The expansion Chilliwack Bruins are off to a perfect start! A 3-1 victory over the Kelowna Rockets in front of a wild, sold out crowd.

I had a chance to watch the game, and I must say I was impressed. The Bruins had a ton of speed, nearly skating circles around the Rockets at some points.

A full slate of games tonight, including the Saskatoon Blades home opener against the Prince Albert Raiders. I'm confident the Blades will walk away victorious but in the long run, let's just say it'll be a difficult season.

I figure the Blades will just squeeze into the post season, unless they pick up a natural goal scorer or two when they trade one of their 20 year olds before October 12th. (Blades currently have 4 when you can only have 3).

Goaltending wise, mark my words...Braden Holtby is the next big thing. Believe me when I say that. I've been watching this kid progress for three years now...back when he was goin into Midget AAA...he's just that damn good.

Yep they sure are, as I mentioned in my Chiefs thread....as you mentioned lots of action tonight bud. I am gonna be watching the Americans/Ice results from Cranbrook....then tomorrow night going up to see my Chiefs play the Ice from the Rex Plex....do you know how the Blades are picked overall this year? Good luck to them. Hopes are pretty high down here in Chiefstown. A number of predictionists have us pegged 2nd in the US Division, after Everett. The writers have pegged the Chiefs as 13th overall in the WHL. We shall see....its gonna be an interesting season! Good luck to your Blades Enigma.

The Blades start the season on the wrong foot, dropping a 4-2 decision to their provincial rivals, the Prince Albert Raiders.

Braden Holtby, making just his second career WHL start, struggled in between the pipes. If he can control the number of rebounds he gives up, he won't give up as many goals.

Ryan Menei is making a strong case for himself. The "Italian Sensation" is among four 20-year olds currently with the team (that's not including if Devin Setoguchi somehow returns to the club from San Jose). With the team only able to keep three, one of them will be dropped or traded. Menei worked hard this off season and it's showing in his play. I'd expect to see him remain in the lineup.

No rest for the boys in the blue, as they head south to take on the Regina Pats.

A fight filled night in Regina, as the Saskatoon Blades edge past their provincial rivals, by a score of 2-1. Ryan Menei and Blair McAuley the goal scorers for the Blades, while Logan Pyett scored for the Pats.

Braden Holtby was absolutely sensational in net for the Blades. Turning away 38 of 39 shots...he was clearly the man of the night at the Brandt Centre.

Up next for the boys in Blue, a home game on Tuesday night against the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Congrats on the win Engima.

Tragedy in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as a member of the Warriors is clinging to life.

18 year old forward, Garret Robinson, is in critical condition following a horrific car crash early Sunday morning. At approximately 6:40AM, Robinson along with goaltender Joey Perricone and forward Carter Smith, were driving home following their bus ride from Red Deer. The passenger side of the vehicle was struck by a pick up truck, with Robinson absorbing the brunt of the collision.

Robinson underwent surgery at Regina's General Hospital where he's currently in critical condition. There is swelling on the brain, and doctors say the "next 48 to 72 hours will be critical".

Perricone and Smith were also taken to hospital, but were released with some cuts and bruises.

The driver of the pick up truck suffered minor injuries.

Police say alcohol was a factor with charges pending against the driver of the pick up truck.

The rest of the team is obviously shaken. They attended church together and later held a vigil for Robinson. They've cancelled practice tomorrow, and it's unclear whether or not they'll play Friday in Prince Albert.

I ask everyone here to keep Robinson in your thoughts and prayers tonight...and I'll try to provide an update as soon as I hear anything more.

If you have any questions regarding the incident, feel free to ask away either by replying to this post or by sending a PM.

On behalf of the Spokane Chiefs fans, our hearts and thoughts go out to those all involved. and hope for a speedy recovery for the injured players. We have certainly heard all the way out here about this.

I have a brief update on the condition of Garret Robinson...

The young 18 year old forward is in a coma.

The WHL, Prince Albert Raiders and Moose Jaw Warriors are expected to make a decision today as to whether or not the Warriors will go ahead with their home and home series this weekend with the Raiders.

I'll provide further updates later in the day.

We too continue to monitor this situation, and there has been alot of talk about this situation on my Chiefs message board. We are all thinking about this kid.

