Tigers split first half of four-game week, look to end it on high note

By JAMES TUBB on November 22, 2024.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

The Medicine Hat Tigers head into the weekend looking to build off a pair of strong efforts in a busy week.

The Tigers carry momentum at the halfway point of a four-game week, with positives in a 5-3 loss Tuesday at Saskatoon to the Blades and a 3-2 overtime win Wednesday over the Prince Albert Raiders.

Associate coach Joe Frazer, spoke with the News while on the road as the Tigers travelled Thursday ahead of Friday night action at Edmonton against the Oil Kings. He liked a majority of the team’s game at Saskatoon and the bounce-back effort against the Raiders.

“Once we took the lead against Saskatoon, we had a few too many turnovers in the neutral zone that set up their transition and gave them the momentum back,” Frazer said. “I really liked our third period, we had a really good push, but against those top teams, especially great teams defensively like Saskatoon is, you have to stick to it for the whole 60, and we did for the most part but a couple of moments where turnovers in the neutral zone cost us.”

The Tigers led 3-2 early in the second against the Blades before the home team rattled off two unanswered goals for a 4-3 lead. Medicine Hat outshot Saskatoon 11-7 in the third period, but couldn’t solve Columbus Blue Jackets’ prospect Evan Gardner, who finished with 31 saves.

They battled another hot goaltender in Max Hildebrand on Wednesday, firing 55 shots to the Raiders 28. It’s the second time in the last three games the Tigers have doubled up their opponents in shots, outshooting the Victoria Royals 36-14 in a 5-1 win on Nov. 15.

“It’s really nice, we’re healthy and we can roll four lines, keeps our guys fresh so we can play faster,” Frazer said. “We want to be the fastest team in the league. So to do that, you have to make sure we’re fresh, being able to roll four lines, committing to the game plan, it’s been great recently.”

The Tigers have maintained health up front, Hayden Harsanyi and Andrew Basha’s week-to-week injuries aside. They did have the ultimate injury scare early in Wednesday’s win though, as goaltender Harrison Meneghin went down with a lower-body injury and did not return.

The 20-year-old sprawled out to make a save on a Raiders’ power play and was bumped into, falling into the splits while attempting to corral the loose puck. He remained down on the ice and was attended to by trainer Mikki Lanuk before being helped off, unable to put any weight on his right leg.

Frazer had no firm update Thursday morning and says they will continue to evaluate the status of the South Surrey, B.C. product as they make their way to Edmonton. As a precaution, prospect Cash Christie was recalled by the club and the 15-year-old is meeting them in Edmonton.

Jordan Switzer took over in the game, securing the win with 14 saves. Frazer was proud of the 17-year-old’s effort.

“He made some huge saves, especially off the rush and a late one, where he got bumped in the crease, he’s on his back, and he got up quick, spun around, and had that quick shot, it was just an unreal save for a young guy,” Frazer said. “To be able to get hit in the crease and then have the awareness and athleticism to be able to find that puck was a heck of a save.”

The win was Switzer’s fifth of the season in seven appearances. He has a 5-2 record with an .875 save percentage and 3.19 goals against average entering play Friday. If he has to fill the starter role for any amount of time, Frazer says he has the right mindset to step up.

“That’s what we’ve always loved about him, his mindset, his confidence, he’s a great goalie,” Frazer said. “We have a lot of faith in him. When he went in last night, there was no worries, we know he’s a great goalie and he’s going to give us a chance to win.”

Gavin McKenna added to his league-leading point total, with a goal and an assist on the game winner, extending his point streak to seven games. He stripped former Tiger Tomas Mrsic of the puck in the Prince Albert end and fed Hunter St. Martin for the one-timer, his 18th.

McKenna sits atop WHL and CHL scoring with 15 goals and 46 points in 23 games. Frazer says the 16-year-old continues to find another level in his play.

“Right now when you watch him, he’s playing with pace, he’s attacking,” Frazer said. “He’s so good at creating space for himself and his teammates. He’s on a mission right now, and when great players are on a mission, they’re pretty fun to watch.”

Ryder Ritchie recorded an assist in his first game back at P.A. since the August trade. Liam Ruck scored his fourth of the season in the win, giving him points in four straight games.

The Tigers face Edmonton tonight for the third matchup in the last two weeks against the Central division rival. Edmonton won 4-2 on Nov. 8 and the Tigers bounced back with a 2-1 win Nov. 13. They’ll host the Saskatoon Blades on Saturday, looking for another rebound.

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