Preview: Warriors at Blades - November 6th
November 6, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
OFF THE TOP: The Blades continue their four game home stand against the Moose Jaw Warriors. Saskatoon recently dropped their last meeting to the Calgary Hitmen, 6-3, at home on Tuesday. Connor Gay scored a late goal to bring the Blades within one, but it wasn't enough as Calgary added two more, including and empty net, to seal the win. Brock Hamm made 21 saves in the loss.
LAST TIME OUT: This is the first meeting of the year between division rival Warriors and Blades. The Blades went 2-6-0-0 against the Warriors last season, being outscored 31-18. Saskatoon won 2 out of 4 games at home versus the Warriors but went winless in Moose Jaw.
POWER-'LESS' PLAY: The power play for the Blades continues to be an area of deficiency for the club. They are just 2 for their last 36 opportunities, operating at .056% efficiency. After a hot start to the season, scoring seven PP markers in the team's first five games, the Blades are looking for a way to bring success back to their extra-man unit.
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE...THE ROAD?: The Blades have found tremendous success on the road this season, posting a 5-1-1-0 record. Different story for Saskatoon at home however, they are just 2-5-2-0 at SaskTel Centre while being outscored 35-26.
CRACKING THE LIST: The ISS released their November draft ranking on Wednesday. Blades import defenceman, Libor Hajek, has made the list at 30th. This lists the WHL rookie as a 1st round selection. Hajek currently has 10 points (2g-8a) in 16 games so far for the Blades and six in his last six games. This puts him in 2nd in the league for rookie defence men scoring.
BRIGHT FUTURE: The Blades had three prospects on the gold medal winning Team Alberta at the 2015 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup. Jonny Tychonick (1st round, 12th overall), Chase Wouters (1st, 18), and Payton McIsaac (2nd, 39) all won gold. Matthew Mosher (3rd, 45) also competed for Team BC, and Tyler Lees (5th, 94) competed for Team Saskatchewan. Chase Wouters scored in all three round robin games, including a shorthanded marker.
INJURY REPORT: 16-year old defenceman Anthony Bishop remains sidelined indefinitely with a hand injury. Luke Gingras is day-to-day with an upper body injury.
UP NEXT: Saskatoon will be back in action on Saturday night as the conclude their four game home stand against the Red Deer Rebels.
MILESTONES/STREAKS:
Nick Zajac is suiting up in his 267th WHL game tonight. He ties legendary Blade, Mike Green, for 16th on the Blades all-time GP list.
Ryan Graham is one point away from 75 career WHL points.
Connor Gay has four points (1g-3a) in his last 3 games.
Libor Hajek has six points (2g-4a) in his last 6 games.
AGE BREAKDOWN:
3 - 1995, 3 - 1996, 7 - 1997, 5 - 1998, 5 - 1999.
GEOGRAPHICAL BREAKDOWN:
10 - SK, 7 - AB, 2 - MB, 2 - B.C., 1 - Alaska, 1 - Russia, 1 - Czech Republic
LEADING SCORERS:
Cameron Hebig: 16GP-9G-10A-19PTS
Connor Gay: 14GP-5G-11A-16PTS
Brycen Martin: 16GP-3G-10A-13PTS
Nick Zajac: 15GP-5G-6A-11PTS
Wyatt Sloboshan: 14GP-3G-7A-10PTS
Libor Hajek: 16GP-2G-8A-10PTS
DRAFTED PLAYERS: Brycen Martin (BUF - 3rd, 2014)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
PP: 11/73 - 15.3% (19th)PK: 59/73 - 80.8% (9th)
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