I AS A PG COUGAR FAN HOPE FOR THE BEST

THIS THE LATEST FROM WHL WEBSITE

Monday, October 23, 2006, 8:00pm - The Western Hockey League and the Moose Jaw Warriors have
released the following statement on the condition of Warriors forward Garrett Robinson, who was injured Sunday morning in an automobile accident in Moose Jaw.

Garrett suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of Sunday's accident. He remains in a coma in the Intensive Care Unit of the Regina General Hospital and is listed in stable but critical condition

AS I SAID ABOVE WE HOPE FOR THE BEST FROM ME AS PG COUGARS FAN

You're correct, he's currently in critical but stable condition.

I spoke with the Warriors organization today and they say that they will go ahead and play their home and home series with Prince Albert this weekend.

They also said that anyone who'd like to pass along their well wishes and thoughts can do so, via email...

Pr.warriors@mjwarriors.com

Yep, we heard that too about the organization. There was a nice article about it in the paper here this morning. There is talk of asking for a minute of silence as well, on Friday night for the game against Seattle. Hope the kid pulls through!!! Your in my thoughts....

Warriors are pleased to announce that a trust fund has been set up to assist Garrett Robinson and his family as he battles through the severe head trauma that he incurred in an automobile accident on Sunday October 22nd. The goal of the fund is to financially assist the Robinson Family as they stay by their son’s bedside.

“The support shown and the words of hope and prayers for Garrett and his family have been very comforting,” stated General Manager Chad Lang, “The Garrett Robinson Recovery Fund will help cover the family’s expenses during Garrett’s recovery”.

Those individuals who wish to make a tangible gift can do so through the Garrett Robinson Recovery Fund by mail to either of the two addresses listed below or to their local Conexus Credit Union Branch.

Moose Jaw Warriors
422 Main St.
Moose Jaw, SK
s6H 3K2

Conexus Credit Union
P.O. Box 640
Moose Jaw, SK
S6H 4P4

THIS THE LATEST FROM WHL WEBSITE

Great News...

Robinson has opened his eyes, is breathing on his own, and is alert and responding to his family at his side!

Thats great news Engima. Thanks for the updates.

from a cougars fan thats great news

Update: I heard this morning that Garrett Robinson is making great progress after his life-threatening injuries last fall. In fact he was able to attend the Warriors-Hitmen game in Moose Jaw last night, and I'm sure he had a very warm reception. Apparently Garrett has no recollection of the accident.

He's certainly come a long way that's for sure. It's hoped he'll be able to play with the team next year but time will tell. The most important thing is that he's doing alright.

Hello from a hockey newbee. The only person I know who likes hockey is a straight woman friend (of course). I'd like to go to a match sometime and learn some things.

San Francisco area.

hey welcome to hockey world

send me a message if u want to talk or go see hockey perhaps the stockton team
or the sharks


watch out kamloops here comes the cougars
The Western Hockey League has announced the dates and game times for the Prince George Cougars and Kamloops Blazers 2007 WHL 1st Round Playoff series presented by Kal Tire and Meyers Norris Penny. Prince George Cougars vs. Kamloops Blazers: Friday, March 23 Prince George @ Kamloops 7:00pm Saturday, March 24 Prince George @ Kamloops 7:00pm Tuesday, March 27 Kamloops @ Prince George 7:00pm Wednesday, March 28 Kamloops @ Prince George 7:00pm Friday, March 30 Prince George @ Kamloops 7:00pm* ...

COUGARS COMPLETE SWEEP OF BLAZERS WITH ANOTHER O/T WIN - Devin Setoguchi scored his second goal of the game 2:32 into overtime to lift the Prince George Cougars to a 4-3 victory over the visiting Kamloops Blazers in Game 4 of their Kal Tire Western Conference Quarter-Final series on Wednesday, March 28th.

With the victory, the Cougars win the best-of-seven series four games to none and advance to the second round of the 2007 playoffs.

Jared Walker - with a goal and an assist - and Evan Fuller also scored for the Cougars, who erased a 3-0 deficit, while Real Cyr turned in a 29-save effort to earn the victory. The victory was the third overtime triumph of the series for the Cougars, and the second O/T contest ended by Setoguchi. With the series victory, the Cougars advance past the opening round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2001 post-season.

