Blades forward Riche commits to Quinnipiac University

Saskatoon, Sask.- Saskatoon Blades forward Ben Riche has committed to Quinnipiac University.

The 19-year-old, who turns 20 in March, is slated to complete his final season of WHL eligibility in 2025-26 before joining the Bobcats for the 2026-27 campaign.

Riche leads the Blades with 16 goals (including one overtime game-winner) and 22 assists for 38 points and a +15 rating in 26 games.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound centreman is on pace for a career season.

He’s only been held off the scoresheet three times this campaign while registering 11 multipoint performances- highlighted by a two-goal, two-assist effort against the Swift Current Broncos on September 21.

Make that points in four straight games for Ben Riche! pic.twitter.com/3EQdywHwNT

— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) December 5, 2024

Riche, from Bethune, Sask., was originally drafted by Moose Jaw in the second round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.

He played parts of three seasons with the Warriors before being traded to the Victoria Royals. He joined the Blades, located roughly two hours away from his hometown, after an offseason move.

Riche is closing in on major WHL milestones with 39 goals and 52 assists for 91 points in 159 games.

He’s currently riding a five-game point streak that’s seen him pot two goals and five assists.

Riche’s future jump to university will see him join Blades Captain Ben Saunderson at Quinnipiac University.

Saunderson, who completes his WHL eligibility at the end of the 2024-25 season, will suit up for the Bobcats next year.

Saskatoon (17-6-2-2) currently leads the East Division and Eastern Conference.

Next up, the Blades make tracks for Medicine Hat to take on Gavin McKenna and the Central Division-leading Medicine Hat Tigers (16-13-1-0) on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. MST.