Hamblin named Tigers captain

By None on August 31, 2018.

srooney@medicinehatnews.com @MHNRooney

When James Hamblin was told he’d be the captain of the Medicine Hat Tigers, his mind went to where it often does: his mom.

It’s coming up on the one-year anniversary of Gina Hamblin’s death, and James knows she’s proud of how he’s matured in one of the toughest years of his young life.

“I know she’s smiling down on me,” said the 19-year-old Edmonton-born centre Thursday. “I hold her quite close to me, we’re always together.”

Gina ended her battle with cancer Sept. 6, 2017, just as James was set to attend Boston Bruins camp. Hers wasn’t the only tragedy that affected James in the past year, as he knew a pair of players on the Humboldt Broncos team involved in the bus tragedy.

While it’s true that WHL players are asked to do a lot beyond their years, Hamblin’s aware he’s had more on his plate than most. He feels that can help him lead the Tigers both on and off the ice.

“I’ve definitely grown a lot maturity-wise over the last year, it’s been a tough year with losing my mom, losing a couple buddies in that horrible crash,” said Hamblin, who won’t play in tonight’s pre-season game at Lethbridge against the Hurricanes. “It’s definitely a character-builder, something to always remember and always have with you.”

Medicine Hat also named Ryan Jevne, Ryan Chyzowski and Bryan Lockner alternate captains Thursday. Jevne is the lone 20-year-old in the group, which notably does not include potential pro players Mason Shaw, David Quenneville, Dylan MacPherson and Linus Nassen.

Playing with a heavy heart, Hamblin scored 21 goals and added 43 assists for the Tigers last season. He’s played three full seasons in Medicine Hat, but an injury kept him from this past spring’s playoff run.

He’s not as outspoken as prior captain Mark Rassell, who will head to Los Angeles Kings training camp next week, but some Instagram shenanigans showed how leadership doesn’t always have to be serious. In one clip he and other veterans interviewed rookie Cole Sillinger while squirting water at him.

“One thing is just continuing the culture the Tigers do have,” said Hamblin. “It’s a historic, world-class organization, so they have a… good reputation. For us, it’s more keeping that going, making sure we are the hardest-working team in the league.

“There’s a time for everything. There’s times I need to back off and make sure the players are focused, but at the same time it’s good with those younger guys to get them laughing a little bit, get them out of their comfort zone.”

Jevne also grew up in Edmonton and has played alongside Hamblin the past three seasons. He had 20 goals and 27 asissts last season.

Chyzowski and Lockner, both 18-year-olds, round out the picks. Chyzowski had 21 goals and 31 assists last season while Lockner, a deadline trade addition from the Regina Pats, had 39 points between the two teams.

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