Sasha Golin, Reid Jorgensen and Terrance Delaronde scored for the Blazers, who led 3-0 by the 17-minute mark of the opening period. Dustin Butler made 30 saves in a losing cause. With the defeat, the Blazers lose the series and see their season come to an end.

we sweep

WE LOSE ONE TO THE PROS
Sharks Sign Wishart to NHL Contract by PG Cougars

San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has signed defenseman Ty Wishart to an NHL contract. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Wishart is currently competing in the WHL Playoffs with the Prince George Cougars, helping them sweep Kamloops in the first round. In just four games, he is tied for the WHL lead among defensemen in assists and points (0-6=6). During the regular season, his 49 points (11-38=49) were sixth on the team and tied for tenth among all WHL defensemen. His +15 plus/minus rating paced the team and his eight power play goals were fourth. Wishart was recently named to the 2006-07 Second All-Star Team in the WHL Western Conference.

The 18-year-old defenseman just completed his third regular season with Prince George. In 190 career regular season games, he posted 94 points (17-77=94) and 168 penalty minutes.

“Prior to the season, we had the opportunity to have Ty participate in our Rookie Tournament and Training Camp and were impressed,” said Wilson. “The Prince George coaches and hockey staff put him in a great situation to develop and mature this season and he has progressed nicely.”

The six-foot-five, 205-pound defenseman was selected by San Jose in the first round (16th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Wishart will continue to represent the Prince George Cougars throughout their playoff run.

EVERETT AND SPOKANE TONITE 6 PM PST

spokane lost that game
but cougars are moving on
The Cougars advance to the second round of the WHL playoffs for the first time since the 2000-01 season after sweeping the higher-ranked Kamloops Blazers 4-0 in their Kal Tire Western Conference Quarter-Final series. While they may have swept the Blazers in the first-round, all four games were decided by a single goal with three of the four contests ending in overtime. Forward Devin Setoguchi managed to carry his outstanding play down the regular-season stretch into the playoffs, scoring five goals - three of them game-winners - and seven points in the four-game sweep of the Blazers. Setoguchi, along with Jared Walker, Nick Drazenovic and Eric Hunter, will need to work even harder for scoring opportunities versus a 'Tips team that owns the WHL's top defense and one of the best goaltenders in Irving. Defensively, the Cougars will need improvement, particularly on the penalty kill, which operated at only 73.1 per cent efficiency in the first round. Ty Wishart, Vladimir Mihalik and the rest of the Cougars' defense will need to tighten up considerably to slow down a 'Tips' offense that thrives on the man advantage. Despite allowing 12 goals in four games, goaltender Real Cyr was superb in the opening round versus Kamloops, and, along with Setoguchi's timely scoring, was a huge reason the Cougars got past the Blazers in such short order. He'll need to continue his stellar play for the Cougars to have a chance. Prince George was one of only five visiting teams to win in at the Everett Events Center during the regular season.

THEY LOST TONITE IN EVERETT 3-2

The Everett Silvertips tallied three times in the second period, then held on for a 3-2 victory over the visiting Prince George Cougars in Game 1 of their Kal Tire Western conference Semi-Final series on Friday night.

Brennan Sonne, Peter Mueller and former Cougar Dan Gendur scored for the Silvertips, who out-shot the Cougars 34-24 in the contest. Leland Irving made 22 saves to earn the victory. With the victory, the ‘Tips take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Devin Setoguchi and Vladimir Mihalik scored in the third period for the Cougars, who were held 0-for-10 on the power play. Scott Bowles, making his first appearance of the post-season, made 31 saves in a losing cause. The loss leaves the Cougars down 0-1 in the series.

SILVERTIPS 3, COUGARS 2

Jesse Smyke scored his first goal of the 2007 post-season 2:28 into overtime to lift the Everett Silvertips to a 3-2 victory over the visiting Prince George Cougars in Game 2 of their Kal Tire Western Conference Semi-Final series on Saturday night.

