GAME 8 PREVIEW | Blades, Warriors renew rivalry from May’s Eastern Conference Final
WHL REGULAR SEASON | GAME 7 | Saskatoon Blades (5-1-1-0) vs Moose Jaw Warriors (3-3-1-0)
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Tonight
Emotions will be high at SaskTel Centre tonight as the Saskatoon Blades (5-1-1-0) and Moose Jaw Warriors (3-3-1-0) go head-to-head for the first time since Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final last spring. The Warriors emerged victorious in the tightest WHL series in history. Six-of-seven games in the series required overtime, including Game 7 which the Warriors won 3-2.
Saskatoon host the defending WHL Champions as the top team in the Eastern Conference to start the season. Victory came in 2-1 fashion last night on home ice for the Blue and Gold against the Spokane Chiefs. The Blades trailed 1-0 late in the second, but back-to-back goals from captain Ben Saunderson and Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk completed the comeback. Penalty killing has been a struggle for both sides this year as both their percentages are bottom five in the league.
Who to Watch
The Blades’ second-round pick (120th overall) of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, David Lewandowski, is expected to make his WHL debut tonight. Saskatoon signed the NHL draft-eligible centre earlier this week. Lewandowski spent seven games with Düsseldorf EG of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), Germany’s top pro league. The 6-foot-2 centre has been touted by several outlets to be selected at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Consolidated Ranking has the 2007-born German ranked 71st, while Draft Prospects Hockey has him projected at 64.
Tonight’s Ben Saunderson’s 200th career WHL game. Drafted by the Blades in the fifth round (89th overall) of the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft, the left-handed shot has seven goals, 53 assists, and 60 points in his career. Saunderson was named the 63rd captain in franchise history October 1st, helping the Blades to an 11-point start in the first seven games.
