Rookies will get look in pair of pre-season games against Hurricanes this weekend

After a solid week of training camp, it’s time for the Medicine Hat Tigers’ rookies to play against someone else.

Their traditional Highway 3 rivals ought to do.

The Tigers head to Enmax Centre tonight for a pre-season date with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, predictably bringing along a rookie-laden lineup.

“Just play my game, do what I do best, get pucks deep, use my skill, use my speed and get shots on net, make plays with my linemates,” said Cole Sillinger, the team’s first-round draft pick from earlier this year. “The WHL, even though it’s preseason as a younger kid you’ve got to take it serious, you want to do your best. You’ve got to get proper meals in, got to be going and ready for that game.”

The 15-year-old is one of many who’s well aware tonight and Saturday’s rematch in Taber could be their last action with the Tigers for a while. But it’s clear Sillinger has made an impression in his short time in camp.

“For 15 years old he’s got a real mature approach to his game, he’s added some muscle even from June camp,” said head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston. “He’s worked on his skating and shown improvement in a few months.

“We’re just thrilled with how he’s played and carried himself in camp.”

Fifteen-year-olds can only play a maximum of five games in the WHL before their midget seasons are over, so Clouston hopes the schedule provides the Regina native a couple opportunities.

Clouston confirmed there won’t be any other planned cuts before the weekend, after which a handful of veterans are off to NHL camps and early moves will allow younger players to funnel back to the teams they’ll spend the regular season with.

Sillinger, whose older brothers Owen (20, Bemidji State University) and Lukas (17, Penticton Vees) both play at a high level also, probably had a bit better idea of what to expect at his first WHL training camp than most. His dad, Mike, played in the NHL for 19 years too. Coming into such a new environment with new faces can be overwhelming, but he’s seemed remarkably comfortable.

“It’s a great experience, all the guys are so good to you, the staff welcomes you with open arms,” he said. “It doesn’t even feel like it’s my first camp, I’m glad they do that for me.

“Everything’s been great, first class and that’s what you expect out of the Tigers.”

Tigers sign Kapty

The Tigers signed another of their draft picks to a player agreement Thursday. Brayden Kapty of Coalhurst was the Tigers’ ninth-round pick in 2017 and played in Lethbridge last season, scoring 41 points in 35 points with their 15-year-old minor midget team. The 6-foot, 160pound defenceman helped his team win a league title in the spring.