Medicine Hat Tigers eighth overall draft pick Tomas Mrsic signs his WHL standard agreement alongside Tigers head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins Monday afternoon. The Surrey, B.C. product was drafted by the club last Thursday and is expected to dress in his first WHL games this weekend. -- NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
It’s been a whirlwind five days for new Medicine Hat Tiger Tomas Mrsic.
The Surrey, B.C. product was drafted eighth overall by the Tigers last Thursday in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft and signed his WHL player agreement with the club Monday afternoon.
Mrsic said after signing his deal that it’s a dream come true for him.
“Very excited, I wanted to be here from day one and just love the coaching staff and the NHL-experienced coach – that just made me want to come here even more,” Mrsic said. “I’ve obviously always wanted to play in the WHL, watching the (Vancouver) Giants, so it’s a dream come true.”
The 15-year-old is currently playing for Delta Hockey Academy’s Prep team, where he has put up 27 goals and 58 points in only 16 games this season. Mrsic will practice with the Tigers this week and is expected to dress for their home-and-home series against the Lethbridge Hurricanes this Friday and Saturday.
Tigers head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins says they’re really excited for a high-end player like Mrsic to be joining their program, and he sees him as a player they can build around.
“For Tomas, it’s not just his skill, it’s his leadership and character that are really great too,” Desjardins said. “I’ve heard so many great things about him as a person, his leadership and whenever you hear that you know that comes out of the family. It kind of reflects not only on him but his family. They’ve done a great job. Just with his skills, he’s an all-around player that’s going to fit into our program.”
Mrsic is one of multiple first-rounders in last Thursday’s draft that have signed with their club, including Spokane’s Berkly Catton, who was selected first overall and simultaneously signed with the Chiefs to play that night.
Desjardins says spending the week with the Tigers will give the team a chance to see Mrsic with the club, and for Mrsic to see what the team can do for him.
“It’s a chance too for him to see us and get to know us and the biggest thing for us is what’s going to make him the most ready for next year,” Desjardins said. “What can he do so he will be as ready as he can for next year? Seeing some games, understanding the game lets him know what he has to work at over the summer. It’ll be a good fit for us.”
After signing his deal, Mrsic is eligible to play as an affiliate player, playing a maximum of five games, until Delta’s season has commenced. He will be able to join the club as a full-time player starting the 2022-23 season.
Mrsic donned a Tigers jersey with No. 26 on the back when he signed his deal Monday. He currently wears 19 with Delta and says he likes 26, but doesn’t think it’s going to be his permanent number. When asked to describe his game, he said he is skilled down the middle and brings a good hockey IQ among other strengths.
“I play both ends of the ice. I’m a playmaker and I can score too,” Mrsic said. “I set up guys and then if they give me the puck I can finish too.”
Mrsic is one of seven picks the Tigers made on draft day, but he’ll be the only one the Tigers sign for now, says Desjardins.
“You don’t sign everybody right away, it takes a little while to see where everyone is going to fit into the program,” Desjardins said. “We know Tomas will be able to fit in right away and play so, we’re excited for that.”
