Blades Bash Raiders on the Road
September 12, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
SASKATOON - Sweet, sweet victory. Any time you come away with a win, it's a great feeling. Whether it's in pre-season, playoffs, at home, or on the road. But when you can beat your biggest rival in their barn, you feel something a little more; dare I say swagger?
The Saskatoon Blades reigned victorious in their second pre-season game of the year, handing the Prince Albert Raiders a 6-3 home loss. Cameron Hebig tallied 3 goals, Logan Christensen added 2, while Chasetan Braid added one, while Brock Hamm was solid between the pipes to give the Blades their first win of the pre-season.
Similar to last weekend's battle with the Edmonton Oil Kings, the Blades struck first and early. Less than 5 minutes in to the first frame, after a trio of penalties gave the Blades a 4-on-3 power play, Hebig took the point pass from 20-year old Mitch Wheaton and one-timed the biscuit past to outstretched Rylan Parenteau for the 1-0 lead.
The Raiders however, would answer back quickly. Less than two minutes after the Blades struck first, with Higson in the box for roughing, the Raiders executed a nice back door play that was almost stopped by Hamm but his motion carried him back into the net along with the puck to make it a 1-1 game. The first period would end that way with Prince Albert holding the lead in shots 8-5.
After Josh Maser made it 2-1 for the Raiders, the boys in blue would start a string of 4 unanswered goals. Chasetan Braid would notch his second of the game on a nice play to escape the defense, followed by Hebig's second of the night. Shortly after rookie Logan Christensen's would score his first of the pre-season on a spinning backhand off of his own rebound.
The 16-year old has made quite the impression amongst coaching staff and his fellow teammates since camp opened up. When asked if Christensen reminded Hebig of a young version of himself, Hebig was quick to agree.
"He works hard and it paid off for him tonight...it was good to see, he's a good kid and he's showed that he can play here."
Comparisons have been drawn between Hebig and Christensen, the two play a similar defensively solid game, always in the right spots, and hands made for scoring. Christensen was singing the praises of Hebig post game and says he is a great role model to look up to.
"If I could mould myself to be like [Hebig] it would be really good."
Things would pick right back up in the third just 44 seconds in when Hebig netted his hat trick goal in mesmerizing fashion. After taking the feed from Josh Uhrich, Hebig would speed down the wing and as it looked as if he was headed behind the net, quickly tucked the puck in between Parenteau and the post to secure his 1st star performance.
5-2 would be the score after two periods, and after the two teams traded goals in the third, the clock would strike zeros and the Bridge City Bunch would find themselves in the win column.
Things turn around quick for both teams as they head back to Saskatoon for the annual pre-season game at the Legends Centre in Warman. Game time is 7:00 pm and tickets can still be purchased at the Legends Centre for 10$.
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Western Hockey League Stories from September 12, 2015
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- Americans Take Down T-Birds in Preseason Game - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Brandon Blow past Pats 8-3 - Regina Pats
- Rockets Edge Blazers 4-3 to Split Preseason Home and Home - Kelowna Rockets
- Hitmen Continue to Roll by Thrashing Edmonton 6-1 - Calgary Hitmen
- Giants Edge Royals 3-2 - Vancouver Giants
- Third Period Outburst Pushes Spokane to Win - Spokane Chiefs
- Spokane Defeats Red Deer - Tri-City Americans
- Prince George Defeats Kootenay in Overtime - Tri-City Americans
- Preview: Raiders at Blades - Saskatoon Blades
- Oil Kings Add Hughes - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Rebels Win 5-3 over Americans - Red Deer Rebels
- Blades Bash Raiders on the Road - Saskatoon Blades
- Cameron Hebig records a hat-trick to lift Saskatoon to first pre-season win - Prince Albert Raiders
- Red Deer Tops Tri-City 5-3 - Tri-City Americans
- Rockets Fall 3-1 in Kamloops in WHL Preseason - Kelowna Rockets
- Blazers Win 3-1 Over Rockets - Kamloops Blazers
- Kamloops win over Kelowna - Kelowna Rockets
- Brandon's Wheat Kings Beat The Pats - Brandon Wheat Kings
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