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Former Blades captain Wouters inks first NHL contract with Vancouver Canucks

chlwebproduct — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:55:32 +0000

Is 2026-27 the year we finally 'C' Chase Wouters in the NHL? If his latest pro contract is any indication, the odds are looking good for the longtime AHL captain and former Saskatoon Blades star. The Vancouver Canucks have signed the 26-year-old to a one-year, two-way contract. "Chase has worked extremely hard to earn this contract," Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson said. "He is a heart and soul type player, someone who doesn’t cheat the game and always goes the extra mile to work on his craft. Detail-oriented and coachable, Chase is a very good hockey player who leads by example. I am impressed with his development and proud of the progress he has made since turning pro. Besides all his work on the ice, he is the first to raise his hand to help others and go above and beyond in the community. His leadership qualities, skill set, and hockey IQ have helped him take another step forward in his hockey journey." The North Battleford, Sask. product was originally drafted by the Blades with the 18th overall pick in the 2015 WHL Prospects Draft. Wouters went on to register 181 points (75G-106A) in 280 regular-season games over parts of six seasons in the Bridge City. Beyond the stats, he proudly served as captain for three seasons and remains the longest-serving 'C' in the Blades' long history. The 6-foot, 182-pound centreman signed with the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and has spent his entire professional career with the club. Wouters has racked up 120 points (43G-77A) in 338 games in five seasons with Abbotsford and has served as team captain since 2022. He's won the team's Man of the Year award four times and ranks as the franchise leader in regular-season games played (338) as well as playoff matches (38). Wouters posted five points (2G-3A) in 24 outings to help the Canucks hoist the Calder Cup as AHL Champions in 2024-25 and brought the cup to Saskatoon to celebrate shortly afterward. Tuesday's signing marks Wouters' first NHL contract.

Blades announce 2026-27 Home Opener presented by Go Merlin Ford Lincoln

chlwebproduct — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:01:38 +0000

Saskatoon, SK – The first glimpse of the Saskatoon Blades 2026-27 regular season at SaskTel Centre has been revealed. The Blue and Gold welcome fans back to SaskTel Centre for the Home Opener presented by Go Merlin Ford Lincoln on Saturday, Sept 25 at 7:00pm CST against the Prince Albert Raiders. The Bridge City Bunch invade Assiniboine Credit Union Place to begin the season on Friday, Sept, 18 at 6:00pm CST. The 2026 preseason and remainder of regular season schedule are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

2026 NHL DRAFT PROFILE | Brayden Klimpke

chlwebproduct — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:41:04 +0000

A lifelong dream for Saskatoon Blades defenceman Brayden Klimpke could become reality in less than two weeks at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. "I think every kid's goal that plays hockey in Western Canada is to hear their name called on (NHL) draft night," said Klimpke, "It's something I've thought about a lot." A late 2007 birthday, this year marks the first time the Calgary, AB native is eligible for the NHL draft. The 6-foot-1 defenceman had a breakout year in his sophomore Western Hockey League (WHL) season. Following an impressive 2024-25 rookie campaign with three goals and 23 assists for 26 points in 59 games, the left-handed shot was named an alternate captain ahead of the 2025-26 season. Klimpke scored a career-high 47 points (4G, 43A) while playing all 68 regular season games for the Blue and Gold. The NHL Draft-eligible defenceman shined in the postseason to help the Blades advance to the second round, upsetting the third-seeded Edmonton Oil Kings in Round 1. Klimpke registered a goal and three assists in the seven-game series against Edmonton, eliminating the Oil Kings 3-2 in Game 7 overtime. In 11 postseason games, Klimpke registered five points (1G, 4A) while averaging around 30 minutes a night against the opposition's top lines. Klimpke's efforts earned him the Tanner Molendyk Award for the team's defenceman of the year and team's MVP Award. Klimpke cracked NHL Central Scouting's Rankings three times this season. The 18-year-old finalized at 74th overall amongst North American Skaters in April, five higher than his midterm ranking in January. Klimpke hopes to be drafted alongside fellow teammates and Calgary natives Zach Olsen and Cooper Williams. "It helps a lot when you've got guys here with you (Olsen, Williams) and kind of go through the experience together," said Klimpke, "We'll be there for each other and there to help out. Round 1 of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft kicks off on Friday, Jun. 26 at KeyBank Centre in Buffalo, NY at 5:00pm MT. Rounds 2-7 start the following day at 9:00am MT.

