2025 WHL Playoffs Preview: 1) Medicine Hat Tigers Versus 8) Swift Current Broncos
The Medicine Hat Tigers are set to begin their trek to the 2025 Memorial Cup as a heavy favourite out of the WHL.
In their way? The scrappy Swift Current Broncos.
After a fierce season series, which saw a tie between the two clubs, the Tigers and Broncos will meet for the first time in the playoffs since the first round of the 2009 playoffs, where Medicine Hat took a seven-game set.
With a split, comes a couple close games. The last of which, coming on February 7, featured eight game misconducts and Luke Mistelbacher scoring the game winner as the Broncos took a 5-3 win inside Co-Op Place.
There are no question marks around Medicine Hat's lineup, aside from a couple returns. Per the WHL report for the week of March 18, defender Jonas Woo is listed as day-to-day and forward Andrew Basha is still listed as indefinite. Star forward Cayden Lindstrom could potentially make a return, albeit not in round one. He remains out for the forseeable future. Of the players that are in the lineup, Gavin McKenna remains the X-factor. Posting 100 points over a 40-game streak to end the regular season, the 2026 NHL draft eligible phenom can seemingly take a game over at will.
Heading east, the Broncos are no slouches themselves. Despite having limped into the playoffs, going 4-5-0-1 over their final 10 games, Swift Current has players that can score. Dynamic duo Brady Birnie and Luke Mistelbacher, as well as Seattle Kraken prosoect Clarke Caswell have put the team on their back at times this season and will look to do the same heading into April.
While the Tigers are the heavy favourite, as mentioned, a team like the Broncos could steal a game. With that said, Medicine Hat's goaltending tandem of Harrison Meneghin and Jordan Switzer have heated up at the right time and are poised to make opposing shooter's lives a living nightmare.
Prediction: Medicine Hat in 4
Season Series: Tied 2-2
Scoring Leaders:
Medicine Hat:
Gavin McKenna 41-88-129
Oasiz Weisblatt 36-67-103
Ryder Ritchie 29-32-61
Hunter St. Martin 39-20-59
Bryce Pickford 20-27-47
Swift Current:
Luke Mistelbacher 42-51-93
Clarke Caswell 22-62-84
Carlin Dezainde 34-38-72
Rylan Gould 29-37-66
Brady Birnie 26-39-65
Schedule:
Game 1: @ Medicine Hat, Friday, March 28, 7:00 MT
Game 2: @ Medicine Hat, Saturday, March 29, 7:00 MT
Game 3: @ Swift Current, Tuesday, April 1, 7:00 MT
Game 4: @ Swift Current, Wednesday, April 2 7:00 MT
*Game 5: @ Medicine Hat, Friday, April 4, 7:00 MT
*Game 6: @ Swift Current, Sunday, April 6, 5:00 MT
*Game 7: @ Medicine Hat, Tuesday, April 8, 7:00 MT
*- if necessary
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
2025 WHL Playoffs Preview: 1) Everett Silvertips Versus 8) Seattle Thunderbirds
WHL Awards Expansion Franchises To Penticton and Chilliwack
Spokane Chiefs Andrew Cristall Finishes 2024-25 Season As WHL's Top Scorer
Prince Albert Raiders Take 2025 WHL East Division Title
WHL Eastern Conference Title Comes Down To Final Day
-
Swift Current Broncos Secure Final Playoff Spot In The Eastern Conference
The Swift Current Broncos are headed to the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Swift Current claimed the final spot in the Eastern Conference on Friday thanks to Red Deer's overtime loss to the Prince Albert ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
2025 WHL Playoffs Preview: 1) Everett Silvertips Versus 8) Seattle Thunderbirds
After a fierce season series, the Everett Silvertips and Seattle Thunderbirds will meet in the first round of the 2025 WHL Playoffs. These two division rivals last met in the playoffs back in 2018, ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Current and former Denver Broncos to compete in NFLPA Classic
Courtland Sutton and Von Miller are among the current and former Broncos set to compete in the NFLPA Classic.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
The West Is Set For The 2025 WHL Playoffs
The first-round matchups in the Western Conference are set for the 2025 WHL Playoffs. This year's first round will feature four intriguing series, including one of the best rivalries in the U.S. ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Denver Broncos coaching staff for 2025 NFL season
Sean Payton's coaching staff with the Broncos appears to be set for 2025.Yahoo Sports - 11h -
2025 WHL Playoffs Preview: 2) Victoria Royals Versus 7) Tri-City Americans
The two-versus-seven seed in the West will see the Victoria Royals take on the Tri-City Americans. These two teams last faced off in 2018, when Tri-City swept Victoria in the second round. 2018 was ...Yahoo Sports - 7h -
Russell Wilson will play against Broncos in 2025 after joining new team
Russell Wilson is set to return to Denver to play against the Broncos in 2025.Yahoo Sports - 39m -
Broncos plan to use former 3rd-round pick at inside linebacker in 2025
The Broncos have made a decision on Drew Sanders' position for 2025.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16 -
2025 NFL mock draft: Broncos select RB Omarion Hampton
The Broncos land UNC RB Omarion Hampton in this 2025 NFL mock draft.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16
More from Yahoo Sports
-
AP source says Russell Wilson is signing with the New York Giants for 1 year
Yahoo Sports - 36m -
AP source says Russell Wilson is signing with the New York Giants for 1 year
Yahoo Sports - 36m -
NBA to mull European league proposal: report
The NBA is to review a proposal to create a new European basketball league which could feature up to 10 teams, a report said Tuesday.Sportico reported that while no formal vote on the European ...Yahoo Sports - 38m -
NBA to mull European league proposal: report
The NBA is to review a proposal to create a new European basketball league which could feature up to 10 teams, a report said Tuesday.Sportico reported that while no formal vote on the European ...Yahoo Sports - 38m -
Tennessee's Karlyn Pickens throws the fastest pitch in college softball history
Tennessee’s softball pitcher Karlyn Pickens made history on Monday, becoming the first ever to throw a 78 mph pitch.Yahoo Sports - 38m
More in Sports
-
Sources: Wilson reaches 1-year deal with Giants
The Giants and free agent QB Russell Wilson have reached agreement on a 1-year deal worth up to $21 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal eliminates New York as a potential option ...ESPN - 30m -
Who are the toughest first-round opponents for the Capitals, Jets?
The conference leaders meet Tuesday; what do their postseason paths look like? Plus, full playoff projections.ESPN - 35m -
AP source says Russell Wilson is signing with the New York Giants for 1 year
Yahoo Sports - 36m -
AP source says Russell Wilson is signing with the New York Giants for 1 year
Yahoo Sports - 36m -
NBA to mull European league proposal: report
The NBA is to review a proposal to create a new European basketball league which could feature up to 10 teams, a report said Tuesday.Sportico reported that while no formal vote on the European ...Yahoo Sports - 38m