Tigers to get first look at draftees during prospects camp

By JAMES TUBB on May 26, 2023.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

The Medicine Hat Tigers’ staff get their first chance to see the recent draft class in orange and black.

The Tigers are hosting the annual prospects orientation camp this weekend for their 2008-born draft class, which comes a little over two weeks after the 2023 Western Hockey League draft on May 11. Head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins says it’s an exciting time for both players and the team as they look to make the next step.

“When draft day comes everybody is excited about what’s there and now we actually get our first look at them,” Desjardins said. “I would be excited if I’m them. It’s the next step down your path of where you want to go to. You’re always looking forward to that challenge, looking forward to the opportunity a little bit and you don’t know what to expect. So it’s it’s an exciting time for them because it’s a next step in their development.”

The Tigers made 10 selections in the 2023 draft headlined by their two first round picks, twin brothers Liam and Markus Ruck selected ninth and 21st from Osoyoos, B.C. Desjardins says not everyone from the draft class will be at the camp this weekend due to prior commitments and the quick turnaround but confirmed the Ruck twins would both be in attendance.

“It’s exciting to see every player, getting to see them and see their excitement with the program,” Desjardins said.

As much as the weekend is about the Tigers seeing their newly drafted players in orange and black practice jerseys, the weekend camp also lets the players see what the organization stands for, has to offer and what the city they could soon be growing up in is all about. Desjardins says they really focus on showcasing the strong culture within the team and the city around it.

“We’re a big culture team and that’s really important to us. I hope when parents and players come in they think, ‘That’s a culture I want to be part of,'” Desjardins said. “And then the City of Medicine Hat, one of the top things we have is a place that’s safe for your son. We want an environment that’s safe and Medicine Hat really is a good city, it’s a safe city. That’s a selling point.”

There’s no set scrimmage for Tigers fans to come watch the prospects in action at the Big Marble Go Centre, but they will be on the ice for periods of time throughout the weekend working on skill development.

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