Tigers head into two-game week ready to Ruck things up

By James Tubb on November 22, 2023.

NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB Medicine Hat Tigers prospects Liam and Markus Ruck listen during a post practice talk from head coach Willie Desjardins at the Kinplex on Tuesday.

Medicine Hat Tigers fans can expect to see two new but very similar faces in the lineup this week.

The Tigers’ two first-round picks in the 2022 WHL draft, Liam and Markus Ruck, joined the team Monday and skated with the club Tuesday for the first time since training camp and the preseason.

The twin duo has been playing for the Okanagan Hockey Academy’s U18 team in the CSSHL, also suiting up for Team B.C. at the WHL cup.

Head coach Willie Desjardins says they always try to get their prospects involved as much as they can.

“You’re always looking at your future and they are certainly a big part of our future,” Desjardins said. “They played well in the WHL cup, they were all-stars, which is huge. They just play well, they have some growing to do but when you look at them they’re going to be a big part of our future. We’re going to see them this week here, we hope to get one in each game anyway, so we’ll see what happens.”

Liam is expected to be in the lineup tonight when they host the Regina Pats. The 15-year-old ninth-overall pick was happy to be back in the orange and black and is excited for his WHL debut.

“It’s really cool to get out there with the guys again,” Ruck said. “They were really high paced today, I think we’re ready to go tomorrow.”

In eight games with

Okanagan this season, Liam has 15 goals and 27 points. He also potted seven goals and 11 points in five games for B.C. at the WHL Cup. From his last time in Medicine Hat in early September until now, he says there’s been an increase in his own belief and getting into two preseason games makes him feel more comfortable for his debut.

“A little more confident for sure, just getting back out with the team back in Penticton, gain a little confidence and then come here and the guys are a little faster, so it should be fun,” Ruck said.

Markus, the 21st pick in the same draft, could get into his first WHL game Saturday when the Tigers host the Brandon Wheat Kings. He has seven goals and 25 points in eight games with Okanagan this season and added two goals and 10 points at the WHL Cup.

Heading into Wednesday’s game and Liam’s debut, the Tigers are coming off a 3-2 win last Saturday on the road against the Wheat Kings.

Medicine Hat scored twice in the first period and held onto the lead for their 14th win of the season. Desjardins called it a good win for his club.

“It’s a long trip, we’re lucky we went in a day early, they have a good team who plays well at home with lots of highend forwards,” Desjardins said. “We had a great second period, probably got us the game, but overall our D played well, McCallum was good in net and that’s probably why we won.”

Ethan McCallum made 26 saves in his hometown against the Wheat Kings, giving him his second career WHL win in his third start. Holding onto a lead is something relatively new to the Tigers, who have blown leads three times this year while also making a habit of comeback efforts, completing three comeback wins.

Desjardins says holding leads is something they’ll have to continue to learn if they want to win but was encouraged by their efforts Saturday.

“We haven’t had many chances really, we’ve got up a couple times early and let it get away but you have to learn that. You’re going to have lots of close games if you’re going to be a good team and playing good teams, they are all going to be close,” Desjardins said. “So we have to learn and we can get better at it. But you know, we were better, we stayed out of the penalty box, it was a big key. Other games we’ve taken penalties, it’s given teams momentum, so I think we’re getting better.”

The Tigers also made a change at defence, reassigning 18-year-old Blake EkrenBratton to the Melville Millionares of the SJHL. He had played three games this season for the Tigers.

“It’s hard, he wasn’t getting any games and when you’re a young guy, you have to have some games,” Desjardins said. “We think it’s better for his development to go back, play some games and then we’ll see where it goes.”

Skate with the Tigers

Fans can once again lace ’em up with their favourite Tabbies next week.

The Tigers are hosting their annual Skate with the Tigers on Nov. 27 from 6-8 p.m. at Co-op Place. The News erroneously reported the skate was scheduled for Nov. 20.

The event is free of charge but donations to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat and District are appreciated.

Those interested are asked to bring their skates, helmets and any items they would like signed. Hockey sticks are not allowed on the ice during the event.

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