Peter Mueller scored both goals in regulation for the Silvertips, who erased 1-0 and 2-1 deficits in the contest. Leland Irving made 18 saves to backstop the Tips to the win. With the victory, the Silvertips take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Nick Drazenovic scored both goals for the Cougars, who were 2-for-5 on the power play, while Chris Durand and Devin Setoguchi each chipped in two assists. Real Cyr made 26 saves in a losing cause. The loss leaves the Cougars down 0-2 in the series.

Prince George hosts Games 3 and 4 of the series on Tuesday and Wednesday.

we get them at home go cougs

COUGARS RALLY FOR BIG WIN IN EVERETT -- Chris Durand scored twice and set up another as the visiting Prince George Cougars rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Everett Silvertips 4-2 in Game 5 of their Kal Tire Western Conference Semi-Final series on Saturday, April 14th.

Nick Drazenovic – with a goal and an assist – and Devin Setoguchi also scored for the Cougars, who were out-shot 39-23 in the contest and by a 21-4 margin in the second period alone. Real Cyr turned in a solid 36-save performance to earn the victory. The win – their third straight of the series – gives the Cougars a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Zack Dailey – with a goal and an assist – Kyle Beach and Moises Gutierrez scored for the Silvertips, who built up a 3-0 lead by the end of the second period but saw it evaporate in the final frame. Leland Irving stopped 19 of 23 shots he faced in a losing effort. With the defeat – their first on home ice in the 2007 post-season – the ‘Tips fall behind 2-3 in the series.

The Cougars will have the chance to clinch the series on home ice as they host the Silvertips for Game 6 on Monday in Prince George.

COUGARS ELIMINATE SILVERTIPS WITH GAME 6 VICTORY -- Nick Drazenovic and Richard Rapac each tallied two goals as the Prince George Cougars skated to an 8-2 victory over the visiting Everett Silvertips in Game 6 of their Kal Tire Western Conference Semi-Final series on Monday, April 16th.

With the victory, Prince George wins the best-of-seven series versus Everett four games to two, and advances to the Kal Tire Western Conference Championship series.

Jared Walker, Devin Setoguchi and Greg Gardner each tallied a goal and two assists while Ty Wishart added a single for the Cougars, who defeat the Silvertips for the fourth straight time after dropping the opening two games of the series. Real Cyr made 28 saves to backstop the Cougars to the win. Prince George will now face the Vancouver Giants in the Kal Tire Western Conference Championship series.

Peter Mueller and Taylor Ellington scored for the Silvertips, who finished with 21 more wins and 43 more points than the Cougars did during the regular season. Leland Irving and David Reekie combined for 22 saves in a losing cause. With the defeat, the Silvertips lose the series and see their season come to an end.
cougs move on to vancouver wish us luck

The Vancouver Giants and the Prince George Cougars meet up in the post-season for the second time in as many years in the 2007 Kal Tire Western Conference Championship series. The Giants, en route to the WHL Championship, defeated the Cougars four games to one in the opening round of the 2006 WHL playoffs.

The Giants advanced to the third round of the playoffs for the second straight season after defeating Chilliwack Bruins four games to one in the opening round, then beating the Seattle Thunderbirds four games to one in the second round. Already guaranteed a place in the 2007 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament as the host team, the Giants remain bent on earning their Memorial Cup berth by defending their 2006 WHL title. Judging by their performance versus Seattle in the second round, the Giants appear to be on the right track to accomplishing that task. After dropping the opening game of the series in overtime, the Giants reeled off four straight wins over the T-Birds, out-scoring them by a 20-5 margin. Kenndal McArdle and Spencer Machacek have paced a deep Giants’ offense that can roll out four lines. They’ll need continued production from throughout their line-up to solve the Cougars defense and the solid goaltending of Real Cyr. Vancouver’s star-laden defense boasts a combined +48 rating while giving up just 18 goals through the first two rounds. They’ll need to be just as solid to stop the Cougars’ high-end talent, particularly the red-hot Devin Setoguchi. Tyson Sexsmith has stabilized his game after a tough start to the playoffs, having held the opposition to one or less goals in six of his last eight appearances. Having faced more than 23 shots just once during the playoffs, he’ll likely see much more rubber coming at him from an explosive Cougars team. The Giants won all four meetings versus the Cougars in Vancouver, outscoring them by a 14-5 margin.

