Game played on 1/28/2025.
General Game Notes: January 28, 2025 – WHL action between the Medicine Hat Tigers and the home team Wenatchee Wild. A three goal first period set the tone for the Tigers, who got their lead and held onto it. Oasiz Weisblatt #7 led the way with one goal and two assists in his teams winning efforts.
Jordan Switzer (G, L, 6’0″, 185, Medicine Hat Tigers, 01/26/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Switzer had a standout performance for the Tigers, playing a key role in securing the win with a solid, reliable effort. His quickness and agility were evident as he challenged shooters aggressively, quickly getting to the top of his crease and smothering shots with confidence. His rebound control was strong, limiting second-chance opportunities and ensuring his team stayed in control defensively. With his high intensity and readiness throughout the game, Switzer made 23 saves, earning the victory while maintaining composure and shutting down the opposition.
Oasiz Wiesblatt (C, L, 5’7″, 178, Medicine Hat Tigers, 04/08/2004)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Wiesblatt is a smaller, yet highly effective forward who plays with grit and a relentless work ethic in all areas of the game. He’s a strong skater who aggressively forechecks and doesn’t shy away from physical play, using his active stick to disrupt opposing plays and throwing his body when needed. Offensively, Wiesblatt excels at navigating traffic with the puck and consistently positions himself in front of the net, creating scoring opportunities. A perfect example of his skill came when he scored the third goal of the game—he collected a puck in the high slot, maneuvered around a defender, and released a quick wrist shot top shelf, beating the goaltender. This play showcased his slipperiness, quick release, and knack for getting to dangerous scoring areas.
Hunter St.Martin (C, L, 6’1″, 175, Medicine Hat Tigers, 06/13/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: St. Martin is a highly skilled and confident forward who stands out with his exceptional skating and offensive instincts. He has the ability to stretch the zone, pushing back defenders and often creating odd-man rushes for both himself and his teammates. One key play that exemplified his skill came when he assisted on the second goal of the game—he won a 50/50 puck battle, spun off an opponent, faked a shot, and delivered a perfect pass to a teammate heading to the net. His ability to make plays at top speed with his head up demonstrates his high hockey IQ and dual-threat potential in the offensive zone, making him a constant threat in transition and in the attack.
Jonas Woo (D, R, 5’9″, 150, Medicine Hat Tigers, 11/19/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Woo is an undersized, right-shot defenseman known for his exceptional skating and edgework. He utilizes his agility to create separation from opponents in both the defensive and offensive zones. With his head always up, Woo can maneuver around defenders, opening up space to either take shots or set up teammates for scoring opportunities. While not a physical, shutdown defender, his puck skills, mobility, and ability to make accurate tape-to-tape passes limit his d-zone time and make him a valuable asset in all three zones.
Ryder Ritchie (LW, R, 6’0″, 180, Medicine Hat Tigers, 08/03/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Ritchie has a natural ability to take defenders wide and drive the puck to the net with authority. His strength on his skates allows him to lean on opponents and protect the puck effectively, while his hands enable him to make quick, tight moves around the net. His quick release is another asset, highlighted by his breakaway goal in the second period—he collected a loose puck, skated in with speed, and fired a perfectly placed shot that rang off the post and in.
Tanner Molendyk (D, L, 6’0″, 187, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/03/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Molendyk is a smooth-skating defenseman with strong offensive instincts, particularly on the blue line. He excels at maintaining control of the puck, walking the line to open up shooting lanes, and quickly getting pucks on net. His ability to read the play allows him to find shooting opportunities, using a quick release with either speed or without. In addition to his offensive game, Molendyk is a reliable puck mover, consistently making accurate tape-to-tape passes that help initiate fast transitions.
Marcus Pacheco (RW, R, 5’11”, 180, Medicine Hat Tigers, 04/06/2005)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Pacheco was effective on the forecheck, using his physicality and active stick to disrupt plays and create pressure on the opposition. He also showed good defensive awareness by dropping low to support his defenders when the puck transitioned back into his zone. His game was straightforward, focusing on making the right plays and limiting mistakes.
