Tigers close out pre-season with loss to Hitmen in Taber

By Medicine Hat News on September 16, 2019.

The Medicine Hat Tigers closed the book on their pre-season schedule with a 2-1 loss to the Calgary Hitmen on Saturday night at the Taber Community Centre.

Josh Prokop gave Calgary a 1-0 lead then Jackson van de Leest added some crucial insurance early in the third to finish the night with a pair of points.

Tigers centre Elijah Brown cut into the deficit with just over five minutes left in regulation – beating Taber product Brayden Peters on a set-up from Jonathan Brinkman and Bryan Lockner – but it was all the offence Medicine Hat would muster on the evening.

Peters stopped 10 shots in the third, while starter Carl Stankowski held the Tigers without a goal on 22 saves through 40 minutes.

Hat starter Garin Bjorklud settled for the setback after allowing two goals on 36 shots.

The loss leaves Medicine Hat with a 2-2-0-0 record at the end of the pre-season. They’ll start the regular season Friday in Lethbridge against the Hurricanes before returning to the Canalta Centre Saturday to host the ‘Canes in their home opener.