Tigers benefiting from big shake-up

By Ryan McCracken on December 10, 2018.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com @MHNMcCracken

The Medicine Hat Tigers are reaping the benefits of a significant shake-up.

After a stagnant offensive performance in last week’s 4-1 loss to the Brandon Wheat Kings, Tigers head coach Shaun Clouston opted to mix up his forward lines. While it resulted in the separation of long-time trio Ryan Jevne, Tyler Preziuso and Ryan Chyzowski, it paved the way to back-to-back victories and revealed some fresh chemistry between new linemates.

“We were a little bit flat in the Brandon game so we just decided to mix things up going into Moose Jaw and it seemed to click,”said Clouston. “We really changed the lines. Chyzowski and Jevne and Preziuso have always played together. We’ve maybe moved one guy at times, but not very often. So we split those guys up. We put (James) Hamblin with Preziuso, they kill well together so we thought maybe there was a bit of chemistry there.”

Jevne spent Saturday’s 4-2 victory over the Regina Pats alongside Logan Christensen and Hayden Ostir — a pair of Manitoba products with some previous familiarity from their formative years. While speed and finesse defined Jevne’s previous line, the overage Edmontonian says his new set of linemates are helping him thrive in new areas of the ice.

“I think with Chyzowski and Preziuso a lot of our offence came on the rush, trying to use our speed. With (Christensen and Ostir) it’s a lot more down low and wearing teams down,”said Jevne. “It’s just automatic chemistry, I guess. It’s one of those things, sometimes change is good for you and it’s worked out so far.”

Christensen added that sentiment works twofold, as Jevne’s speed on the wing has opened up new opportunities for him and Ostir.

“It’s really nice,” said Christensen. With that speed he can fly down the wing and he’s got a good shot.”

One of those opportunities came in Saturday’s win over Regina, when Jevne helped set up Christensen’s first goal in 16 games.

“It felt good. It’s been a while,”he said. “Our line, just being put together a few days ago, it felt good to really click this game and get a couple.”

Up on the top line, captain Hamblin is now joined by Preziuso and rookie Corson Hopwo on the wings.

Preziuso helped set up Hamblin for a shorthanded breakaway goal in Saturday’s win while Hopwo has been making the most of his newfound responsibility.

“Corson has been working really hard, which is awesome to see,”said Hamblin. “He’s been making some really nice plays. Preziuso, his speed is unmatchable. He’s the fastest guy in the league and it’s fun to play with him.”

Rounding out the forward lines, Chyzowski has been building chemistry between Josh Williams and Bryan Lockner, while Baxter Anderson and Jaxon Steele fill in the gaps with a rotating third linemate.

Clouston says the team can always revert back to their original lines if the need arises, but given the way things have been clicking up front over the past two games, expect to see the new look carry into Wednesday’s game against the Kamloops Blazers at the Canalta Centre.

“We can always go back, but it’s nice to see some different line combinations creating some chances,” said Clouston. “I think we’re starting to get a little bit of traction. The guys are playing with a little more bite and emotion and passion, which is really nice to see. These are important games.”

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