Tigers put on pause due to COVID-19

By JAMES TUBB on January 8, 2022.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

The Medicine Hat Tigers were put on the shelf by the Western Hockey League Friday.

The WHL announced that 15 WHL clubs, including the Tigers, have had their team activities paused as a result of multiple players and staff being added to the WHL COVID-19 Protocol List due to exhibiting symptoms or having tested positive for COVID-19.

Two Tigers games this weekend, Saturday against the Moose Jaw Warriors and Sunday against the Edmonton Oil Kings, were already postponed due to COVID pauses on the opposing teams.

Being put on pause means the Tigers are unable to take part in any on-ice practices or off-ice training. The WHL also announced they would be postponing eight regular season games.

The total number of games postponed in the WHL this week is 26.

Medicine Hat’s next game is at home Jan. 12 against the Brandon Wheat Kings, as it was not among the eight games postponed.

Medicine Hat released the following statement after being put on pause.

“The Medicine Hat Tigers are following the protocols laid out by the Western Hockey League and the WHL Chief Medical Officer of Health and Alberta Health Services. Everyone that has tested positive or displaying any symptoms have been isolated in their respective homes and are following quarantine requirements issued by AHS and the Government of Alberta. While this is a challenging time for everyone, we look forward to getting back on the ice and in front of our fans when it is safe to do so.”

The Tigers last played on Jan. 2, a 4-2 road loss to the Calgary Hitmen.

WHL commissioner Ron Robison said in Friday’s press release that the league and its teams are committed to playing through a full 68-game regular season schedule and playoffs.

“As we work through the challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our priority continues to be to deliver a world-class development experience for WHL players, staff and officials, and to do so in a safe and healthy manner,” said Robison. “On behalf of the entire WHL, I wish to thank WHL fans and WHL corporate partners everywhere for their patience as we work to reschedule games in the coming weeks.”

The Lethbridge Hurricanes and Swift Current Broncos, who were the first two teams in 2022 to be put on pause by the WHL, were cleared to resume all team activities Friday. The WHL said they anticipate, “numerous other WHL clubs currently on pause will be cleared to resume team activities in the coming days.”

The other 14 teams on pause alongside the Tigers are the: Calgary Hitmen, Red Deer Rebels, Edmonton Oil Kings, Regina Pats, Everett Silvertips, Saskatoon Blades, Kamloops Blazers, Spokane Chiefs, Tri-City Americans, Moose Jaw Warriors, Victoria Royals Prince Albert Raiders, Winnipeg ICE and Prince George Cougars.

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