Blades ink 2010-born goalie Max Hartel to WHL Scholarship Agreement

chlwebproduct — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:20:41 +0000

Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are excited to announce the signing of 2010-born goaltender Max Hartel to a Western Hockey League (WHL) Scholarship and Development Agreement. The Calgary, AB native was drafted by the Blades in the tenth round (221st overall) of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. "Max is a prospect we're very excited about, and he earned this with an exceptional U18 AAA season in Calgary last year," said Blades director of scouting, Dan Tencer, "His ability to read the game is a skill that sets him apart and combined with his technical skill and athleticism, gives him the upside of being an elite goaltender. He is highly driven and focused, and we expect he will continue on the sharp upward trajectory that he's shown over the last two years." Hartel produced one of the best statistical seasons every recorded in the U18 Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL). The 6-foot-1 netminder went 13-6-2 with the Calgary Buffaloes AAA squad. Hartel's .939 save percentage (SV%) was the highest by a 15-year-old netminder in the U18 AEHL since the stat's been tracked in the 1990s. It's also the sixth-highest SV% by any goalie in the league's history during the same time frame. Hartel's 1.94 goals against average (GAA) is the best in AEHL U18 history since the stat's been tracked behind only Garin Bjorklund in 2017-18. Hartel also recorded two shutouts during the regular season, tied for second amongst all AEHL U18 goaltenders. "With Bracken Larocque also at 2010 and Blake Pickens at 2011, we feel very strongly about the young future in our crease," said Tencer. Hartel's stellar play continued into four postseason games with the Buffaloes, going 2-2 with a .919 SV% and 2.74 GAA. Following his U18 campaign, Hartel gained valuable experience on the main roster during the Blades 2026 playoff run to the second round. We’re excited to welcome the Hartel family to the organization and look forward to watching Max continue his development under the guidance of head coach Dan DaSilva and goaltending coach Jeff Harvey.

Blades Sign 32nd Overall Pick Harvey to WHL Scholarship Agreement

chlwebproduct — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:24:24 +0000

Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce the signing of second-round draft pick Hayden Harvey to a Western Hockey League (WHL) Scholarship and Development Agreement. The 15-year-old defenceman was selected 32nd overall of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft in early May.

"Hayden is a total-package defender with an impressive relentlessness and compete level," said Blades director of scouting, Dan Tencer, "His game, both offensively and defensively, reached its heights in the games he played against top opponents throughout the year. He's the type of player who will drag you into the fight on a random Tuesday in the middle of the season and also rise to the pressure of the moment in a huge playoff game. Impressively, his game continued to improve at each new landmark of the season, and we anticipate him becoming an all-situations minute-eater for us in the future."

The Edmonton, AB native scored 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points in 29 games with the Canadian Sport School Hockey League's (CSSHL) OHA Edmonton U15 Prep program. The 5-foot-11 defenceman scored a goal and five assists in six games at the 2026 John Reid Memorial Tournament. Harvey also represented Team Alberta Grey at Alberta Cup, scoring two assists in five games and tacked on 14 penalty minutes.

The Blades would like to welcome Hayden and the Harvey family to Blade City and look forward to helping him develop as a player and citizen in our community.

