Tigers outchance Warriors for 5-1 win Friday

By James Tubb on December 13, 2024.

The Medicine Hat Tigers took care of business Friday night in the Friendly City.

The Tigers outshot the Moose Jaw Warriors 48-26, working themselves to a 5-1 win over the defending WHL champions. Friday’s contest was the final meeting between the two clubs for the 2024-25 season, with Medicine Hat winning the season series 3-1.

They had early pressure in the opening frame, blasting 22 shots in the first period. After an onslaught of chances on a power play, Hunter St. Martin capitalized in the slot with a one-timer off a blast from Andrew Basha in the corner. Ryder Ritchie had the second assist on St. Martin’s 21st.

Medicine Hat led 2-0 after 20 minutes with a cannon of a shot from Bryce Pickford. The defenceman extended his goal-scoring lead among WHL defenceman to 13 with the goal, Basha and Veeti Väisänen had the assists. Pickford also extended his point streak to nine games.

The Tigers added a pair of goals in the second period, scoring in a span of 58 seconds.

Jonas Woo held the puck in as Moose Jaw tried to exit their zone. He flung the puck on net and found the back of the net for his fourth on the year. Basha scored 58 seconds later, Basha scored on a snapshot in the slot. Oasiz Wiesblatt and Ritchie had the assists on Basha’s ninth. That assist gives Wiesblatt points in eight straight games.

Moose Jaw scored on a five-on-three power play, with Aiden Ziprick finding the back of the net at 15:51. Rilen Kovacevic and Lynden Lakovic had the assists on his sixth.

The Tigers led Moose Jaw 35-19 in shots after 40 minutes.

They rounded out the scoring in the third, with Ritchie coming down the wing and scoring top shelf for his seventh of the season. Wiesblatt had the lone assist.

Jordan Switzer made 25 saves in his ninth straight start, notching his 10th win of the season. Medicine Hat outshot the Warriors 48-26, also winning 36 face-offs to Moose Jaw’s 25. Both teams were 1-4 on the power play. The Warriors took all four of their penalties in the first period and Medicine Hat took all four of their penalties in the middle frame.

The Tigers (18-13-1) host the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Saturday at Co-op Place in the second of three games this weekend and their last home game in the first half of the season.

They’ll head to Lethbridge on Sunday for a 6 p.m. contest at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena for the final game before the Holiday break.