Blades Open Home And Home With Raiders
After 10 days between games, the Saskatoon Blades are back on the ice and back in game action as they kick off their annual post-holiday home and home with the Prince Albert Raiders tonight.
Last Game Recap
The Saskatoon Blades dropped their final game before the holiday break on December 17th, falling 7-1 on home ice to the WHL’s top team in the Kelowna Rockets. Defenceman Mitchell Wheaton led the offensive charge for Kelowna, putting up a goal and three assists while five other Rockets had multi-point games. A Chase Clayton unassisted goal in the opening 20 minutes counted as the Blades lone scoring play of the night, while Alex Moodie made 44 saves for Saskatoon. The Blades were 0 for 6 on the PP and 3 for 5 on the PK.
2013-14 Season Series
Tonight’s game is the fourth of the season between these clubs and the first time they’ve met since the middle of November. So far the season series is as follows, with the Raiders winning the three previous games:
September 20th – Raiders 6 – Blades 1 – Collin Valcourt scored the Blades goal; Troy Trombley stopped 12 of 12 shots
September 21st – Blades 5 – Raiders 6 – Collin Valcourt, Brett Stovin, Matt Revel had 3 points each
November 12th – Blades 1 – Raiders 4 – Logan Harland scored the Blades goal; Alex Moodie stopped 42 shots
Hebig Heads East On Team West
Saskatoon Blades forward Cameron Hebig is set to represent Team West at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The event features the top 1997-born players from around the world. The Saskatoon-product was the Blades first selection in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, being taken in the 3rd round, 56th overall. The event is being held in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia from December 28th, 2013 until January 5th, 2014.
Making Their Debuts
Along with having a pair of players away at international competition, the Blades also have a few injuries. Because of that, the team announced a few more roster moves last night. While forwards Parker Smyth and Coy Prevost have both been re-assigned, defenceman Mackenzie Dwyer and winger Haydn Hopkins have both been recalled. Dwyer will wear #37 for Saskatoon while Hopkins is expected to wear #39 as both players could make their WHL debuts tonight against the Raiders.
Upcoming Schedule
Prince Albert Raiders @ Saskatoon Blades – December 28th
Swift Current Broncos @ Saskatoon Blades – January 1st
Saskatoon Blades @ Regina Pats – January 3rd
Lethbridge Hurricanes @ Saskatoon Blades – January 4th
If you can’t make it to the game in Prince Albert tonight you can stay up to date quite easily. You can tune in for FREE with WHL Live, thanks to a special offer from the league. Click here for more details! You can also listen along live on 92.9 The Bull or follow @bladeshockey on Twitter for all the game updates and recaps.
Following tonight’s game in Prince Albert, the Blades are then at home to these same Raiders tomorrow, on December 28th. You can go ahead and find your tickets for the game right here.
The Blades also have Ukrainian Night approaching, with the 101st Grey Cup Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders also appearing at the game for autographs and a special ceremony. Read more about that big night and find ticket links by clicking on this story.