NEWS PHOTO James Tubb
The Medicine Hat Tigers celebrate Markus Ruck's tying goal in the third period of a 6-5 overtime win over the Moose Jaw Warriors at Co-op Place on Dec. 12.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
The Medicine Hat Tigers and the looping fireplace channel have one blazing similarity this Holiday Season – they’re hot.
The Tigers’ Christmas break officially kicked off Thursday, the first of nine days without a game, and they enter the stretch with a 10-game win streak after Wednesday’s 7-3 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings. They lead the Central division with a 22-6-3-2 record and sit second in the Eastern conference, one point back of the East division-leading Prince Albert Raiders (23-5-4).
The Tigers are three wins ahead of last year’s team entering the break, in one fewer game played. There’s been lots to like for the defending WHL champions, starting in the room, head coach Willie Desjardins says.
“We’ve had an awful lot of turnover, some high-end guys, that certainly makes it a challenge,” Desjardins said. “We had a few injuries to the first half but we’ve played well in some big games, like our record against CHL top-10 teams has been good.”
He’s liked how the team has come together as the year has gone on.
“I like how the guys cheer for each other, sometimes I think maybe we celebrate a little too much,” Desjardins said with a chuckle. “But I really like that the guys are excited for each other.”
It took the Tigers some time to get to know one another, with eight new faces joining the team in the first month. They’ve been led by captain Bryce Pickford who leads all CHL defenceman and the WHL in goals with 25, adding 19 assists. He’s liked how much the team celebrates one another.
“(Tyson) Mossy’s hat trick, everybody was excited, I got emotional hugging him at the end of the game,” Pickford said. “Moments like that, celebrating all the little things will be good for us come playoff time.”
The Tigers have just three losses at Co-op Place, running an 11-1-1-1 record. After starting slow on the road, 1-5-1, they’re now 10-5-2-1, and in total, have recorded points in 14 straight games. Their last regulation loss came more than a month ago, 7-4 to Brandon on Nov. 8.
They’ve had 11 overtime/shootout games, winning six. To Desjardins, they’re close points that can go either way but he’s liked seeing players step up to start the year.
“It’s a tough league and if we lose some in the second half, we lose some, it’s that kind of a league,” Desjardins said. “But it’s exciting that lots of different guys have stepped up at different times. Each one of our goaltenders have played great at different times, we’re getting lots of scoring from our defence, our specialty teams have been really good and they’ve won games for us.
“There’s lots of things that have contributed and guys have gotten better. From the start of the year to now, guys have recognized our league and have gotten better, which is a good sign.”
The Tigers have been outshot just five times this season, winning four of those games. They’re 18-5-3-2 when leading in shots, and in one-goal games, 8-1-3-2. Those close games are experiences Pickford, the two-time WHL champion, says will pay off when they return from the holidays.
“We’re a good playoff team, we’ve been losing games going to the third at least and we’ve found a way to come back,” Pickford said. “The second half is definitely more playoff hockey and then getting ready for playoffs. I think we’re already kind of at that level, obviously we can improve in a lot of things but I’m really happy with our team right now.”
With the holidays here, Desjardins hopes his players and staff can enjoy the break with family and friends before returning safely. He’s also hoping for the best for those who donned the orange and black last season.
“I want our group to be excited about the year and for last year’s group, I wish them all the best too in their hockey this year wherever they’re at,” Desjardins said. “That was a special group for us. It was special to win the championship for the city and we wish all those guys the best coming into the new year.
“We have a great city, we have a great fan base. So I always wish the best for them and that they all have a great Christmas.”
