NEWS: Blades bring up Maier, release Grzybowski
The Saskatoon Blades have called upon 16-year-old goaltender Nolan Maier to join the club on a permanent basis beginning Tuesday.
Maier recently represented Team Canada Black at the World U17 Challenge in Northern British Columbia. Despite failing to earn a medal after being knocked out in the quarter-finals by the eventual tournament champs from the United States, Maier posted the best save percentage of all goalies with 3 or more starts with a .917SV%.
Prior to the tournament, Maier was cutting his teeth with his hometown Yorkton Terriers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. It likely wasn’t easy for Maier and the Terriers who are going through a transitional season having just 3 wins in 21 games, but the rookie netminder saw plenty of rubber in his seven starts and managed to maintain a .897SV%. To put it into perspective, in 7 starts Maier averaged 49.7 shots against per game. He was also the only 16-year-old goaltender in the league to appear in more than one game.
Maier will join the Blades for practice Tuesday in preparation of Wednesday night’s game at SaskTel Centre when the Blades play host to the Moose Jaw Warriors.
As a result of bringing up Maier, the Blades have sent 18-year-old Joel Grzybowski back to the Battlefords North Stars of the SJHL. Grzybowski started one game during his time with the Blades while working in relief another four times to manage an .843SV% in 157 minutes played.
The Blades would like to thank Joel for his time and commitment to our organization and community.
The next Blades home game is Wednesday, November 15th versus the Moose Jaw Warriors for “Wing-It Wednesday” including $5 boneless wing specials at the concession and ticket specials. Click here for tickets or call 306.975.8844 to book your group night or experience package!