GAME 14 PREVIEW | Blades first guest for Winterhawks in 2025-26
Key Players, Notable Stats, How to Watch and More
The Saskatoon Blades enter Veterans Memorial Coliseum for the Portland Winterhawks home opener.
It was less than an ideal start to the Blue and Gold’s U.S. Division road trip. Saskatoon fell down 3-0 in the first period last night at Angel of the Winds Arena against the Everett Silvertips. A pair of goals from Calgary Flames draft pick Hunter Laing brought the Blades back within one, but ultimately dropped their trip opener 3-2. The 6-foot-6 winger has six goals and assists for 12 points in ten games this season. Shots ended 39-16 for the hosts at the final horn.
Goalie Evan Gardner was busy and sensational between the pipes in defeat last night. The third-year Blades netminder stopped 36 of 39 shots. The back-to-back Western Hockey League (WHL) Humanitarian of the Year nominee has a .929 save percentage (SV%), 2.09 goals against average (GAA), and one shutout.
Tonight’s the second game of a six games in nine nights span for the Bridge City Bunch.
Exercise demons?
Saskatoon’s dropped five straight head-to-head meetings against the Portland Winterhawks. The last victory against the hosts was Dec. 3, 2017. in 4-0 fashion at the Moda Center.
New kid on the block
19-year-old defenceman Derek Thurston is expected to make his Blades debut tonight against Portland. The 6-foot-1 defender was acquired Friday morning from the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for forward Kohen Lodge and a conditional 2028 fifth-round pick. Thurston has one assist in 11 games this season after a nine-goal campaign in 67 games last year.
The opposition
After an 11-game road trip to start the season, the Winterhawks hit the ice for their 2025-26 home opener. New renovations and a craving to see their team play will provide even more energy to an already electric Portland crowd. 2008-born centre Jordan Duguay leads the Winterhawks in points with six goals and six assists for 12 points in 11 games.
Milestone watch
Hunter Laing is two games away from 150 in his WHL career.
Watch & Listen
Fans can watch tonight’s game for FREE on Victory+ TV. Click HERE to make your free account today.
Voice of the Blades Les Lazaruk and Blades Communications Manager Tanner Chubey will have the call on 600 CJWW. Coverage begins at 6:45pm MT with the pre-game show.
