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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Earn Well Deserved Point in Everett

January 18, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


EVERETT, WA - Coming off of a big 3-1 win in Portland two nights ago, the Blades carried that momentum into this afternoon's action against the Everett Silvertips on Martin Luther King Day. Unfortunately, the Blades came up just short in the game, losing 2-1 in overtime.

"They're a good team, they're really good defensively," said goaltender Brock Hamm who made 28 saves on the night. "We managed to stick with them for most of the game and to get one point out of it was huge.

A fast paced opening frame saw both teams trade scoring chances and big hits, with both goaltenders standing tall. Saskatoon broke open the deadlock with exactly one minute left in the period.

Captain, Nick Zajac circled around the net before feeding it in front of the Silvertips' net. The puck squirted free to McCarty in the slot who corralled the puck and beat Evan Hart far glove for his 3rd goal in 3 games. What has been working for the 18-year old Blackie, AB native?

"Just pucks on net, shooting more," said McCarty. "Drauds [Terrell Draude] doing his thing. Me and Drauds try and do our thing no matter who's with us. Now that we have Zaj [Nick Zajac], he'll definitely help a lot."

The Blades would carry the lead through into the 2nd period but it was short lived in the middle 20. A nice passing play, started by Patrik Bajkov was finished off by 19-year old Brandon Ralph who had a tap in at the side of the net.

Both goaltenders traded big saves as the period continued, preserving the tie game as the buzzer sounded on the 2nd frame. Hamm was specifically brilliant, making many key stops. After taking the loss in Spokane, Hamm has rebounded nicely with a win and only 3 goals against in his past 2 games. According to Hamm, he hasn't done anything differently.

"Nope, everything's been staying the same. Trying not to think too much and overthink everything and just playing my game."

Being tied headed into the 3rd period for only the 4th time this season, the Blades were in relatively unknown territory.

The two teams continued to play at a stalemate, giving neither team much room to move, a staple for the Silvertips play this year. The two could not break the deadlock as the teams would finish the period tied and head to overtime.

Carrying a 4-3 record in overtime this season, the Blades looked poised to earn there 5th extra time victory of the season. Wyatt Sloboshan nearly gave the Blades the victory on a power move to the front of the net, but couldn't convert.

As it is in most 3-on-3 overtime periods, a chance at one end, usually leads to one at the other. Such was the fate for the Blades on this afternoon as after a chance by Sayers led to a 2-on-1 for the Silvertips who capitalized when Connor Dewar tucked the puck in on a pass from Saskatoon native, Dawson Leedahl.

The Blades can take solace in the loss however, as they earned a much needed point against the top team in the US division.

"It's been a good trip so far, we've matched up well against these top teams, and tomorrow will be another good test for us." said Hamm.

They will now travel back to Kent where they will close off their long road trip against the Seattle Thunderbirds.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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