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Saskatoon Blades

Blades Go the Distance with Wheat Kings, Falter in Shootout

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


Saskatoon, SK - For the second game in a row the Saskatoon Blades needed extra time hockey to settle the score, however on this occasion they fell to the Brandon Wheat Kings 5-4 after the shootout.

The Blades got off to a slow start with back-to-back too many men penalties early in the the game, slowing the build of momentum. The Wheat Kings pounced and opened the scoring on the power play to end the opening frame with a 1-0 lead.

The Blades responded with an energetic second period starting with Eric Florchuk, who returned to the lineup after missing the last five games, setting up Tristen Robins to tie the game at 1-all. Florchuk got a pass at the Wheat Kings' blueline from Kyle Crnkovic and dangled through the Wheaties before finding Robins open backdoor where he scored his second goal of the season.

Soon after, the Blades took the lead courtesy of a Zach Huber rocket. A strong forecheck by Colton Dach and Jayden Wiens freed the puck for Dach to find Huber in the slot who sniped home his second goal of the season bar-down and in. Colton Dach's assist was his first career point in the Western Hockey League.

After Brandon levelled the score moments before the final intermission, Saskatoon re-took the lead just over the halfway mark of the final frame. Majid Kaddoura retrieved the puck from his own end before catching the Wheat Kings changing with a nice pass to Crnkovic who cut across and fired home his fourth goal of the season.

The Blades added to their lead with 4:18 to go as Chase Wouters went wide on a Wheat Kings defender and found Riley McKay right in front to give the Blades a two goal lead. The goal extended McKay's point streak to five games.

The determined Brandon outfit would not give in though, finding the back of the net twice, including once with their goaltender pulled, in the final 1:05 of regulation.

In overtime, Nolan Maier stood tall stopping back-to-back Wheat King breakaways, forcing the game into the shootout where the Blades' were unable to find the back of the net as the visitors skated off with the extra point.

The Blades are in action again at home on Wednesday night, October 9th, hosting the 2019 NHL 4th Overall pick Bowen Byram and his Vancouver Giants. Puck drop is at 7:00pm at SaskTel Centre.

This Wednesday is also the first "Winning Wednesdays" promotion of the season where fans can buy 1 ticket and receive a 2nd for just $2. If the Blades win, fans will then receive a free ticket voucher on their way out for the next Blades' home game.

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