WHL Playoffs Top Performer: April 14, 2024

The Saskatoon Blades took a commanding 2-0 series lead on Sunday, thanks in large part to the play of Ben Saunderson.

The Blades veteran scored the game-winning overtime goal, adding a primary assist and a +2 plus-minus rating in Game 2.

A back-and-forth start to the game found the Rebels and Blades even midway through the second.

Saunderson defended a Rebels rush before transitioning the puck up the ice, finding Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten who capitalized on the game’s opening goal.

As the overtime period entered its final minutes, Ben Saunderson found the scoresheet again, scoring on a beautiful setup from Blades Captain Trevor Wong.

Ben Saunderson with the dramatic OT winner to take Game 2 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/NqmXtsC7YJ

— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) April 15, 2024

The Carberry, Manitoba product has already surpassed career bests in post-season goal and point totals, grabbing his second goal and fifth point of the 2024 WHL Playoffs.

The series now moves to Red Deer, where Saskatoon will look to build off their playoff success at the Peavey Mart Centrium last season, taking two of three games in the 2023 second-round series.

Game 3 is set for Tuesday, April 16th with a 7:00 pm MT puck drop.