Played on Apr 13, 2026
Game Played in Scotiabank Saddledome
General Game Notes: This was a closer game than the score suggests, with two empty net goals coming towards the end of the third period. This was a dominant performance from the Tigers best players and proved to be too much for the Hitmen to contain. A short handed goal to tie the game really was a turning point tonight.
Calder Hamilton (D, L, 5’10”, 157, Calgary Hitmen, 03/08/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Away from the puck, Hamilton is just as impactful, maybe more, showing excellent detail and awareness. He anticipates plays well in all situations, getting into passing lanes to break things up and quickly transition play the other way. He is quick on dumped pucks and stalling time and space, and consistently supports his teammates on the breakouts. He brings a relentless approach to loose pucks, using his speed and effort to hunt them down and turn 50/50 situations into wins.
Andrei Molgachyov (LW, L, 5’10”, 187, Calgary Hitmen, 03/01/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Andrei Molgachev showcased his skillset as a hockey player with impressive displays of speed, power, and agility. His release on shots is potent, with a noticeable flex in his stick that demonstrates the strength behind each attempt. He excels at generating space for himself and using it to create scoring opportunities, often beating defenders with quick moves. Molgachev’s smaller stature belies his ability to expand his range of motion quickly, making him a challenging player to defend against in tight spaces. His shot is particularly noteworthy, as he is able to generate power behind each wrist shot, suggesting a larger, more powerful presence on the ice than he physically appears.
1 Viewing
Comments: With the puck on his stick, Molgachev is highly unpredictable and creative. He has quick, soft hands that allow him to execute smaller space dekes seamlessly without losing speed. While he is primarily a playmaker, he can shoot the puck as well. Molgachev can pick corners from the middle of the ice or even from sharp angles. In the offensive zone, he excels at drawing defenders toward him, creating space and then threading passes through traffic. His agility and mobility help him evade pressure with ease, forcing defenders out of position.
Wyatt Pisarczyk (D, L, 5’10”, 177, Calgary Hitmen, 07/20/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Pisarczyk demonstrated a strong ability to drive play through the neutral zone, utilizing his speed and vision to control the tempo of the game. His creativity in attack and transition play make him a valuable asset to his team. While consistency was an issue for Pisarczyk, his overall skillset suggests that he has the potential to be a key player on the ice. He showed the ability to distribute the puck effectively to open teammates, particularly during power play situations. This highlights his strengths as a playmaker and his potential in creating scoring opportunities.
1 Viewing
Comments: Still do not know how this puck ended up in the back of the net, but Pisarczyk was able to get a shot through from the point just barely and the puck pinballed off a couple of shin pads, took the goalie by surprise, and trickled in. If there is anything to take away from this goal, it was how quick he was able to get his shot off, finding a lane and attacking it with no stick handling at the blue line. Pisarczyk does a good job in transition skating backwards with the puck, allowing for the play to develop and being able to snap a pass for an entry into the offensive zone.
Ethan Moore (LW, R, 6’0″, 176, Calgary Hitmen, 02/23/2005, Lake Superior)
Game Rating
A-
Ethan Moore possesses a well-rounded skill set that makes him an asset on the ice. He excels at playmaking and goal scoring, but his strength on the puck is particularly noteworthy. This allows him to dominate puck possession time, giving him a significant advantage in battles for the puck against larger opponents. Moore’s fluid skating abilities enable his team to quickly transition into the offensive zone, making him a key component of fast breaks. His instincts allow him to make quick plays with the puck, often using stickhandling moves to create space and find open teammates.
1 Viewing
Comments: Moore sort of nice one, just being a big presence at the net front. He was able to get a stick on a point shot and provide somewhat of a moving screen. This is where he plays his best hockey at the net front. He is not the biggest, but not the smallest. Plays bigger than he is and does a good job at winning space at the top of the crease. He does a good job along the wall, where he’s able to take contact and maintain possession.
Julien Maze (LW, L, 5’9″, 167, Calgary Hitmen, 12/07/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Maze can be shifty with his movements and edge work, fending off pressure and creating more space for himself and for his teammates to make quick touch passes or finding open seams. He is a quick and agile skater breaking free from defenders in an instant, but where his game really excelled tonight was off the rush. There was plenty of instances where he builds up speed in the defensive zone, reaches top speed through the neutral zone to challenge defenders one on one.
Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (RW, R, 6’0″, 187, Medicine Hat Tigers, 11/26/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Gordon-Carroll has the skill to create offense off the rush but can also be trusted in a shutdown role against top lines when needed. He plays an active, aware game, always engaged and scanning for the next play as it develops. A strong skater who competes hard, he brings consistent effort every shift. While not overly physical, he was able to show tonight that he is willing to engage and show that edge when the situation calls for it.