Gavin McKenna (LW, L, 5’11”, 163, Medicine Hat Tigers, 12/20/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: McKenna is a constant offensive threat whenever he enters the zone. With excellent puck control and exceptional hands, he keeps the puck on a string, able to maneuver through traffic and squeeze away from defenders. He plays with his head up, always surveying his options, and is adept at avoiding turnovers with his quick stick-handling. McKenna isn’t afraid to take contact to get to the dangerous areas, particularly around the crease, where his high skill level and hockey IQ make him a constant threat. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions in tight spaces showcases his high-end talent, making him a dangerous player in all offensive situations, and makes those around him better.
Radoslav Dimitrov (D, L, 5’11”, 180, Wenatchee Wild, 05/28/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Dimitrov plays with a high level of confidence and isn’t hesitant to take chances to create better offensive opportunities. A standout moment came in the first period when he collected the puck, attacked the flank, and skillfully maneuvered it between a defender’s skates, all while maintaining control. He then made a perfectly placed back-door pass to a teammate, showcasing his vision and playmaking ability—though the shot was missed, the sequence highlighted his skill set. Dimitrov combines his skating ability, puck handling, hockey IQ, and knack for getting pucks towards the net, making him a dynamic defender.
Tye Spencer (C, R, 5’7″, 150, Wenatchee Wild, 06/27/2004)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Spencer demonstrated a strong all-around game, contributing in every situation. Despite not being the biggest player, he excelled as a penalty killer, using his hockey IQ and determination to get in shooting lanes and disrupt the opposition. Offensively, he wasn’t afraid to go to the net, as shown on his goal where he established a solid net-front presence and made no mistake finishing a rebound opportunity.
Reid Andersen (D, L, 5’8″, 165, Wenatchee Wild, 04/29/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Andresen is an offensive-minded defenseman with excellent edge-work, allowing him to create separation and find open ice to generate scoring chances. He’s a shifty player, always on the lookout for shooting lanes or passing options, making him a constant threat both for himself and his teammates. His ability to make clean, accurate passes out of his own end helps drive the transition game, and he isn’t afraid to jump into the rush, providing a second wave of offense. While not known for his defensive prowess, Andresen’s ability to control the puck and make smart decisions once he has it allows him to mitigate pressure and effectively manage the defensive zone.
Lukas McCloskey (D, R, 6’3″, 205, Wenatchee Wild, 03/25/2005, Army)
Game Rating
C+
Lukas McCloskey is a reliable defenseman known for his hard work and effective gameplay. He excels in winning battles along the boards, using his size to clear the crease and protect the slot. With an active stick, he quickly closes down plays and forces turnovers, making him a physical presence on the wall. His straightforward style is highly effective in keeping opponents at bay, as he efficiently finds teammates in the neutral zone and makes good first passes. As a bigger right shot defenseman, McCloskey uses his reach to find open lanes and gets shots towards the net, often avoiding shot blocks. His ability to filter pucks towards the net with traffic makes him a valuable asset on offense.
1 Viewing
Comments: McCloskey played a straightforward, no-nonsense game, keeping things simple and effective. He consistently got pucks to the net with traffic in front, creating opportunities without trying to overcomplicate the play. His decision-making was solid, limiting turnovers by opting for simple, reliable passes and plays rather than risky maneuvers. Defensively, he was dependable and wasn’t afraid to be physical when needed, using his body to win battles and clear space.
Luka Shcherbyna (C, R, 5’9″, 180, Wenatchee Wild, 06/01/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Shcherbyna is a right-shot forward with a lethal shot, capable of finding the back of the net whether it’s at even strength or on the power play. His one-timer is a notable weapon, but his quick-release wrist shot also stands out, with power and accuracy that generates chances even when he doesn’t score. Beyond his shooting ability, Shcherbyna is a well-rounded player who moves his feet and reads the play well, positioning himself in open areas to capitalize on opportunities. He’s also not afraid to drive the puck to the net, showing a willingness to battle in tight spaces to create offense.
Caelan Joudrey (C, R, 6’4″, 175, Wenatchee Wild, 01/17/2008)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Joudrey has significant upside, using his size and reach effectively to disrupt plays and maintain possession of the puck. He showcased his skill set on an impressive assist, where he toe-dragged around his defender, created space, and fired a powerful shot that was eventually put home by a teammate. While not the quickest skater, Joudrey compensates with his ability to control the pace of the game, leveraging his physicality and skill to make an impact both offensively and defensively.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
