Nine Tigers named to NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list

By James Tubb on October 20, 2025.

A collection of Medicine Hat Tigers have gotten the attention of NHL Central Scouting.

Nine Tigers were named to Central Scouting’s preliminary player to watch list released on Monday.

The list breaks players into letter-grade ratings based on which round(s) they are candidates to be selected in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Former Tigers forward Gavin McKenna leads the list as one of 27 players graded with an A-rating.

The nine Tigers ranked are:

B-rating

(Indicates a second/third round candidate)

Defenceman Kyle Heger (2007, 11 games played, 1 goal and five points)

Forward Markus Ruck (2008, 10 games played, 1 goal and 11 points)

Forward Liam Ruck (2008, 11 games played, two goals and 10 points)

 

C- rating

(Indicates a fourth/fifth round candidate)

Forward Yaroslav Bryzgalov (2007, 11 games played, three goals and 11 points)

Goalie Carter Casey (2007, 2-2, 2.03 GAA, .925 SV%, 1 SO)

 

W-rating

(Indicates a sixth/seventh round candidate)

Forward Kadon McCann (2007, 11 games played, two goals and five points)

Forward Kade Stengrim (2007, 10 games played, two goals and four points)

Defenceman Riley Steen (2008, 11 games played, 1 goal and 1 point)

Goalie Jordan Switzer (2007, 5-2, 2.83 GAA, .900 SV%)

The nine Tigers are joined by 76 other WHLers on the NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary list. The Tigers (7-4) are off until Wednesday when they continue the B.C. Division road trip, taking on the Prince George Cougars.

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