Medicine Hat Tigers Roar to WHL Glory After Dominant Championship Run
What an electrifying series it was as the Medicine Hat Tigers clinched the 2025 WHL Championship with an assertive 4-1 series win over the Spokane Chiefs. Now on their way to Quebec for the Memorial Cup, it’s the perfect moment to look back and unpack this unforgettable showdown between two fierce contenders.
Game one set the tone in favor of the Tigers, who wasted no time taking control on home ice. Cayden Lindstrom and Andrew Basha teamed up to notch the opening goal of the series, and from that point on, it was all Medicine Hat. Spokane did manage to sneak one past Harrison Meneghin late in the game, but the Tigers skated away with a 4-1 win, making a clear opening statement.
However, the Chiefs bounced back hard in game two, flipping the script in front of a stunned Medicine Hat crowd. Despite another lightning-fast opening goal from Basha, Spokane exploded with four goals in under five minutes to close out the first period. The 6-2 win breathed new life into their campaign and evened the series.
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But game three was a turning point. Meneghin came back with a vengeance, shutting out Spokane with 28 saves, while his teammates lit the lamp six times. Physical tensions flared as frustration boiled over, and with game misconducts being handed out, it was clear the Tigers weren’t just aiming to win—they were aiming to dominate.
Game four continued the trend. Spokane and Medicine Hat traded early goals, but then 18-year-old Bryce Pickford stole the spotlight with two clutch goals. Hunter St. Martin added an insurance marker, and the Tigers pushed their series lead to 3-1 with a 5-2 win.
The championship-clinching game five was more strategic and measured. The scoreboard remained untouched until Tigers defenseman Niilopekka Muhonen stepped up with his first goal of the playoffs midway through the second period. From there, Gavin McKenna and St. Martin took over, expanding the lead. Though Spokane narrowed the gap to one, St. Martin sealed the deal with an empty netter, closing out the game 4-2—and the series.
Playoffs MVP honors deservedly went to goaltender Harrison Meneghin, who was a wall in net and the heartbeat of Medicine Hat's defensive dominance throughout the series.
Now, all eyes turn to the Memorial Cup as the Tigers aim to cap off this incredible postseason run. With a balanced mix of offensive power, defensive grit, and elite goaltending, Medicine Hat enters the tournament not just as WHL champions—but as serious contenders for national glory.
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