GAME 19 PREVIEW | Blades return home with weekend doubleheader
Merchandise, promos, key players, notable stats, tickets, and more
The Saskatoon Blades (10-6-2-0) return to SaskTel Centre to take on the Moose Jaw Warriors (8-8-1-0) at 7:00pm for the first home game in 19 days.
It’s the first game for the Blue and Gold since their U.S. Division road trip to at the end of October. The Bridge City Bunch played six games in nine nights south of the border, bringing home a 1-3-2-0 record. Three of the Blades five loss were decided by one goal. Fans have a chance to witness a double-dose of the Blades after the hiatus with the second half of the weekend doubleheader on Saturday, Nov. 8 against the Calgary Hitmen. Puck drop is 7:00pm.
Tonight’s contest marks the third of six meetings between the Blades and Warriors this season. Saskatoon’s only home loss this season came at the hands of the Warriors on October 17 in 6-2 fashion. The Blades responded the following night with an 8-5 thriller in Moose Jaw to even the season series. Blades alternate captain Brayden Klimpke and 18-year-old forward Kazden Mathies each recorded three points in the win victory.
Home’s treated the Blades well this season with a 5-1-0-0 record, outscoring opponents 22-14.
Take advantage of the last few days of hat weather with our Blades ’47 Puck Drop hat! Stop by the Frozen Pond on the concourse at tonight’s game while they’re still hot.
Standings
First taste of the new guy
Blade City got to see Derek Thurston in a Pac-Man sweater on their screen, but tonight’s their first opportunity to witness the newest Blade in person. The 6-foot-1 blueliner was acquired ahead by the Blades via trade ahead of the team’s opening game of the trip against the Everett Silvertips. In exchange, the Blades traded 2008-born forward Kohen Lodge and a conditional 2028 fifth-round Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft pick. Thurston made his Blades debut on October 25 against the Portland Winterhawks. The 19-year-old defenceman scored his first goal of the season on November 1 in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Wenatchee Wild.
The good guys
Edmonton Oilers draft pick David Lewandowski leads the team in points with 18 (5G, 13A) in 16 games. Alternate captain Rowan Calvert has the most goals on the team with eight in 17 games. Second-year defenceman Jordan Martin has the best +/- at +11. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner boasts a 6-4-2-0 record between the pipes with. .918 save percentage (SV%), 2.40 goals against average (GAA), and one shutout.
The opposition
The Warriors struck a big deal of their own with the Rebels this week. The 2024 WHL Champions acquired Minnesota Wild prospect Chase Wutzke from Red Deer in exchange for a first and third-round pick in 2026, a second-round pick in 2027, a fourth-round pick in 2028, and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2029. The Debden, SK native is 1-1-0-0 between the pipes since joining the Warriors on November 1. Wutzke’s first win came Wednesday at home against the Calgary Hitmen, stopping 25 of 27 shots en route to a 6-2 win. Washington Capitals prospect Lynden Lakovic has the Blades number this season. Moose Jaw’s captain has three goals in two games against Saskatoon this year. Lakovic has goals in five straight games against the Blades dating back to last season, scoring seven in that span.
Milestone watch
Watch and listen
Fans can watch tonight’s game for FREE on Victory+ TV. Coverage begins 15 minutes before puck drop hosted by Tanner Chubey. Click HERE to make your free account today.
Post-Game
