Tigers to don fan-designed jerseys on Friday, auction proceeds going to PC Children’s Charity

By JAMES TUBB on February 6, 2025.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

Matthew Schafer wanted to keep his jersey design simple and clean, allowing the Medicine Hat Tigers logo to do all the work.

The 12-year-old from Medicine Hat submitted his proposal for the CHL’s jersey design contest, drawing up what he thought the Tigers, his favourite team, would look good in.

A couple of months of waiting, a few emails, and Schafer’s design is printed and will hit the ice Friday when the Tigers host the Swift Current Broncos at Co-op Place. He’s looking forward to seeing what they look like at the rink.

“It’s going to make me feel proud,” Schafer said about seeing the jerseys.

He says the design was inspired by a retro style jerseys the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning wore, replicating a jersey wore in the late 90s. That led him to drawing the lines coming out of the logo and across the body, drawing more attention to the Tiger on the chest.

“Make it more colourful and go out more,” Schafer said.

It’s the first time he’s submitted a drawing to the contest that originated during the 2020-21 season with 31 participating CHL markets. Across the three years, the Real Canadian Superstore and Real Atlantic Superstore have raised over $600,000 for President’s Choice Children’s Charity. The charity, “aims to remove hunger as a barrier to a happy life and educate children about food and nutrition.”

Schafer’s design caught the eye of Tigers’ captain Oasiz Wiesblatt the first time he put it on.

“It’s unreal,” the 20-year-old said. “They’re really comfy and light, it’s one of the cooler jerseys that I’ve ever worn as a Tiger. It’s just really cool and I’m really excited to wear it.”

The orange and black runs deep in the Schafer family, with Matthew’s dad Kelly and his grandpa Rick life-long fans. Kelly says they make it to as many games as possible and he listens to away games while at work. They’ve travelled to see the Tigers on the road, carrying their passion for the Tigers on the road.

Matthew has skated as the Junior Tiger before a game before and has met the players during a skate with the Tigers and seen the lockerroom with his dad.

Kelly admitted he’s more excited than his son to see the jerseys and the excitement that will come Friday.

“To be involved and just see him get that opportunity, I don’t think I ever won Junior Tiger or anything like that,” Kelly said. “The last time he won the Junior Tiger, we got to check out the dressing room and that was cool just seeing the behind the scenes.

“If you’re a fan, how could you not like that. With the year they’re having too, it just makes it that much sweeter.”

Kelly says Rick has gotten the night off of work and will be attending the game, making it a family experience. For Matthew, that means some star treatment wearing the No. 12 jersey he requested to match his age. He’ll be tasked with dropping the puck, a moment he hadn’t thought about before speaking with the News but one he promised he’ll practise to ensure he does a good job on the big night.

“Have to drop it right, not too hard, not too soft,” Matthew said.

The jerseys will be auctioned off online from the start of the game until 7 p.m. on Feb. 10. A link for the auction can be found on the Medicine Hat Tigers website.

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