GAME 2 PREVIEW: Saskatoon Blades at Moose Jaw Warriors, Sept. 19, 2026
Blades search for first win of season at Warriors Home Opener
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades (0-1-0-0) look for redemption Saturday at Temple Gardens Centre against the Moose Jaw Warriors (0-0-0-0). Puck drop is 6:00 p.m.
The Bridge City Bunch dropped the season opener 5-4 last night at Assiniboine Credit Union Place against the Brandon Wheat Kings. Trailing by three at two separate points in the final frame, Saskatoon brought themselves within one and nearly buried the equalizer in the dying seconds of the game.
“The pushback from the guys, we saw it in preseason, this group doesn’t give up, and that’s pretty cool to see this early in the season,” said Blades defenceman Brayden Klimpke.
The Montreal Canadiens draft pick was named third star in last night’s game with a goal and two assists. Both helpers came on the man-advantage in the third period, helping the powerplay finish 2/7 on the night, while the penalty kill went a perfect 3/3.
Tonight’s the second straight game Saskatoon plays in the opposing team’s home opener. It’s also the second game of a three-game road trip to begin the season for the Bridge City Bunch. The last time Saskatoon began a season with three games on the road was in 1976.
The Good Guys:
20-year-old forward Hunter Laing and 2008-born winger Ben Bowtell netted both powerplay goals for Saskatoon, while Martensville, SK native Kazden Mathies scored short-handed later in the third period.
16-year-old Max Hartel stopped 25 shots in his Western Hockey League (WHL) debut, including all 11 in the first period alone.
Watch & Listen:
Coverage for tonight’s season opener begins at 5:45 p.m. MT on 600CJWW with the Pre-Game Show, hosted by the Voice of the Blades Les Lazaruk and Blades Communications Manager Tanner Chubey. Fans can watch the game for FREE on the WHL’s YouTube Channel.
The Saskatoon Blades Home Opener presented by Go Merlin Ford Lincoln is on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:00pm vs. the Prince Albert Raiders. Single game tickets are on sale NOW! Purchase yours HERE today.
