NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman Blake Ekren-Bratton skates out of the zamboni tunnel ahead of the Tigers' 5-3 home opener win Sept. 23 at Co-op Place over the Calgary Hitmen. Ekren-Bratton made his WHL debut Wednesday at Regina in the Tigers' 4-2 loss against the Pats.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
Blake Ekren-Bratton had a WHL debut to remember.
The Medicine Hat Tigers’ defenceman suited up for his first WHL game Wednesday in a 4-2 loss at Regina against the Pats. It was the fulfilment of a longtime wish for the defenceman from Porcupine Plain, Sask.
“It was really special, it’s always been my dream since I was a young kid, I always wanted to play in this league and it’s a great organization to be part of, too,” Ekren-Bratton said. “The game didn’t go how we wanted to, but still had lots of fun out there.”
Ekren-Bratton had a change of pace in his debut. With the Tigers having a veteran-filled and healthy defence corps, the 18-year-old played as a forward. It took a little getting used to, on top of nerves, but he says it quickly became another game.
“It’s not natural, but I feel like I brought a little bit of energy to the team,” Ekren-Bratton said. “I feel I’m faster out there and I felt pretty good out there.
“The first shift was pretty weird, had three whistles in a row but I think I settled in nicely and just played my game.”
On top of making his debut at a different position, Ekren-Bratton also had to navigate the challenge of the Tigers’ bus breaking down near Moose Jaw, ultimately delaying their arrival until an hour before puck drop. He says it didn’t affect him too much and just added to the day.
“I don’t think it did a whole bunch, I didn’t get to do some of my off-ice rituals, but it’s a funny story,” Ekren-Bratton said.
Associate coach Joe Frazer liked the young D-man’s debut and how he embraced the forward role.
“Blake worked hard, created some energy on the forecheck, couple of big hits, kept it simple, I thought he played well,” Frazer said.
He broke camp with the Tigers last season but ultimately never got into a game before being sent down to play with the SJHL’s La Ronge Ice Wolves and then the PJHL’s Saskatoon Quakers.
Now, back in the WHL and playing where he’s always wanted to, Ekren-Bratton says he’s grown over the past 12 months.
“My speed, my agility and just my overall hockey IQ has gotten better from a year ago. That’s probably why I’m here, and because of my work ethic, it all definitely got a lot better from last year,” Ekren-Bratton said.
