Tigers strike late to defeat Rimouski 5-4 in Memorial Cup opener
The Medicine Hat Tigers won their opening game at the 2025 Memorial Cup Friday, defeating Rimouski 5-4.
The Medicine Hat Tigers struck first at the Memorial Cup, defeating the Rimouski Oceanic 5-4 Friday night.
Hunter St. Martin scored late in the third to provide the margin of victory.
Ryder Ritchie opened the scoring for the Tigers a little more than halfway through the first period.
Alexandre Blais scored late in the first to tie it at a goal apiece.
Midway through the middle frame, Mael St-Denis scored to take a 2-1 lead before Bryce Pickford scored late to tie it up.
Pickford has set a CHL record (modern era) for defencemen, scoring goals in in nine straight games.
Jacob Mathieu tipped in a shot to give Rimouski a 3-2 lead, but Pickford scored again to tie it at three apiece.
Gavin McKenna scored in the third to give the Tigers a 4-3 lead, but Rimouski got a power play goal from Jonathan Fauchon scored to tie it up again.
That set the stage for St. Martin, who tipped home a centering pass from Tanner Molendyk to give Medicine Hat the win – on the 18th anniversary of their last Memorial Cup win.
Harrison Meneghin stopped 20 shots for Medicine Hat to pick up the victory.
Next up for the Tigers is a Monday matchup with QMJHL champion Moncton Wildcats. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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