Liam Ruck (RW, R, 6’0″, 177, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/21/2007)
Game Rating
A
Liam Ruck’s skillset is showcased in his ability to create scoring opportunities with his head-up movement and deception on the ice. He consistently uses his body positioning and size to gain an advantage in front of the net, allowing him to outmuscle smaller defenders for position. Ruck also demonstrates impressive straight-line speed, using his leg extension to generate power and build up momentum when skating past opponents. His shot placement is a key aspect of his game, as he can accurately pick corners and shoot from various spots within the offensive zone. Additionally, Ruck’s ability to use tricks and fakes on goalies keeps them guessing, making it difficult for them to stay in position. His chemistry with teammates is also notable, particularly when playing with his brother.
1 Viewing
Comments: With three goals on the night tonight, Ruck was hands down the best player throughout the game. His ability to create offense and bear down in scoring areas is a reason why he is so effective in the offensive zone. Scored his first one, where you could find him drifting and getting lost in the slot, and the puck just finding him. This is a goal scorers goal, as he knows how to get loose and find that dead space, making him difficult to cover.
Carter Cunningham (LW, R, 6’2″, 187, Medicine Hat Tigers, 01/11/2006)
Game Rating
B-
Carter Cunningham’s role on the team appears to be centered around providing a physical presence in the net front and retrieving pucks that create offensive zone possessions. His large stature allows him to demand space and disrupt plays with his body, while also being mindful of the puck. When involved in puck plays, he is able to hold off defenders and protect the puck from being stolen.
1 Viewing
Comments: Cunningham has the ability to dictate the pace of play with his top end speed, making an impact in all three zones. He uses his body effectively to protect the puck, absorb contact, and stay involved in physical battles along the boards. When he creates space or wins possession in the offensive zone, he can be dangerous, but his playmaking could use some tweaks, at times, Cunningham leans too heavily on his shot and can take some questionable shots rather than looking to distribute.
Jonas Woo (D, R, 5’9″, 177, Medicine Hat Tigers, 11/19/2006, Arizona State)
Game Rating
A-
Woo’s goal-scoring ability is characterized by his quick shot release and ability to capitalize on high-quality chances. He has a strong skill set, including exceptional stickhandling, rapid skates, and the ability to pick up pucks quickly. As an offensive defenseman, Woo excels in tight spaces, using his agility and speed to beat opponents. While he doesn’t always wait for the perfect play, this impulsiveness can lead to some risk-taking on the ice. Despite this, his aggressive style is balanced by a strong desire to win loose pucks and deliver hits.
1 Viewing
Comments: Woo is a great puck-moving defenseman who always seems to make the right play when he is carrying the puck. Whether it is firing the puck on net, passing to a teammate, or carrying it himself, he has the awareness to make very smart decisions while in control of the puck. He does a good job at walking the line on the man advantage and use his vision to find open players. Woo always seems to find a way to get the puck on net from the point to either create a rebound or score himself. He can find himself getting into trouble on the ice from time to time. Due to his solid puck handling skills, he likes to lead the rush and head into the offensive zone by himself. Often, he makes the right call, but there are times when he can get stripped of the puck.
Josh Van Mulligen (D, R, 6’2″, 186, Medicine Hat Tigers, 2005, Niagara)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Van Mulligen is that his best when he is shutting down plays in his own end and looking to support offensively. He is a two way, transitional defenseman who will not lead the rush often but will join it at times. An excellent skater for his size with the ability to cover the full length of the ice with ease. Van Mulligen is proactive in the offensive zone, pinching down to extend plays, and shows strong vision as he operates along the perimeter to create opportunities and move the puck effectively, but his game shines more in his own zone.
Markus Ruck (C, L, 6’0″, 167, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/21/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Ruck scored the game winning goal tonight driving the net and getting a backdoor feed where he was able to basically tap the puck in. This is where he excels, pushing the pace and being an option close in proximity to defenders. One of the better parts about his game is how consistent he is moving his feet and wanting the puck on his stick. He has the confidence to shoot the puck and make a play, whatever the coverage calls for.
Noah Davidson (LW, L, 6’3″, 217, Medicine Hat Tigers, 11/01/2008, Boston College)
Game Rating
B
Noah Davidson demonstrated a well-rounded skillset on the ice tonight. His ability to score goals, particularly in high-pressure situations like the game-winner, showcases his potential as a threat in the scoring area. Davidson’s hands and stickhandling at the top of the crease allow him to effectively create space and find opportunities for himself or teammates. His physical presence also plays a significant role in his gameplay, enabling him to navigate through defenders and make effective passes. While he may not possess the speed or agility of some other centers, his size and hands give him an advantage in tight spaces. Overall, Davidson’s skillset suggests he has potential as a reliable contributor on his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Davidson sees the ice and processes the game very well, as he is always one or two steps ahead of the competition. He is always in control, dominating and dictating the pace every shift. He spots the open spaces very well, attacking with intent or by sneaking in undetected to make himself open for scoring opportunities. He competes hard and never gives up on plays, sticking with it to make something out of nothing.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images