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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Close out Weekend with Gutsy Win over Wheat Kings

January 7, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Saskatoon Blades closed out a hectic weekend with a 5-2 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings at SaskTel Centre. The victory puts the Blades at 25-12-5-0 on the season, but they won't have much time to celebrate as they get set to welcome the Seattle Thunderbirds on Tuesday.

WHAT WENT DOWN

Brandon scored in the first minute of the game on the first shot on goal from Ben McCartney (9) but the Blades didn't take long to respond.

Max Gerlach (24) evened the score three minutes later and extended his point streak to 8 games in the process. Chase Wouters had the primary assist; Gary Haden had the other which keeps his personal streak alive too, now at 7 games.

Reece Harsch (3) then gave the Blades their first lead of the game with his first goal in a pacman uniform. Josh Paterson and Brandon Schuldhaus had the helpers on the tally that came during a delayed penalty. Brandon tied it up at 2-2 with a power play goal in the final minute of the opening frame.

Josh Paterson (13) then picked up his 2nd point of the night with a power play marker early in the second period to put the home side back in front. It was the only goal of the middle frame, a period in which the Blades outshot the Wheat Kings 17-9.

Then in the 3rd period, Zach Huber (8) added insurance with his 8th goal of the season from Randen Schmidt and Aidan De La Gorgendiere. Emil Malysjev put the icing on the cake with an empty net goal in the dying seconds.

Nolan Maier was once again named the first star of the game thanks to a stellar 27 save performance for his 21st win of the season. Vegas Golden Knights prospect, Jiri Patera, made 32 saves at the other end for Brandon. Both teams were 1/3 on the power play in the game.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Max Gerlach extended his point streak to 8 games (7G-3A).

Gary Haden ran his point streak to 7 games (2G-8A).

Kyle Crnkovic had an assist giving the rookie points in 6 of his last 8 games.

The Blades are a perfect 3-0 at home so far in 2019.

UP NEXT

The Blades will continue their home stand on Tuesday night as they welcome Reece Harsch's former club, the Seattle Thunderbirds. It's another Toonie Tuesday; purchase a ticket at the door and receive a second for only $2!




Western Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2019


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