The Cougars find themselves in the third round of the WHL post-season for the first time since the 1999-00 season after sweeping the Kamloops Blazers four games to none in the first round, then eliminating the CHL’s top-ranked Everett Silvertips four games to two in the second round. After a pedestrian regular season, the Cougars have finally started playing like the team many thought could be a legitimate contender at the season’s outset. Knocking off an Everett team that finished with 21 more victories and 37 more points during the regular season, the Cougars clearly showed that they are a squad to be reckoned with. Now, the Cougars will be eager to avenge last season’s first-round defeat to the Giants. Up front, the Cougars have relied heavily on generating scoring from their top-end forwards. Devin Setoguchi has been dominant in the post-season, recording at least one point in all 10 games he’s played. Setoguchi, Jared Walker and Nick Drazenovic have combined for 25 of the team’s 41 post-season goals. Yet, with solid players like a resurgent Chris Durand, Dana Tyrell and Greg Gardner, the Cougars boast the offensive depth to crack a very strong Giants defense corps. On the back end, Ty Wishart, Vladimir Mihalik and company were able to successfully shut down a dynamic ‘Tips’ offense. They’ll need to be even better if they want to slow down a Giants team that can roll four lines. Goaltender Real Cyr was often a difference-maker for the Cougars through their first two series victories. He’ll certainly be tested by a Giants team that has averaged well over 30 shots per game through the first two rounds. Prince George’s power play ranks first among the remaining four teams in the 2007 post-season, clicking at a 22.6 per cent success rate.

Series Schedule

#1 - Prince George @ Vancouver; Friday, April 20 (7:30 p.m.)
#2 - Prince George @ Vancouver; Saturday, April 21 (7:00 p.m.)
#3 - Vancouver @ Prince George; Tuesday, April 24 (7:00 p.m.)
#4 - Vancouver @ Prince George; Wednesday, April 25 (7:00 p.m.)
#5 - Prince George @ Vancouver; Friday, April 27 (7:30 p.m.) if necessary
#6 - Vancouver @ Prince George; Sunday, April 29 (6:00 p.m.) if necessary
#7 - Prince George @ Vancouver; Monday, April 30 (7:00 p.m.) if necessary

----------------------------------------------------------

COUGARS STAY ALIVE WITH O/T WIN OVER GIANTS - Devin Setoguchi scored his third overtime game-winning goal of the 2007 post-season as the Prince George Cougars staved off elimination with a 3-2 extra-frame win over the visiting Vancouver Giants in Game 4 of the Kal Tire Western Conference Championship series on Wednesday, April 25th.

Richard Rapac and Jared Walker each tallied a goal and an assist for the Cougars, who led 2-0 after the opening period of play. Scott Bowles, making his first start since the opening game of the second round, turned aside 41 of 43 shots he faced to record the win. With the victory, the Cougars trail the best-of-seven series 1-3.

Kenndal McArdle and Michal Repik scored for the Giants, who out-shot the hosts 43-26 in the contest, while Spencer Machacek stretched his post-season point streak to eight games with an assists on McArdle’s tally. Tyson Sexsmith turned aside 23 shots in a losing cause. With the loss, the Giants see their series lead cut to 3-1.

The Giants have the opportunity to win the series on home ice when they host the Cougars for Game 5 of the Kal Tire Western Conference Championship on Friday, April 27th.

go cougs go

TIGERS, GIANTS ADVANCE TO WHL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES -- The Medicine Hat Tigers and the Vancouver Giants will meet in the 2007 WHL Championship series after both teams won their respective Conference Championship banners with victories on Friday, April 27th.

The Tigers defeated the Calgary Hitmen 4-3 in overtime in Game 5 of the MNP Eastern Conference Championship series, giving them a 4-1 best-of-seven series victory. It’s the second Eastern Conference Championship banner in the last four seasons for the Tigers. Medicine Hat won the 2004 Eastern Conference title en route to the WHL Championship.

