NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
Medicine Hat Tigers forward Owen MacNeil sets up for a face off in the first period of the 2-1 loss against the Saskatoon Blades on Oct. 28 at Co-op Place.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
Looking back through the first 35 games, Medicine Hat Tigers captain Owen MacNeil says they are a special group with room to improve.
“There’s games we deserved to win that we didn’t and honestly, teams sometimes maybe take us lightly and we’re better than our record shows,” MacNeil said. “So I’m really happy so far, there’s obviously still room for improvement. We need to learn how to win those tight games, that’s where we’ve been struggling. Saying that against really good teams, we seem to outshine them so it’s just about finding our niche in different areas.”
The Tigers have lost 10 games this season by one goal and another four by two goals, and seven of their 13 wins have come with a three-goal or fewer lead. MacNeil says one of their main focuses heading into the second half is winning those close games that slipped by in the first half.
“Those are the ones that kind of bite us right now,” MacNeil said. “In the second half we’re just going to have to learn how to win 2-1 hockey games, not just 7-1 games, that’s where championship teams are built. That’s something we’re kind of leaning towards learning to do and we’re excited for that.”
The 19-year-old, who was named captain in late October in his second season as a Tiger, says it’s been an honour to don the ‘C’ and has enjoyed his relationship with head coach Willie Desjardins and working with the entire coaching staff.
“He has trust in me that I am doing my job and I have trust in him doing his job. We have a pretty good relationship all around and with all of the coaches, it’s an open room,” MacNeil said. “They always have their door open and are willing to discuss things. Just building that relationship can only make us stronger.”
The Calgary product is working his way to topping his offensive production last year (9G, 17A), with four goals and 14 points through 34 games. The team as a whole has improved from what was a tough 2021-22 season. The Tigers surpassed last year’s win total on Dec. 10 and are at 13 heading into the break.
MacNeil says the wins give them confidence and says they show a lot about this year’s group.
“Last year was an exception, we don’t like to talk about it anymore and we’re a much better grip this year – so we’re excited with what we’ve done so far and what we’re what we’re doing in the future,” MacNeil said. “Last year’s record is not something to dwell on and we’ve moved past it. So to be able to match it this early kind of goes to show how much better of a team we are this year.”
MacNeil, like the rest of his teammates, is looking forward to the Holidays and getting to see some of the family he doesn’t get a chance to during the season.
“My aunt and uncle are coming in from out East, so I get to see them and just visit with family I don’t get to see too often,” MacNeil said. “Christmas is kind of the one time where no one’s really doing anything and we can settle down and just relax. I’m looking forward to maybe skating on the lake and having some fun with friends and family.”
Getting out on the lake for a skate is one of his favourite Christmas traditions, especially with his dad Brent.
“On Christmas Eve we all go out and skate on a lake in Calgary and it’s pretty special,” MacNeil said. “I get to show up the old man on the outdoor rink, it’s pretty fun.”
Barlage commits to University of Regina
Medicine Hat Tigers alumni Logan Barlage has joined the University of Regina’s men’s hockey team for the second half of the 2022-23 season.
The Humboldt, Sask. product played 33 games for the Tigers in 2021-22 after being acquired from the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the trade deadline. He had seven goals and 16 points in the orange and black.