Blades Sign 2010 Defenceman Liam Brooks to WHL Scholarship Agreement

chlwebproduct — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:58:02 +0000

Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce the signing of 2010-born defenceman Liam Brooks to a Western Hockey League (WHL) Scholarship and Development Agreement. The 6-foot-1 defender was selected 170th overall by Saskatoon in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. “Anytime you can add a young defenceman with Liam’s tools and potential, it’s something to be excited about. We’re big believers in his upside and the complete package he brings, with the foundation to become a very impactful player at our level,” said Blades Director of Scouting Dan Tencer. “I would also like to recognize the work John Crippa, our Minnesota scout, and Jason Becker, our Player Development Coach, have done in building a strong relationship with Liam over the past year. Liam has been highly engaged in our player development program and has consistently shown a strong commitment to improving his game every day. We believe he has an extremely bright future and we’re delighted to welcome him to Saskatoon.” The Duluth, Minnesota native had 15 goals and 27 points in 27 games playing for Duluth East High in the USHS-MN league in 2025-26. "Signing Liam has been one of the top priorities for a hockey club since last May. He is an elite right-shot defenceman who has size, puck skill, presence and IQ. He really checks all the boxes you are looking for when you're building a young defense corps for the future, and his maturity off the ice will allow him a smooth transition into the league as a 16 year old this fall after a fantastic rookie year in a great high school league in Minnesota last winter,” added General Manager Colin Priestner. "He certainly had options being the 6th player taken in the USHL draft, but since day 1 of last year's training camp he has been focused on being a Blade, working closely with myself, Jason and John throughout the season and were so excited that he and his family have trusted the Blades for his junior hockey development, joining other notable USA born players like Max Suter and Charlie Johnson to choose Saskatoon as the place to achieve their dreams of playing pro hockey.” The Blades are pleased to welcome the Brooks family into the organization and community, and look forward to working with Liam here in Saskatoon.

Blades sign 2026 first-round pick Dernisky to WHL Scholarship Agreement

chlwebproduct — Mon, 25 May 2026 16:48:20 +0000

Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce the signing of 2011-born forward Teagan Dernisky to a Western Hockey League (WHL) Scholarship and Development Agreement. The 5-foot-7 winger was Saskatoon's first selection in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft at 15th overall in the first round. "Teagan attacks the game every time he's on the ice and inserts himself fully and willingly into the guts of the game in all areas," said Blades director of scouting, Dan Tencer, "His speed and tenacity heighten the impact of his high skill level and offensive creativity, and through the season he demonstrated his ability to play in tandem with other elite players but also be the driver when tasked with carrying a line. We think he's an ideal fit for how we like to play the game and fits with our already strong group of 2009 and 2010 prospects." The Delta, BC native led the U15 Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) in scoring with 43 goals and 55 assists for 98 points in 30 games. Dernisky continued his scoring ways in three postseason games with a trio of goals and assists for six points. The 5-foot-7 speedster was an animal in tournament play during the 2025-26 season. In six games at the 2026 John Reid Memorial Tournament, the left-handed sniper scored five goals and six assists for 11 points. Dernisky dropped three goals and three assists in four games with Team Red at the 2026 BC U16 Cup. The Blades would like to welcome the Dernisky family into the organization and community, and look forward to working with Teagan to help achieve his goals under the guidance of Dan DaSilva's coaching staff.

Blades announce 2025-26 team award winners

chlwebproduct — Wed, 20 May 2026 01:12:24 +0000

The Saskatoon Blades held the annual year-end, Season Ticket Holder Barbecue Tuesday, reflecting on a season that left long-lasting memories. The club recognized the efforts of several Blades players from the 2025-26 season, unveiling individual team awards at the event.

