Soakin’ in the Tubb: Forecheck, back-check, paycheque is the name of the game

By JAMES TUBB on October 26, 2024.

The benefit of hard work has been on display in Medicine Hat this season.

Friday’s news of forward Hunter St. Martin signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers exemplifies what hockey coaches around the world are looking for from teams and players.

Put in the time and the effort, on and off the ice, and good things will come.

St. Martin didn’t make the Tigers as a 16-year-old, playing 15 games in the 2021-22 season but spending the majority of that season with OHA Edmonton at the CSSHL U18 level. He debuted full time the next season and worked his way into a relied-upon penalty killer and someone the coaching staff trusted.

He only further showcased that the next season, 2023-24, breaking out with 24 goals and 52 points while playing all 68 games, while also serving on the team’s top penalty kill and second power play. Efforts that earned him an NHL Draft pick, going in the sixth round, 193rd overall to the Florida Panthers.

The hard work hasn’t stopped for the Edmonton product, who won’t be satisfied until he has a championship ring on his finger and he’s blazing down the ice at the pro ranks. Even then, the goal posts will move and he’ll be looking to achieve the next level.

The same can be said for the other Tiger to sign an entry-level deal this season. Andrew Basha also did not play full time as a 16-year-old in the WHL, but worked his way with the South Alberta Hockey Academy into a mid-season call up and forced the Tigers’ coaches to keep him on the roster.

Work on and off the ice saw his stock rise, and he was an early second-round pick of the Calgary Flames, signing with his hometown team on Sept. 29.

Work ethic can be taught, it can be improved upon as desires brighten and the epitome of success comes into vision. But more often than not, a strong work ethic is born into a player, further fuelled through failure and the need to be better and, ultimately, the best they can be.

It’s no surprise seeing both St. Martin and Basha receive the early nod of approval from NHL clubs in the form of a contract. Both have put in the work and will look to put in more as they chase the ultimate goal this season.

Unfortunately, both signing could point toward this being the last season either dons the orange and black, with pro hockey ringing the doorbell for both 19-year-olds. They could still be in Medicine Hat next season – maybe a locally hosted Memorial Cup could go a long way to seeing that dream come true.

Tub(b) thoughts

The Canadian Hockey League announced Friday that Carlsberg Lite is the official beer of fans across the league and its member leagues, the WHL, OHL and QMJHL. As part of a three-year partnership, the Danish lager will serve as a sponsor for the CHL/USA prospect challenge and the 2025 Memorial Cup. Pour one out for Old Vienna, they had this scribe’s vote.
Tigers prospect Cash Christie is making pay dirt at the WHL cup. The goaltender worked a 41-save shutout in a 2-0 win over Team Alberta on Friday. He made 23 saves in a 4-3 win over Manitoba on Tuesday. B.C. is 3-0 entering the semifinals, the WHL cup can be steamed on CHL Live.
The chatter around the CHL/NCAA coming to agreement continues to get louder and louder. Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News reported Friday he’s heard the NHLPA has drafted an amendment to the CBA that can be implemented alongside the NHL once the NCAA officially makes CHL players eligible.
To bring the CHL/NCCA talk locally, Salt Lake City, Utah product Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll has found early success with the Tigers. It will be worth watching how the notoriety of his success, as well as a roster headlined by Gavin McKenna, can play into the Tigers potentially signing players who previously had eyes on the NCAA route.

James Tubb is sports reporter with the Medicine Hat News. He can be reached at jtubb@medicinehatnews.com