Tigers to open 2025-26 season against Pats, rest of WHL schedule released later this month

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on June 5, 2025.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The Medicine Hat Tigers will open their championship defence against an Eastern division opponent.

The WHL announced the home opening dates for all 32 clubs for the 2025-26 WHL season. Medicine Hat will kick off their 56th season on Saturday, Sept. 20, hosting the Regina Pats.

It’s the first time the Tigers and Pats have met in the season opener since Oct. 5, 1974, a 7-1 win for the Tigers at the Med Hat Arena.

The 2025-26 regular season will officially begin Friday, Sept. 19, with eight games on the calendar, highlighted by the 2026 Memorial Cup host Kelowna Rockets hosting the Spokane Chiefs at a renovated Prospera Place.

The WHL’s newest franchise, the Penticton Vees, will kick off a new B.C. Division rivalry on Sept. 26, when they host the Rockets at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

The 2025 WHL preseason schedule and complete 782-game regular season schedule will be announced the week of June 23.

Already confirmed is the Tigers and Rockets playing two preseason games in Whitehorse, Yuk. on Sept. 12 and 13.

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