GAME 37 PREVIEW | Blades, Wheat Kings kick off 2026 with matinee
Key Players, Notable Stats, How to Watch and More
The Saskatoon Blades begin the new year with a matinee battle on the road against the Brandon Wheat Kings. It’s the fourth of eight meetings this season between the East Division rivals and the third matchup in Brandon. Saskatoon is 1-2-0-0 in the season series with nine goals for and ten against. The Bridge City Bunch is 2-0 since returning from the Christmas Break on Saturday. Both wins came against the Regina Pats, one at home and one on the road. In the first game back from the break, the Blades defeated Regina 3-2 on Saturday at SaskTel Centre. Less than 24 hours later the Blades shutout the Pats 4-0 on the road.
Standings
Cohen strong
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.
Another shorty
18-year-old defenceman Jack Kachkowski became the fourth Blade to score a short-handed goal this season. The 6-foot defender scored his short-handed tally unassisted in the third period on Sunday against Regina. Kachkowski has six goals and eight assists for 14 points this season, all career highs.
Gardfather
Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner earned his ninth career shutout with a 28-save performance Sunday against Regina. The Fort St. John, BC native is tied for the second most shutouts in franchise history alongside Andrey Makarov. The Gardfather has a 13-8-2-1 record with a .897 save percentage, 2.93 goals against average, and two shutouts.
The good guys
Edmonton Oilers draft pick David Lewandowski and Calgary Flames draft pick Hunter Laing are tied for the team-lead in points at 32. Alternate captain Rowan Calvert has the most goals on the team at 19 after six goals across his past seven contests. Second-year defenceman Jordan Martin has the best +/- at +8. Gardner is 13-8-2-1 record between the pipes with a .897 SV%, 2.93 GAA, and two shutouts.
Milestone watch
Forward Zach Olsen is four games away from 100 in his WHL career
Captain Tyler Parr is five assists away from 100 in his WHL career
Today is Kazden Mathies 150th career WHL game
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.