The defending WHL Champion Vancouver Giants advance to their second straight appearance in the WHL Championship series after defeating the Prince George Cougars 5-1 in Game 5 of the Kal Tire Western Conference Championship series on Friday night. The victory gives the Giants a 4-1 best-of-seven series triumph over the Cougars.

cougs are out
updates will continue here until the last period has sounded

Giants Tame Tigers in Game 1 of 2007 WHL Championship Series
Created: May 5, 2007
GIANTS TAME TIGERS IN GAME 1 -- Tyson Sexsmith turned aside all 23 shots he faced to record his second post-season shutout as the visiting Vancouver Giants eked out a 1-0 victory over the Medicine Hat Tigers in Game 1 of the 2007 Western Hockey League Championship series on Friday, May 5th.

Wacey Rabbit – with his ninth of the playoffs – scored the game’s lone goal for the Giants, converting on a first-period power play opportunity. With the victory, the Giants take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Championship series. The win also marks the Giants 14th victory in their last 15 road playoff games dating back to the 2006 playoffs.

Matt Keetley stopped 32 of 33 shots in a losing cause for the Tigers, who were out-shot 33-23 in the contest, and see their eight-game playoff home win streak snapped. The defeat leaves the Tigers down 0-1 in the best-of-seven series.

west is still best

TIGERS SQUARE UP SERIES WITH GAME 2 WIN -- Kevin Undershute scored twice, including the go-ahead goal midway through the third period, as the Medicine Hat Tigers edged the visiting Vancouver Giants 3-2 in Game 2 of the 2007 Western Hockey League Championship series on Saturday, May 5th.

With the victory, the Tigers even up the best-of-seven series at one game apiece. The Giants took the series-opener 1-0 on Friday night in Medicine Hat.

Defenseman David Schlemko notched a goal and an assist for the Tigers, who out-shot the visitors by 31-29 margin in the contest, while Scott Wasden chipped in a pair of assists.

Milan Lucic and Mario Bliznak replied for the Giants, who twice erased one-goal deficits in the contest.

Tigers’ netminder Matt Keetley stood tall, making 27 saves to earn the victory. Tyson Sexsmith stopped 28 shots for the Giants in the defeat.

The Giants will host the Tigers Games 3, 4 and 5 of the series in Vancouver on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Game 6 and 7, if necessary, will be in Medicine Hat on Sunday, May 13th and Monday, May 14th.

Both the Giants and Tigers have already qualified for the 2007 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament. The Giants host the Memorial Cup tournament meaning will participate either as WHL Champions or Runners-up.

Game Summary

-----------------------------------------------------

tigers get this one i listen to the game on giant radio network

GLASS TALLIES O/T WINNER - Trevor Glass scored 32 seconds into overtime to lift the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers to a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Giants in Game 3 of the 2007 Western Hockey League Championship series on Tuesday, May 8th.

With the victory – their second straight triumph – the Tigers claim a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven WHL Championship series.

Chris Stevens notched a goal and added an assist on Glass’ O/T winner for the Tigers, who let a 2-0 lead slip away in the third period. Michael Sauer – with his first of the post-season – also scored for the Tigers. Matt Keetley stopped 21 of 23 shots to pick up the victory.

giants have to get going

GIANTS SHUT DOWN TIGERS FOR SECOND STRAIGHT GAME -- A.J.Thelen tallied the winner on a power play early in the second period while Tyson Sexsmith stopped all 20 shots he faced for his second straight shutout as the Vancouver Giants blanked the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers 3-0 in Game 5 of the 207 WHL Championship series on Friday, May 11th.

The win gives the Giants a 3-2 lead over the Tigers in the best-of-seven series, leaving the defending WHL Champions only one victory away from hoisting the Presidents Cup for a second straight year.

Wacey Rabbit and Spencer Machacek – with a late empty-netter – also scored for the Giants, who out-shot the visitors by a 30-20 margin. The Giants also held the Tigers scoreless on eight power play chances, including two two-man advantage opportunities.

Matt Keetley turned aside 27 of 29 shots in a losing cause for the Tigers, who have not scored in six periods of hockey, and have been shut out three times through the first five games of the 207 WHL Championship series.

The Tigers host the Giants for Game 6 of the 2007 WHL Championship series on Sunday, May 13th in Medicine Hat. It’s a must-win game for the Tigers if they want to stay alive and force a seventh and deciding game.

The Tigers will also host Game 7, if necessary, on Monday, May 14th.

