Tigers strike first in WHL finals, defeating Chiefs 4-1

Medicine Hat won Game 1 of the WHL Finals Friday night, defeating Spokane 4-1 (Photo: X@WHLHockey)

With a sellout crowd cheering them on, the Medicine Hat Tigers struck first in the Western Hockey League final Friday night, defeating the Spokane Chiefs 4-1.

Calgary Flames prospect Andrew Basha ignited the evening, scoring the opening goal to give the Tigers an early 1-0 lead.

Late in the first, Gavin McKenna set up defenceman Bryce Pickford to put the Tigers up 2-0.

The assist extended McKenna’s CHL record scoring streak to 54 games.

Following a scoreless second period, the Chiefs got a goal from Berkly Catton to make it 2-1, before the Tigers responded with a goal from Ethan Neutens to make it 3-1.

Tanner Molendyk added an empty-netter in the late stages to make it a 4-1 final in favour of Medicine Hat.

Spokane outshot Medicine Hat 37-22, with former Lethbridge Hurricane goaltender Harrison Menghin starring in goal for the Tigers.

Game 2 goes Sunday night at 7 p.m. MT in Medicine Hat. The game is being televised on TSN.