Gerlach back on track

By Ryan McCracken on November 28, 2017.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com @MHNMcCracken

Max Gerlach has regained his scoring touch.

The 19-year-old Texan missed six games in October after taking a slash to the face from Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Brayden Pachal. While he has been forced to wear a cage in the 12 games since his return and went the first five without a goal, something seemed to click earlier this month — resulting in five goals and six assists over his last seven games.

“There was actually a practice here where he was putting the puck in the net consistently. I thought it was a real good sign,” said head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston. “He didn’t score the next game but he scored after that. This is his third year now and he’s kind of been a perennial 30-plus goal-scorer and he’s on pace to do that again. He’s able to create opportunities and he’s one of the guys that, given an opportunity, seems to be able to find the net.”

Gerlach will go back to the dentist today and if everything checks out he could transition back to a visor for Wednesday’s home game against the red-hot Portland Winterhawks (19-4-0-0).

“It’s the left front tooth that’s pretty wobbly, so if he sees that it’s sturdy enough to take off the cage then I’ll be wearing a visor at practice and for the game Wednesday,” said Gerlach, whose Tigers sit 15-9-0-0 with a seven-point lead for the top of the Western Hockey League’s Central Division. “That would be nice, but I’ve worn the cage long enough and if he thinks I need it a little bit longer then I’ll definitely do that.”

Gerlach spent the majority of last year on a line with Mark Rassell and James Hamblin, but has been bounced around the depth chart since the start of this season. Clouston says Gerlach requested to be moved from the wing to centre — a move that worked in the past with former Tigers forward Chad Butcher — and he’s been thriving under his new role despite playing with a variety of linemates.

“It was probably the third time (Butcher) asked that we said ‘Let’s take a look at it,’ and it turned out great,” said Clouston. “So we thought let’s give it a try, and he looks good there.”

While Gerlach recorded back-to-back 30-goal seasons on the wing, he says he spent his younger years taking draws and feels confident centering a line for Medicine Hat.

“That’s what I played growing up,” he said. “I’m really comfortable there, taking draws and being in the centre of the ice touching the puck a little bit more.”

Gerlach added he seems to be building some chemistry alongside Gary Haden and Jaeger White. The pair set Gerlach up for goals in each of the Hat’s victories over the Cougars last week in Prince George while combining for a total of 14 points in the span.

“Gary and Jaeger are two very skilled players who have kind of been waiting for someone to help them jumpstart their careers. I think we really get along well and all three of us think the game similarly,” said Gerlach, adding they’ve been dishing the puck to him quite a bit in the offensive zone. “In the past four games on the road trip I probably had 40 shots in four games which is quite a bit. They like dishing the puck, but they’re also two very skilled guys and they can put the puck in the net themselves.”

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