GAME 36 PREVIEW | Blades try for weekend sweep against Pats
Key Players, Notable Stats, How to Watch and More
The Saskatoon Blades (18-14-2-1) try for a weekend sweep of the Regina Pats (11-17-3-1) when they visit the Brandt Centre for a 2:00pm game. The Bridge City Bunch defeated the Pats 3-2 in overtime last night at SaskTel Centre in front of 7,000+ fans at home. Saskatoon dominated the shot department last night, outshooting Regina 49-14 by the end of the game. The six-game season series between the Highway 11 rivals is tied 1-1, with Saskatoon outscored 3-6.
Standings
Bringer of bears
Klim Reaper, Klim Shady, and now Teddy Bear Toss goal scorer. NHL Draft-eligible defenceman Brayden Klimpke scored the Teddy Toss goal in yesterday’s win against the Pats. The goal came 7:03 into the contest and was the first of two points for Klimpke in the game. The “C” rated prospect by NHL Central Scouting notched an assist on forward Kazden Mathies’ powerplay goal in the third period. Klimpke is tied for the team-lead in assists alongside Edmonton Oilers draft pick David Lewandowski at 24. In 35 games, the alternate captain has three goals and 27 points.
Dirty 30s
Sophomore centre Cooper Williams cracked 30 points on the season for the secod time in his career after scoring the overtime winner yesterday against Regina. The “B” rated prospect by NHL Central Scouting ended the game 2:16 into the extra frame with his 13th goal of the year. Williams has 30 points in 33 games this season.
Gardfather
Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner picked up his 12th win of the year in his 100th career WHL appearance last night against Regina. The Fort St. John, BC native turned aside 12 of 14 Regina shots. Gardner is 12-8-2-1 with a .892 save percentage (SV%), 3.05 goals against average (GAA), and one shutout.
The good guys
Lewandowski leads the team in points with 32 (8G, 24A) in 28 games. Calvert has the most goals on the team at 19 after six goals across his past six contests. Second-year defenceman Jordan Martin has the best +/- at +7. Gardner is 12-8-2-1 record between the pipes with a .892 SV%, 3.05 GAA, and one shutout.
Milestone watch
Forward Zach Olsen is five games away from 100 in his WHL career
Captain Tyler Parr is five assists away from 100 in his WHL career
Forward Kazden Mathies is two games away from 150 in his WHL career.
Watch and listen
Fans can watch today’s game for FREE on Victory+ TV. Click HERE to make your free account today.
Voice of the Blades Les Lazaruk will have the call on 600 CJWW. Coverage begins at 1:45pm CST with the pre-game show.
