DARREN STEINKE
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Tyler Bunz hopes the third time will be a charm.
The Medicine Hat Tigers starting goaltender failed in his first two attempts to pass Matt Keetley as the team's all-time leader for regular season wins. Both puck stoppers are tied with 105 career victories.
The third chance for Bunz to capture victory 106 comes tonight as the Tigers travel to Prince Albert to face the Raiders. Bunz admitted it is a little frustrating that he didn't get the record victory in his first two tries.
"You can't really think about it," said Bunz. "You just have to keep on going and play your game.
"It has been two games now, and I haven't played my best. Hopefully, Friday night in P.A. I can do it."
Bunz started the season fifth on the club's all-time list with 76 victories. While he has posted a solid 29-14-4 record with a 2.64 goals against average, a .920 save percentage and three shutouts, Bunz said the climb has had its roller-coaster moments.
"It has been up and down," said Bunz. "There are times where I have played my best, and there were times where I haven't.
"It has taken me four years to get here. I kind of want to bear down and get it. I just want to get a win and get back on track."
Emerson Etem said the fact Bunz needs one more win to be the team's all-time leader has been on the minds of the other Tigers players. The man who has 47 goals in 45 games said the skaters playing in front of Bunz have to try and keep the record out of their heads.
"I think it starts with us focusing on our systems and the game we know we can play and I think the win will come," said Etem, who leads the team 81 points. "We just stick to our systems and play a simple game, especially on the road."
If Bunz doesn't get the record tonight, the Tigers close a short two-game trip on Saturday by playing the Blades in Saskatoon.
Of note, Keetley collected his 105 wins in 152 games, while Bunz got to 105 in his 181st appearance.
"I looked at that recently," said Bunz. "He (Keetley) played a lot less games than I have. He got it a lot quicker than I did.
"He was getting 40 wins a year. That is kind of going to help a lot. He was a great goalie.
"He set all the records here. He has a WHL championship. He has the resume for it."
The Tigers will also face Raiders star centre Mark McNeill tonight. McNeill had four goals and an assist in the Tigers 6-5 home ice victory over the Raiders on Jan. 25.
Skill competition fundraiser set
Bunz has organized a Tigers skills competition for Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at The Arena.
Tickets are $5 and the proceeds will go towards research in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis. Bunz said long time Tigers billet Sue Larock has been battling MS.
"We know Sue (Larock) pretty well," said Bunz. "She is a great lady. She has had a lot of players come through.
"If we can help her out one step at a time, it is one step in the right direction."