GAME 28 PREVIEW | Blades begin three-game road trip in Medicine Hat
WHL REGULAR SEASON | GAME 28 | Saskatoon Blades (17-6-2-2) @ Medicine Hat Tigers (16-13-1-0)
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Tonight
The Saskatoon Blades (17-6-2-2) begin a three-game road trip Tuesday at Co-op Place against the Medicine Hat Tigers (16-13-1-0). It’s the third meeting within a month between the Eastern Conference’s top two teams. The Blades lead the season series 2-0 against the Tigers. Saskatoon’s first win came at home 5-3 on Nov. 19, followed by a 4-3 overtime victory Nov. 23 at Co-op Place.
The Bridge City Bunch went 2-0-1-1 on their latest four-game home-stand, keeping them undefeated in regulation at SaskTel Centre since March 1. Both extra time losses came on the back half of the home-stand, the latest being a 5-4 overtime defeat Saturday against the Calgary Hitmen.
Who to Watch
20-year-old sniper Brandon Lisowsky was named third star in Saturday’s loss to the Hitmen with two goals and an assist. The Port Coquitlam, BC product’s pair of goals moved him into sole possession of seventh place on the Blades’ all-time goal scoring list with 136. Lisowsky is two shy of tying alumnus Josh Nicholls for sixth place. In 21 games this season, Lisowsky is second on the team in points with 26 (15G, 14A) as he suits up for career game 249. The left-handed shot scored his 250th career WHL point Wednesday in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Red Deer Rebels, becoming the 26th player in franchise history to reach the 250-point plateau.
Sophomore forward Hudson Kibblewhite in his return to the lineup Saturday against the Hitmen. The Vernon, BC native missed seven games prior due to an injury. Kibblewhite’s goal brought the Blades within one in the third period, giving him four goals and two assists in 20 games.
Captain Ben Saunderson and forward Ben Riche committed to the NCAA’s Quinnipiac University Men’s Hockey team Monday. Saunderson will compete for Quinnipiac University Athletics to begin the 2025-26 season while Riche will start the following year upon the conclusion of both their WHL eligibilities. Saunderson’s 0.63 points per game (Pts/G) this season is the highest in his career, owning two goals and 15 assists in 27 games. In his first season with the Blue and Gold, Riche has set new career highs in goals (16), assists (22), and points (38) in 26 games. The 5-foot-11 speedster leads the team in points and currently has six points (2G, 4A) on his current five-game point streak.
