Tigers get down to three overagers with Ostir’s decision

By Medicine Hat News on September 24, 2019.

NEWS FILE PHOTO
Medicine Hat Tigers forward Hayden Ostir breaks in on net agains the Regina Pats in this March 2018 file photo. The 20-year-old has decided to leave the Tigers and pursue his education, according to assistant coach Joe Frazer. The move leaves the Tigers with three overagers — James Hamblin, Tyler Preziuso and Parker Gavlas.

Any potential for drama surrounding the Medicine Hat Tigers’ overage situation dissolved Monday when Hayden Ostir was taken off the roster.

The 20-year-old from Winnipeg has chosen to leave the team and pursue his education according to assistant coach Joe Frazer.

When Medicine Hat traded for 20-year-old defenceman Parker Gavlas last week, Ostir figured to be on the outside looking in. The 6-foot, 195-pound right-winger had 22 points in 49 games last season, following up his 20 points in 31 games after being traded from Spokane mid-way through the 2017-18 season.

With captain James Hamblin, fellow forward Tyler Preziuso and Gavlas taking up the team’s maximum allotment of three overage spots, the Tigers had to make a decision before the league cut-down date of Oct. 10. Ostir had only played in two of Medicine Hat’s four pre-season games and didn’t dress for either regular season game this past weekend.

The team’s next game is Friday in Swift Current. The teams rematch at Canalta Centre Saturday night.