WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Edge Pats 5-4

January 14, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Regina Pats gave the Saskatoon Blades a late scare, but the Blades were able to hold off the charge for a 5-4 victory.

The Blades opened the scoring just 1:13 into the game as Adam Chorneyko potted his 15th goal of the season. Chorneyko, who also had an assist in the game, has been on fire lately collecting 6 points in the last 4 games. The Blades would increase their lead when Walker Wintoneak, also having a career year, scored his 13th goal of the season while on the power play. The Pats have a lethal offense and it showed while on the power play as they scored all their goals with the man advantage, the first one coming from their captain Victory Bartley to cut the Blades lead to 2-1. Shortly before the first period ended Blades defenseman, Jyri Niemi, made a nice individual effort to score his 3rd goal of the season.

The Blades power play would strike once again in the second period as Derek Hulak netted his 17th of the season, assisted by Chris Langkow and Jyri Niemi. Regina rookie Jordan Weal got the Pats back into the game with the Pats second power play goal of the game to close out the scoring in the middle frame.

Gaelan Patterson is another Blades player, along with Chorneyko and Wintoneak, who is shattering previous season best totals. Patterson gave the Blades a 5-2 lead at the 7:05 mark of the third period when he scored his 15th of the year. The Pats did not quit as Weal and Bartley would both score for the second time in the game, Bartley's coming with less than two minutes to go in regulation time. The Pats pulled their goaltender in favour of an extra skater but it was too little too late as the Blades hung on for their 16th road victory and improved their lead in the Eastern Division.

The Blades were 2 for 5 on the power play and killed off 2 of 6 shorthanded situations. Braden Holtby made 39 saves to record his 23rd win of the year, 3rd best in the WHL among goaltenders.

The Saskatoon Blades now travel through Alberta and B.C beginning Friday in Medicine Hat, then to Lethbridge on Saturday and Kootenay on Sunday. The Blades next home game is Wednesday, January 21st against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from January 14, 2009


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.

OurSports Central