American Tigers love rare chance to hear own anthem

By Ryan McCracken on November 29, 2017.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com @MHNMcCracken

It only happens five times every two years, so when the four Americans on the Medicine Hat Tigers remove their helmets for the national anthems before tonight’s tilt against the Portland Winterhawks at the Canalta Centre, they’ll likely be singing along.

Tigers goaltender Michael Bullion says he truly relishes the chance to hear his home anthem played in his home building, especially after spending the first two-and-a-half seasons in Portland.

“It’s kind of a big deal,” said Bullion, a product of Anchorage, Alaska. “I’ve always been a very patriotic American and I love hearing the anthem. I was always singing it growing up. For me it’s always been very nice to hear it, and it’s definitely weird only hearing the Canadian anthem every game.”

Bullion was at the top of his game in both of his starts against American teams this season, collecting a 30-save victory over the Everett Silvertips on Oct. 11 and stopping 15-of-16 before leaving the game due to a collision in an eventual 4-3 overtime win against the Seattle Thunderbirds on Nov. 4.

Bullion’s fellow American Max Gerlach agrees, there’s something about hearing the Star-Spangled Banner at the Canalta Centre. In fact, the 19-year-old Texan insists he, Bullion and defencemen Dalton Gally and Joel Craven aren’t alone in their love of America’s anthem.

“I love hearing the American national anthem,” said Gerlach, who had to travel all the way into the Western Hockey League’s U.S. Division to hear the anthem last season. “I’ve talked to quite a few people who aren’t from Canada or the U.S., like our Euros, and they always say they love listening to the U.S. anthem the most. Obviously it’s exciting to hear that.”

Tonight’s matchup will also feature an appearance from a Tigers legend before things get underway. Former Tabby netminder and Hockey Night in Canada analyst Kelly Hrudey will be on hand for the ceremonial puck drop at 7 p.m. It’s sure to be a memorable moment for Tigers captain Mark Rassell, who shares a connection to the 15-year NHL veteran.

“My billet mother, her family, when they first moved to Medicine Hat they billeted Kelly Hrudey when he was a Tiger,” said Rassell. “They talk all the time. I haven’t had the opportunity to meet him yet so she’s excited about getting to see him again and for me getting to do the ceremonial face-off.”

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