Blades hoping to end BC road trip with a win in PG
It hasn’t been the BC road trip the Blades were hoping for – despite playing well almost every night, and scoring first in every game, the team has yet to come away with a win, with the highlight being a single point in a shootout loss in Vancouver. Now, they’ll look to get that elusive W in their final game in BC, this time in Prince George against the Cougars.
“We’ve played well this trip”, said Coach Bob Woods at morning skate. “We’ve worked hard, the effort is there, obviously we can’t defend the leads as well as we should, but there are parts I like. Hopefully we put it all together tonight, end the trip on a high note”.
There are several unique stories in this game – perhaps the one that will draw the most attention being the return of Alex Forsberg. Forsberg was drafted 1st overall by the Cougars in the 2010 Bantam Draft, and played several years with the team before requesting a trade and being dealt to Saskatoon.
“It’s exciting to be back. I’m not going to get into a lot of details on why I requested the trade, it’s in the past now, I’m happy in Saskatoon”.
This will be the first time Forsberg will return to Prince George since he was traded, and while he’s expecting a frosty reception, he is looking forward to it.
“I had some good times here. I have a lot of friends still with the team, know a lot of the staff. It is what it is, we’ve both moved on, now I’m here to help my new team get a win”.
The game will also feature the first ever battle between the Braid Brothers – Saskatoon’s Chasetan will go head-to-head with older brother Chance of the Cougars.
“I’m very excited”, said the younger Braid at morning skate. “I’ve never played against him before because there are a few years between us, so it is exciting, a new thing, and something the family is talking about”.
This will be the only chance the brothers get to play each other in the WHL, as Chance is a 20 year old, and in his last year of WHL eligibility.
“I’ve been looking forward to it since I saw the game on the schedule”, added older brother Chance, a power forward with the Cougars. “Its nice to get a chance to play my younger brother.”
The brothers joked about dropping the gloves and giving the family in the stands some entertainment – although the 20 year old Chance is known as one of the toughest players in the league, so baby bro may be wise to stay away.
“Haha, Mom and Grandma will be here watching”, said Chance. “I don’t think they would be real impressed if I knocked him around”.
“He said he can take me?”, said younger brother when told about the interview with Chance. “Yeah he’s bigger, but I’m not afraid of him!”
The Blades will return home to Saskatoon on the bus following the game, and will have back-to-back home games on Friday and Saturday.
