The 2024-25 WHL regular season has culminated in an exciting climax, with the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Calgary Hitmen facing off today to determine the Central Division and Eastern Conference champions. Both teams are in remarkable form, making this final clash a thrilling must-see for hockey fans.
The game is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. MST at the Scotiabank Saddledome, with a lot on the line. The Tigers are riding a nine-game winning streak, having also won 13 of their last 14 games, showcasing their impressive offensive capabilities. Led by the remarkable Gavin McKenna, who is eyeing not just a team victory but also personal accolades, the Tigers hope to build on their already formidable position.
Gavin McKenna, a projected top pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, stands second in the WHL scoring race with an impressive 126 points (39 goals and 87 assists). Recently, McKenna has been on fire, with 20 points in his last four outings. Today, he aims to extend his legendary point streak—currently at 39 games—and potentially reach 40 games, where he could further solidify his place in WHL history.
“What we’re seeing from Gavin is nothing short of extraordinary,” said one observer. “It’s like he’s on a mission to prove everyone wrong that he can be the standout player.”
The Calgary Hitmen, however, will not make it easy for the Tigers. Under the leadership of their exceptional goalie Daniel Hauser, who has just set the all-time WHL wins record with 123 victories, the Hitmen have established themselves as one of the league's best defenses. Since joining Calgary, Hauser has recorded an impressive 20-4-0-0 record, with a 1.91 goals-against average and six shutouts.
Offensively, the Hitmen are no slouches, either. They feature balanced scoring with veteran players like Oliver Tulk, who recently hit the century mark with 100 points (38 goals and 62 assists), and Ben Kindel, not far behind with 98 points (34 goals and 64 assists). The combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess makes Calgary a formidable opponent.
The previous matches this season have seen the Tiger come out ahead, going 6-0-1-0 against the Hitmen, with three of those encounters requiring overtime or a shootout, showcasing how tightly contested these games have been.
Today’s showdown is a culmination of the two teams' hard work over the season. With the winner clinching the conference lead and a clear path to the playoffs, both squads have come to the rink geared up for battle. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the atmosphere is electric, anticipating a close contest.
Medicine Hat secured their spot in this decisive matchup after an emphatic 10-1 victory against the Lethbridge Hurricanes in their previous game, where top performers like Liam Ruck and McKenna were in outstanding form. Ruck got the scoring underway just 4:29 into the match, providing the Tigers with the momentum they needed.
“That win was just what we needed before heading into Calgary; it has been a morale booster,” stated Ruck. “When we’re all clicking, we’re hard to beat.”
Calgary also claimed a comfortable victory over the Red Deer Rebels (4-1), which sets the stage perfectly for a winner-takes-all battle today.
As fans and players alike gear up, one thing is clear: this is more than just a game; it’s a playoff preview that promises a season's worth of excitement condensed into 60 minutes of hockey.
With everything at stake, both teams will bring their best as they chase the glory of the Central Division title and bragging rights as the top team in the Eastern Conference. Fans will be eagerly watching as the puck drops on this thrilling finale, and only one team will walk away victorious!
