GAME 65 PREVIEW | Blades host Pats for First Nations Night
WHL REGULAR SEASON | GAME 65 | Saskatoon Blades (35-22-3-4) vs Regina Pats (15-41-5-3)
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The Saskatoon Blades are proud to welcome the Regina Pats for First Nations Night presented by Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation.
Designed by talented artist Chris Chipak, the Blades are dawning special themed jersey featuring a unique variation of the Blades pac-man logo. The unique variation of the Blades pac-man logo boasts several features showcasing the rich heritage and history of First Nations peoples in Canada.
This night is an opportunity for us to not only celebrate First Nations culture but also recognize the contributions of First Nations peoples to our community and the game of hockey. We encourage fans to join us for a special evening of celebration.
Tonight
The Saskatoon Blades (35-22-3-4) aim to remain in the hunt for first place of the East Division when they welcome the Regina Pats (15-41-5-3) to SaskTel Centre.
The Blades have 77 points on the season, two back of the first-place Brandon Wheat Kings with a game in-hand. Tonight is Saskatoon’s game in-hand over the Wheat Kings. It’s also the sixth and final regular season meeting between the Blades and Pats this season. The Blue and Gold are 4-1-0-0 in the season series, defeating the Pats in Regina on Tuesday 6-3. The Blades’ latest victory came Friday at InnovationPlex in 3-0 fashion against the Swift Current Broncos.
Who to Watch
2008-born centre Cooper Williams recorded a goal and two assists Friday’s win over the Broncos. The rookie forward has 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points in 33 games since the Christmas break. Williams’ 53 points in 64 games is tied for the third-most points by a Blades rookie in the last 25 years alongside Martin Erat (1999-20) and Burke Gallimore (2008-09). The Calgary, AB native was drafted in the second round (41st overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft and leads all 2008-born players in WHL points.
Sophomore defenceman Jack Kachkowski scored his first career game-winning goal Friday against the Broncos. The 2007-born blueliner’s opening goal of the game less than five minutes into the first period was enough to secure the win. The former Medicine Hat Tiger has three goals and two assists in 22 games since joining the Blue and Gold on January 6. In 59 games total, Kachkowski has three goals and 13 points.
Sophomore goalie Evan Gardner collected his second shutout of the season in Friday’s win over Swift Current. The Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick’s six career shutouts are tied for the fifth most in franchise history. Gardner’s 21 wins this season match his total set last year during his rookie season.
Our game day 50/50 is live! You can skip the line at the game and purchase your ticket online from anywhere in Saskatchewan. Give yourself a chance to walk home with some serious cash!
