GAME 29 PREVIEW | Cooperals back in style as Blades host Pats
Key Players, Notable Stats, How to Watch and More
You asked, we delivered. The Saskatoon Blades are bringing back cooperals for tonight’s 4:00pm puck drop against the Regina Pats (sort of).
It’s Heritage Night presented by Tim Horton’s as the Highway 11 rivals square off for the first time this season. The Bridge City Bunch aren’t just wearing custom retro jerseys; we’re rocking socks and pant shells that mimic cooperals.
The Blades hope to play as good as they’ll look, entering today’s matchup on a four-game losing streak. The latest defeat came on Wednesday at Assinboine Credit Union against the Brandon Wheat Kings 4-1. Blades Captain Tyler Parr says adversity like this can be good for the team in the long run.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned over the years is sticking together as a team,” said Parr, “That’s the only way you get out of this.”
The Blades play five games in eight nights including today’s contest against the Pats. Saskatoon travels to Moose Jaw on Tuesday for a tilt against the Warriors. Friday marks the beginning of Saskatoon’s first three-in-three stretch this season when they host the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The Blades return to Moose Jaw on Saturday and wrap up the weekend at home against the division’s top Prince Albert Raiders on Sunday.
Standings
Hi stranger
Today’s the first of six meetings against the Pats this season. Saskatoon dominated the season series last year going 5-1-0-0 and outscoring the Pats 27-12. Home ice has treated the Blades well in recent memory against Regina, boasting a 12-1-0-0 record at home the past five years.
Goaltending change
The Blades acquired a pair of fifth-round picks from the Penticton Vees in exchange for 19-year-old goalie Ethan McCallum on Thursday. The Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospect Draft picks include the Vancouver Giants fifth-round selection in 2026 and a conditional 2029 fifth-rounder.
The Brandon, MB native appeared in 38 games with the Blades throughout this year and the 2024-25 campaign. In 25 games last season, McCallum went 10-10-0-3 with the Blue and Gold, sporting a .902 save percentage (SV%) and 3.26 goals against average (GAA). The 6-foot-4 goaltender is 4-6-0-0 with a .886 SV% and 3.49 GAA.
With the move, Saskatoon called up 2008-born netminder Ryley Budd to the team. Blades General Manager and President Colin Priestner said the rookie netminder will remain with the club through the Christmas break. The Blades second-round (42nd overall) pick of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft won his WHL debut on November 21 in 3-2 fashion against the Swift Current Broncos.
The good guys
Edmonton Oilers draft pick David Lewandowski leads the team in points with 28 (8G, 20A) in 26 games. Alternate captains Rowan Calvert and Hunter Laing are tied for the most goals on the team at 13. Second-year defenceman Jordan Martin has the best +/- at +6. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner is 9-6-2-0 record between the pipes with a .892 SV%, 3.09 GAA, and one shutout.
The opposition
The Pats are limping into tonight’s game. Regina’s lost seven straight games, including all six of their U.S. Division road matchups. Forwards Keets Fawcett and Caden Brown are tied at 18 goals for the team-lead, while Fawcett leads the team in points with 28.
Milestone watch
Hunter Laing is one point away from 100 in his WHL career
Tyler Parr is five games away from 250 in his WHL career
Cooper Williams is six games away from 100 in his WHL career
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
