Blades edged out by Raiders Friday night
Prince Albert, SK – As the competition heats up for the final few spots on the Blades’ roster, the energy was even more intense Friday night at the Art Hauser Centre between Saskatoon and the Prince Albert Raiders. Prince Albert earned their first win of the pre-season, while the Blades fall to 500 after coming out on the losing end of a 3-2 final.
An older lineup was on display for both teams after dressing mostly rookies in their first meeting last weekend, but there was still only one 20 year on the ice for the tilt; newly appointed Raider captain Curtis Miske. 19-year-old Sean Montgomery scored twice in the 3rd period for Prince Albert, including the eventual game winner.
For the Blades, both goals came on the man advantage. Defenceman Seth Bafaro blasted a one-timer through traffic for his first tally in a Blades uniform with Kirby Dach and Mark Rubinchik getting the helpers. Third year forward Josh Paterson had the other Blades goal in the final minute of the game, but it was too little too late.
Nolan Maier allowed just one goal on 18 shots faced in 30:04 of work while Joel Grzybowski gave up two goals on 11 shots in the back half of the game.
Both squads will face-off again Saturday night for their third and final pre-season meeting with one another. Veteran netminder Logan Flodell is slated to make his pre-season debut in what should be a heated affair after tonight’s hostilities. Game time is 7:00pm at the Legends Centre in Warman. Tickets are $10 each with proceeds going towards Warman Minor Hockey.
The Saskatoon Blades open the 2017-18 WHL regular season at home on Friday, September 22nd versus the Swift Current Broncos. Game time is 7:00pm at SaskTel Centre.
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