ROSTER UPDATE: Returning Players & Subtractions
The Saskatoon Blades have trimmed their Pre-Season roster down to 26 players. A group of rookies have been released from the active roster while three of the Blades’ six players attending NHL camps have returned.
15-year-old F Hayden Smith is now expected to report to the Yale Hockey Academy of the CSSHL. Smith recorded 2 goals in 2 pre-season games with the Blades. The Blades also welcome back 20-year-old Riley McKay from Chicago Blackhawks Rookie Camp.
Eric Florchuk (Washington Capitals) and Chase Wouters (Anaheim Ducks) have been invited to their respective teams’ main NHL Camps.
On the blueline, 16-year-old Spencer Shugrue is expected to join Smith in reporting to the Yale Hockey Academy of the CSSHL. Shugrue registered 3 points in 2 pre-season games. Additionally, 16-year-old Marek Schenider is expected to report to the Prince Albert Mintos in the SMHL.
20-year-olds Scott Walford and Nolan Kneen are both back from their NHL Rookie Camps with the Winnipeg Jets & Colorado Avalanche respectively.
15-year-old G Ethan Chadwick is expected to report to the Saskatoon Contacts of the SMHL. A Saskatoon local, Chadwick started one game for the Blades and stopped 39 of 42 shots in a winning effort against the Prince Albert Raiders. Rookie Koen MacInnes, now the lone goaltender on the roster besides Nolan Maier, will take on Saskatoon’s backup duties.
In Summary
Released from active roster: Hayden Smith, Spencer Shugrue, Marek Schneider and Ethan Chadwick
Returned from NHL: Riley McKay, Scott Walford, Nolan Kneen
Still Away at NHL: Kirby Dach, Chase Wouters, Eric Florchuk
The Saskatoon Blades Pre-Season roster now sits at 15 Forwards, 9 Defensemen and 2 Goaltenders.