Fischer could return to Tigers this weekend

By Ryan McCracken on September 28, 2017.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com @MHNMcCracken

Reinforcements are on the way.

Medicine Hat Tigers head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston says goal-scoring enforcer Zach Fischer could be ready to return from a concussion this weekend, while defenceman Kristians Rubins and goaltender Jordan Hollett are just a few days behind.

“I think we’re getting real close,” said Clouston. “(Fischer) has been symptom-free for a little bit, so as long as (Wednesday and Thursday) are the same he should be good to go.”

Fischer sustained the concussion during a training camp game with the Calgary Flames. The 20-year-old Lloydminster product was selected 140th overall in June’s NHL entry draft after posting 34 goals, 29 assists and 145 penalty minutes with the Tigers last season.

Fischer’s return would bring Medicine Hat’s active overage count to three — alongside winger Mark Rassell and goaltender Michael Bullion — with fellow 20-year-old Kristians Rubins nearing a return from shoulder surgery. Clouston added both Rubins and Hollett — who is recovering from mono —have said they feel ready to play, but the team will be taking a cautious approach.

“It’s a real positive sign when a player feels he’s ready and I know he’s there. (Rubins) could play this weekend, if he doesn’t it’s a precautionary thing,” said Clouston. “We’re probably a week away (on Hollett) but it’s a real positive that he’s here and he’s healthy and in practices. I would say it’s doubtful for this weekend but very probable for the following weekend.”

While Rubins provides a reliable defensive presence on the back end, his return will complicate things on Medicine Hat’s roster. On top of pushing the team’s overage count past the limit, returning the Latvian defenceman to the lineup will mean either German forward Mick Kohler or Swedish defenceman Linus Nassen must be rotated out.

“There are lots of moving pieces. The final decisions don’t have to be made until Oct. 10 so we’ve got a little time there,” said Clouston. “It’s a major injury so we’re probably not quite there yet as an organization. If we wait one more week we’re at five months which is where you want to be.”

10
-9