A preview of the first-round playoff series between the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Red Deer Rebels.

The four-vs-five matchup in the Eastern Conference will feature the Medicine Hat Tigers taking on the Red Deer Rebels. These two teams last met in 2015 when the Tigers defeated the Rebels 4-1 in the first round. Despite Medicine Hat winning the season series, every game was close, with Red Deer taking two of the final three games. 

The Tigers are an exciting young team with a dynamic offence. Led by superstar Gavin McKenna and 2024 NHL Draft prospect Andrew Basha, this Medicine Hat team will be hard to stop. Add in the potential of a Cayden Lindstrom return, and this team could be destined for the WHL's Eastern Final.

As for the Rebels, they are going to need standout performances from goaltenders Chase Wutzke and Rhett Stoesser. While they do have some talented players, such as Kalan Lind, Ollie Josephson, and Mats Lindgren, they will need to play strong defensively and capitalize on mistakes by the Tigers. If they can keep Medicine Hat under three goals a game, they could be on their way to the second round. 

Predicition: Medicine Hat in 7

Playoff Schedule:

Game 1: Friday, March 29, 7:00 p.m. MT @ Medicine Hat
Game 2: Saturday, March 30, 7:00 p.m. MT @ Medicine Hat
Game 3: Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 p.m. MT @ Red Deer
Game 4: Wednesday, April 3, 7:00 p.m. MT @ Red Deer
*Game 5: Friday, April 5, 7:00 p.m. MT @ Medicine Hat
*Game 6: Sunday, April 7, 2:00 p.m. MT @ Red Deer
*Game 7: Tuesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m. MT @ Medicine Hat

Season Series:

Medicine Hat Tigers: 4-2-0-0
Red Deer Rebels: 2-2-2-0

Red Deer 4 @ Medicine Hat 5 (Feb 10, 2024) Final OT
Red Deer 3 @ Medicine Hat 1 (Jan 19, 2024) Final
Medicine Hat 3 @ Red Deer 5 (Jan 5, 2024) Final
Red Deer 2 @ Medicine Hat 3 (Jan 2, 2024) Final OT
Medicine Hat 4 @ Red Deer 2 (Dec 27, 2023) Final
Medicine Hat 4 @ Red Deer 2 (Sep 29, 2023) Final

Leading Scorers During Season Series:

Medicine Hat Tigers:

1) Oasiz Wiesblatt- 6 GP, 4 G, 8 A, 12 P
2) Gavin McKenna- 6 GP, 4 G, 7 A, 11 P
3) Andrew Basha- 5 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 P
4) Shane Smith- 6 GP, 2 G, 1 A 3 P
5) Reid Andresen- 6 GP 0 G, 3 A, 3 P

Red Deer Rebels

1) Hunter Mayo- 6 GP, 2 G, 5 A, 7 P
2) Ollie Josephson- 6 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 P
3) Kai Uchacz- 6 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 P 
4) Jhett Larson- 6 GP, 4 G, 1 A, 5 P
5) Kalan Lind- 4 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 P 

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Everett Silvertips Set To Select First Overall In The 2024 WHL Prospects Draft

2024 WHL Playoff Preview: 3) Moose Jaw Warriors vs 6) Brandon Wheat Kings

2024 WHL Playoffs Preview: 2) Portland Winterhawks vs 7) Victoria Royals

2024 WHL Playoffs Preview: 2) Swift Current Broncos vs 7) Lethbridge Hurricanes

2024 WHL Playoffs Preview: 1) Prince George Cougars vs 8) Spokane Chiefs

2024 WHL Playoffs Preview: 1) Saskatoon Blades vs 8) Prince Albert Raiders

Prince George Cougars' Riley Heidt Signs His Entry-Level Contract With The Minnesota Wild