2012-13 record: 36-33-2-1 (Lost to Edmonton in Conference semifinals)
For a team that boasted one of the more prolific one-two punches on offense in Curtis Valk and Hunter Shinkaruk, the Tigers had some trouble keeping the puck out of the net, as they scored almost as many goals as they gave up (243 Goals for to 244 goals against). Had the Tigers not picked up Cam Lanigan early in the season, it would have been likely that the Tigers would have missed the playoffs, as he was the difference maker in the opening round against Saskatoon. Now that he has moved on (along with Elgin Pearce and Derek Ryckman), the Tigers need to figure out who will be the starting goaltender, as neither of last year's possible returning players Marek Langhammer or Dawson McAuley were particularly good when they got to play. At least their offense will return, as leading scorer Valk may very well occupy one of the three overage spots on the roster this season while Shinkaruk isn't expected to break with the Vancouver Canucks on Opening Day. Secondary scoring is a concern, however.
Prediction: 8th in the East
The Tigers will once again be struggling to make the playoffs for as long as they are unable to solve their goaltending issues. Their offense should be enough to assure them of another playoff berth, but they must have both Valk and Shinkaruk healthy, something that wasn't always the case with Shinkaruk, as he missed a little time due to injuries.
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