Tigers to play 2 preseason games in Whitehorse, Yuk.

By JAMES TUBB on February 26, 2025.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

The Medicine Hat Tigers will head out of province for two preseason games in September.

The Western Hockey League announced a WHL Yukon Showcase to be held this September with the Tigers and the Kelowna Rockets to play two preseason games in Whitehorse, Yuk.

From Sept. 11-14, the two teams will play twice at Takhini Arena in Whitehorse and also hold companion events with a ‘Meet the Teams’ family-friendly gathering and minor hockey instructional clinics.

The showcase marks the return of the WHL to Whitehorse for the first time since 2011, and also gives Yukon the chance to see hometown talent Gavin McKenna on display against the Memorial Cup-hosting Rockets.

Tigers’ head coach Willie Desjardins is excited by the trip and what it will mean for them as a team and what he thinks it will mean for McKenna.

“It’ll be exciting for all our guys to go up there, to see everything, it’ll be a great experience and we’re looking forward to it as a group,” Desjardins said.

“(Gavin) is really proud of his heritage in his hometown, he’s just really proud of it, and rightfully so. So whenever he gets to bring people up to show them it, it’s probably pretty special.”

Proceeds from the 2025 WHL Yukon Showcase will benefit Sport Yukon’s Recreation Fund to support families in the territory with an opportunity for funding so that all children can participate in sport and recreational activities.

“Our government is proud to sponsor the WHL Yukon Showcase, which brings Yukoners together to forge bonds that transcend the rink and create a shared sense of pride, unity and aspirations for the future,” said Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai in a release. “Seeing Gavin McKenna on his home ice will be a special moment for all of us. Thank you to the WHL players for bringing their talent up north and as we support the Kids Recreation Fund.”

The showcase is the WHL’s second visit to Whitehorse, after the Vancouver Giants edged the Kamloops Blazers by a 3-2 score in WHL Regular Season action on Feb. 12, 2011, in front of 1,535 fans at Takhini Arena.

The Whitehorse-based volunteer committee organizing the 2025 WHL Yukon Showcase announced today tickets will go on sale Friday, February 28, at noon MST.

“We love hockey and putting together an event of this magnitude, which allows Yukoners to witness the game at this level, while giving back to our community is very rewarding,” said event co-chair Scott Kent in a release.

Fellow co-chair Bernie Adilman and committee volunteers Michael Hale, Josh Clark and Amanda Leslie also helped organize the event.

“The WHL is incredibly excited to journey to Whitehorse for WHL pre-season action featuring the Medicine Hat Tigers and the 2026 Memorial Cup-host Kelowna Rockets,” WHL Commissioner Dan Near said in a release. “Fans can look forward to world-class WHL hockey, while our players benefit from an enriching experience visiting the Yukon. We extend our gratitude to Scott Kent and his committee for their enthusiasm in welcoming the WHL.”

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