Both the Giants and Tigers have already qualified for the 2007 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament. The Giants host the Memorial Cup tournament meaning will participate either as WHL Champions or Runners-up.

TIGERS FORCE GAME 7 WITH WIN OVER GIANTS - Darren Helm scored the go-ahead goal 12:13 into the third period as the Medicine Hat Tigers held on for a 4-3 victory over the visiting Vancouver Giants in Game 6 of the 2007 Western Hockey League Championship series on Sunday, May 13th.

With the victory, the Tigers even up the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and force a seventh and deciding game.

Chris Stevens scored twice for the Tigers, who snapped a seven-period scoreless drought versus the Giants after being shut out in Games 4 and 5 in Vancouver. Daine Todd also counted for the Tigers while David Schlemko chipped in three assists.

Kenndal McArdle, Mitch Czibere and Brendan Mikkelson replied for the Giants, who erased a 3-1 deficit in the third period before Helm put the Tigers ahead for good.

Matt Keetley turned aside 19 of 22 shots he faced in the Tigers’ cage to record the victory. Tyson Sexsmith made 17 saves in a losing cause for the Giants.

The Tigers will host the Giants for Game 7 of the 2007 WHL Championship series on Monday, May 14th at the Arena in Medicine Hat. The winner of Monday’s game will be crowned the 2007 WHL Champion.





west is not best congrats mh tigers

+ enlargeMEDICINE HAT TIGERS WIN 2007 WHL CHAMPIONSHIP
Created: May 15, 2007
MATT KEETLEY NAMED MVP – The Medicine Hat Tigers were crowned 2007 WHL Champions after defeating the visiting Vancouver Giants 3-2 in double overtime in Game 7 of the 2007 Western Hockey League Championship series on Monday, May 14th in Medicine Hat, AB.

Brennan Bosch scored 7:16 into the second overtime to lift the Tigers to the win in the seventh and deciding game of the best-of-seven series. The 19-year-old product of Martensville, SK, wheeled up the middle into the Giants’ zone on a 3-on-2 and wired a wrist shot that beat Giants’ goaltender Tyson Sexsmith on the stick side.

Tigers’ forward Daine Todd tied the game at 2-2 midway through the third period to force the overtime after the Giants had built up a 2-1 lead on second period goals from Wacey Rabbit and Michal Repik.

Tyler Ennis opened the scoring for the Tigers with a power play marker in the first period.

In what was a goaltenders duel, particularly in the first overtime period, Matt Keetley and Sexmith both made several key stops as the Tigers and Giants traded plenty of quality scoring chances.

Keetley, named the WHL Playoff Most Valuable Player, turned aside 37 of 39 shots for the Tigers to earn the victory. Sexsmith stopped 34 of 37 shots he faced in a valiant effort in the defeat.

It’s the second WHL Championship for the Tigers in the last four years. Medicine Hat won the 2004 WHL title after sweeping the Everett Silvertips in four games in the Championship series.

Both the Giants and Tigers have already qualified for the 2007 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament. The Giants host the Memorial Cup tournament meaning will participate as WHL Champions.

The Tigers and Giants will join the QMJHL Champion Lewiston MAINEiacs and the OHL Champion Plymouth Whalers at the tournament, which begins on May 18th in Vancouver, B.C.

Game Summary

MATT KEETLEY NAMED 2007 WHL PLAYOFF MVP

Medicine Hat, AB -- Goaltender Matt Keetley of the Medicine Hat Tigers was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2007 Western Hockey League playoffs after backstopping the Tigers to the 2007 WHL Championship.

Keetley, a 21-year-old Medicine Hat, AB, product posted a 16-7 record in 23 games during the 2007 WHL playoffs, along with a 2.18 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.

Keetley led all WHL netminders during the post-season in minutes played (1407), shots (606), and shared the WHL lead in shutouts with four.

The Calgary Flames prospect stopped 37 of 39 shots he faced in the Tigers’ 3-2 double overtime victory over the Vancouver Giants in the seventh and deciding game of the 2007 WHL Championship series.

Keetley, who was named to the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star team, has spent his entire four-year WHL career with his hometown Tigers, appearing in 152 regular-season games while posting 105 career wins.