Members of the Medicine Hat Tigers thanked fans for their support during a final send-off party at Co-op Place Monday night.--NEWS PHOTOS BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Hundreds of Medicine Hat Tiger fans packed Co-op Place on Monday to celebrate the team’s championship season with players and coaches during a final send-off party following their 2025 Memorial Cup run.
“I couldn’t be more proud than all of us are, fans are just incredibly proud of these boys, the stuff they’ve done throughout the year has just been amazing,” said Tigers fan Trish.
“I’m very proud of them, they made it so far,” said Tigers fan Jensen.
“It meant everything, because I got to spend time with my grandpa and uncle,” said Tigers fan Owen.
The evening was MC’d by head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins, who highlighted contributions each player made during the WHL playoffs and Memorial Cup, allowing them to thank their passionate fanbase for the unwavering support all season long.
“Especially the fans, they are definitely unbelievable,” said goaltender Harrison Meneghin, who will embark on his professional career next season with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such an eclectic entrance to a game in my life. I got goose bumps.”
Harrison says this year has been filled with ups and downs, including battling through the devastating news of his father’s passing in March.
“This group is so close, you know, teams say, ‘We’re a family,’ but like this, this team actually is.” Meneghin said. “I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life, these guys, I love them to death, I’ll do anything for them and the fans as well, super special, I’d do anything for the city, Let’s go Tigers!”
Cheers erupted following Meneghin’s address as he jumped out of his seat and waved his arms in the air, rallying the hundreds in attendance wearing Tigers jerseys, accessories, face paint and holding signs.
Star forward Gavin McKenna told fans that Meneghin’s shutout performance during the first game of the WHL Playoffs against the Swift Current Broncos was a highlight for him during the run.
“It’s something I can speak on behalf of the boys, we’ll all remember forever, we all went through a lot this year, and for him to stand on his head like he did in that game, he’s a brother,” McKenna said.
“He’ll do anything for this team and we wanted to do the same for him all playoffs, he stood behind us, and we wanted to rally for each other, and I think that’s the reason why we’re such a tight group, we are willing to do whatever it takes for every single guy in this room.”
Longtime Tigers broadcaster Bob Ridley, who called all previous five Memorial Cup tournaments the Tigers had attended in team history, spoke about the franchise and the high level of alumni it has produced over the years.
“It was just fantastic to touch base with these guys, and they remember their time as a Medicine Hat Tiger, the list goes on and on, and it’s all because you fans have been so good to all these players over the many, many years,” said Ridley.
Team captain and five-year Tiger veteran Oasiz Wiesblatt was the last to take the stage to thank fans for all the support during his career in the Hat.
“Playing in front of you guys and such passionate fans who really care about their city and their team,” he said. “It’s an extreme privilege and I know these guys behind me, they don’t take any of this for granted.
“We’re a family, we love going to war for each other, showing you guys what we got. You guys are truly the best and it’s been really awesome to kind of build relationships with a lot of you guys.”
To wrap the season officially, the Tigers, arm in arm came together to belt out an acapella performance of Alabama’s Dixieland Delight, the team’s celebration song throughout the season.
