Tigers tie WHL’s championship series

MEDICINE HAT, Alberta – Kevin Undershute scored a pair of goals for the Medicine Hat Tigers in a 3-2 win over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday to even the Western Hockey League championship series 1-1.

David Schlemko also scored for the Tigers in front of a capacity crowd in a steamy Medicine Hat Arena, warmed by both the 4,000 bodies and the day’s warm temperature.

Calgary Flames prospect Matt Keetley made 26 saves for the win.

Milan Lucic and Mario Bliznak scored for the Giants, who twice came from behind to tie the game.

Vancouver goaltender Tyson Sexsmith stopped 28 shots.

The Tigers had eight power-play opportunities to the Giants’ four.

Vancouver, the defending WHL champs, took the first game of the series 1-0 on Friday.

The next three games of the series will be played Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in Vancouver.

Games 6 and 7, if necessary, return to Medicine Hat.

Both clubs will play in the Memorial Cup starting May 18 in Vancouver. The Giants were already in as the host team, so the Tigers get in as either WHL champs or runners-up.

They will be joined by the champions of the Ontario and Quebec major junior leagues.