Blades select nine players in 2026 WHL Prospects Draft

chlwebproduct — Thu, 07 May 2026 21:51:51 +0000

Edmonton, AB - The Saskatoon Blades welcomed nine players to the organization at the 2026 Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft. The Bridge City Bunch selected five forwards, three defencemen, and one goalie through nine rounds. Six players drafted were Canadian and three were American. The week started with a deal between the Blades and Prince George Cougars on Wednesday prior to Round 1 of the WHL Prospects Draft. Saskatoon acquired the Cougars 2026 first-round pick of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick in the CHL Import Draft. Entering the WHL Prospects Draft, the Bridge City Bunch owned the 18th overall pick, originally belonging to the Cougars. With the Brandon Wheat Kings on the clock at 15th overall, the Blades made a trade to bring the pick into their possession. Saskatoon traded the 18th overall pick and a 2026 third-round selection (67th overall) to the Wheat Kings in exchange for the 15th overall pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick (102nd overall). The Blades selected skilled winger Teagan Dernisky with the selection. https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052200398547767496 “I think when you watch a player like a Brandon Hagel type for the Tampa Bay Lightning right now, a Team Canada player at the last couple major tournaments for them, that’s the right sort of comparable,” said Blades Director of Scouting Dan Tencer. The remainder of the draft took place Thursday. The Blades drafted their first defenceman of the draft in the second round in right-handed shot Hayden Harvey. Selected at 32nd overall, the Edmonton, AB native scored 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points in 29 games with the CSSHL's OHA Edmonton U15 Prep program. The 5-foot-11 defenceman scored a goal and five assists in six games at the 2026 John Reid Memorial Tournament. Harvey also represented Team Alberta Grey at Alberta Cup, scoring two assists in five games and tacked on 14 penalty minutes. https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052429658545967253 Saskatoon waited 63 selections before making the next pick. In between picks, the Blades swapped several WHL Prospects Draft selections with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Saskatoon acquired a pair of seventh-round picks in 2026 for a 2028 sixth-round selection and 2029 eighth-round pick. The picks traded to the Bridge City Bunch were the 154th and 160th overall selections. The sixth-round pick acquired by the Hurricanes originally belonged to the Regina Pats. https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052448190927159372 A long wait led to drafting two players within a seven-pick span in the fifth round. At 95th overall, the Blades drafted their first American of the draft in 5-foot-11 forward Mason West. Not long after at 102nd overall, the Blue and Gold welcomed local forward Joshua Koehler from the Saskatoon Stallions of the Saskatchewan AA U15 Hockey League (SAAHLAA). The 5-foot-9 winger tallied 28 goals and 50 assists in 22 games with the Stallions. Koehler played seven games with the Stallions U18 AA squad as an affiliate player (AP) and notched three assists. https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052461465110745201 https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052463354942521815 The Blades used the seventh-round picks acquired earlier in the day to select 6-foot defenceman Jack Arseniuk and American goalie Blake Pickens. Arseniuk scored seven goals and ten assists for 17 points in 29 games with RINK HA Winnipeg U15 Prep of the CSSHL. The Winnipeg, MB native added a pair of goals and assists at the 2026 John Reid Memorial Tournament. Pickens played for Prior Lake Youth Hockey in Minneapolis and was named Goalie of the Year. In ten spring hockey games with the MN Lakers 14U AAA, Pickens has a 4-2-0-0 record with a .924 save percentage (SV%) and 2.57 goals against average (GAA). https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052481538244419606 https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052484760753328615 The Blades drafted 6-foot-1 forward Brayden Lindsay two picks later in the eighth round. The Tumbler Ridge, BC native scored 23 goals and 13 assists for 36 points in 30 games with the CSSHL's Pacific Coast Academy U15 Prep. Lindsay added two goals and one assist in four games for Team White at the BC U16 Cup. https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052487048393904541 The Blades drafted another American in defenceman Rylen Schneider in the eighth round (175th overall). The Edina, MN native potted two goals and 22 assists in 59 games with Shattuck St. Mary's 14U AAA south of the border. https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052491233671672169 The Blades final pick of the draft selected 5-foot-7 forward Carson Brown from the CSSHL's Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep. The left-handed shot scored 18 goals and 30 assists for 48 points in 30 games. https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/2052499449860211195

Blades, Hurricanes swap WHL Prospect Draft picks

chlwebproduct — Thu, 07 May 2026 17:33:53 +0000

Edmonton, AB - The Saskatoon Blades have acquired a pair of seventh-round picks in the 2026 Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for 2028 sixth-round selection and 2029 eighth-round pick. The picks traded to the Bridge City Bunch are the 154th and 160th overall selections. The sixth-round pick acquired by the Hurricanes originally belonged to the Regina Pats.