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Saskatoon Blades

Blades Close Book On Season With Thrilling Win

March 19, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


SASKATOON, SK - In front of nearly 9,000 raucous fans at the SaskTel Centre, the Saskatoon Blades ended their season on a high note, defeating the rival Prince Albert Raiders 3-2, in a heart stopping, get you off your feet game.

"It was nice to win," said Head Coach and GM Bob Woods said after the game. "PA came and played us hard, we came out bangin' and they banged back. The boys hung in there and got it done."

Less than 24 hours after the Raiders came from behind to beat the Blades in Prince Albert, the two renewed hostilities, and showed no love lost in the opening frame.

The Blades came out with a vengeance, looking to avenge the previous night's loss, and peppered Raiders' goaltender Ian Scott with rubber. The Raiders countered with a style of play of their own, imposing their physical dominance with thunderous hits.

The Blades skill prevailed at 7:38 of the 1st on Cameron Hebig's 26th goal of the season. The 18 year old Saskatonian spun and fired a loose puck past Scott to set the building off.

Just as in last night's game in Prince Albert, the Raiders rallied back to tie the game on a great individual effort by Simon Stransky. Before the period came to an end, the Raiders took the lead thanks to Tim Vanstone, a last minute goal which has cost the Blades in the past.

The Blades would not falter in the middle frame however, Nolan Reid would tie the game for the Blades mid way through the period on the power play. From the left circle, Reid would slide a shot along the ice that found its way through the maze of bodies and into the back of the net. Tied at 2 after 40 minutes, the fans would in for another classic finish.

As the teams hit the ice for the final frame, you could feel the electricity in the building, as if 9,000 fans were simply waiting for a reason to explode. Nikita Sohsnin gave them that reason just over 6 minutes into the 3rd. The Russian import found a loose puck amidst a hoard of skaters and picked the corner on a screened Scott.

The SaskTel Centre erupted, in one gigantic cheer, the fans sensed they were on the verge of victory.

From there on out, the Blades gave everything they had left in the tank, sacrificing their bodies to block shots and secure the win. A final save by Brock Hamm in the dying seconds cemented the Blades win.

It was the perfect send off for the Blades' three over agers, Colton Waltz, Connor Gay, and captain Nick Zajac.

For Zajac, a life long Blade who wears his heart on his sleeve, it was emotional day which came to a climax as the buzzer hit zeroes. The captain was surrounded by his teammates as tears rolled down his face. From the baby faced 16 year old who grinder his way on to the team, to the chiselled veteran who bears the scars of hard fought battles, Zajac couldn't be more proud to finish his career with the win.

"It's huge, we've struggled a bit the last couple years, and to end this season with a win and just a good feeling heading into the summer it's big." said the captain following his final game.

"I'm proud of everyone this year. They're just a young team, and there's a bright future for them." Zajac added.

The Blades season has officially come to an end but the team will be back next season with more experience, and an understanding of what it takes to win. With so many young players getting their first fast of WHL hockey, they will no doubt use it to bring the Blades to the playoffs come this time next season.

"I think the biggest thing you want to get out of this season is a lot of lessons," added Woods. "A lot of of learning for young guys about how to play in situations and little things they do. It was fun to watch"

Thank you once again fans for an unforgettable season, from the highs of victory, to the lows of defeat, we thank you for your support. Bleed Blue during the summer for us and we will see you at Training Camp in August.

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