, leading the way with the first regulation win of the Jr. B Provincials. The La Crete Lumber Barons beat the Sherwood Park Knights 6-5 in overtime and the Vermilion Tigers beat CNHA Black 5-4 in an extra frame.

The Cubs opened the scoring with the lone goal of the first period. Nolan Sutherland scored four second past the halfway mark, Carter Allan and Slade McFadzen recording the assists.

The Bandits responded early in the second period, Aidan Martens scoring 31 seconds into the frame to make it a 1-1 game.

Medicine Hat answered back with a pair to lead 3-1 through 40 minutes.

On a penalty kill, Jesse Klimosko scored on a shorthanded breakaway to put the Cubs back ahead. With 4:40 left in the period, Sutherland scored his second of the night, putting Medicine Hat by a pair. Jacob Hazzard and Blake Girard had the assists.

The Cubs scored early in the third period for a three-goal lead. Parker Kienzle found the back of the net, Randen Collier picking up the assist. Lloydminster drew within a pair late in the frame, Cole Kelly scoring with 1:55 left in the game but the Cubs held on for the provincials opening, 4-2 win.

Marlo DeRosa made 25 saves in the Cubs net for the win. Across the ice, Shae Stewart made 21 saves, Lloydminster outshot the Cubs 27-25. Both teams finished 0-3 on the power play.

The Cubs (1-0) are back in action quick, facing the CNHA Black on Thursday at noon. All games can be watched on FloHockey.tv.

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