NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
Medicine Hat Tigers forward Yaroslav Bryzgalov celebrates after scoring a first period goal in an 8-3 win at Co-op Place over the Calgary Hitmen on Feb. 28.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
The WHL’s mid-season player survey tabbed Co-op Place as the fifth-hardest rink to play in as a road team. Having seen both sides of the ice, it’s a low ranking according to Luke Cozens.
The former Lethbridge Hurricane was in the lineup for the Eastern Conference Finals series last year, getting to see the other, friendlier side of the fan base after being acquired by the Medicine Hat Tigers at the January deadline.
“Since I’ve gotten here, it’s the first thing I noticed,” Cozens said. “The fans here are amazing and playoffs is a whole different animal here. Obviously, having to play against them last year was a real eye opener on what fans can do for a team. To be on the good side this time, I’m excited.”
Forward Cam Parr was also on the other side of the Tigers faithful at Co-op Place last year, playing in Games 1 and 2 of the WHL Championship series last season with the Spokane Chiefs. Like Cozens, he’s enjoyed being on the ‘right side’ far more.
“It’s been unbelievable, our fans are top notch here and they help us out a lot, The energy they bring is incredible,” Parr said.
“It wasn’t too fun here in the playoffs last year. So its nice they’re on my side now.”
The Tigers averaged 4,126 fans through 34 home games this season, with the final game of the regular season seeing 6,084 roll in for the season’s highest attended game. Multiple players have dubbed the city the best fan base they’ve played in front of in their young careers.
“Our fans are unbelievable, I wish I could tell them all how much it means, because it’s honestly the best and it’s one of my favourite things about hockey,” forward Markus Ruck said. “Going into a game, you want to show them you’re out there to win and we just want to perform for our fans. We’re super thankful for them.”
The 4,126 average is the second-highest in franchise history, trailing only the 2015-16 season, their first in the formerly named Canalta Centre. That season they averaged 4,248 fans per night. Of course, the majority of the franchise’s attendance numbers infamously sat at 4,006, the sell-out capacity at The Arena.
For head coach Willie Desjardins, who felt the impact the 4,006 had in The Arena and lauded the fans for their presence last year, he appreciates the atmosphere they’ve provided this season. He hopes the team can once again pay back the fans for their support.
“This is a great city, we love our fans, or guys like it and we like playing in front of them,” Desjardins said. “We had a special group last year, on the road they were such a big part of it and it’s great to see they’re still coming out. Hopefully we can have a great run together here this year.”
