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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Named East Division Nominee for WHL Business of the Year

April 2, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Saskatoon Blades Teddy Bear Toss
Saskatoon Blades Teddy Bear Toss
(Saskatoon Blades)

Saskatoon, SK - The Saskatoon Blades are the East Division nominee for the WHL Business Award. The league announced all four division nominees Tuesday morning.

Enjoying one of the club's most successful seasons in franchise history on the ice, the Blades once again led the way in providing the best in-game entertainment at an affordable price for the people of Saskatoon. Countless hours spent by players interacting with fans and in the community, along with an engaging coaching staff helped make the team more personable and to fans across the city.

Focused on delivering an experience gearfed towards the fans best interest every single night, this season saw the Blades increase their average attendance by more than 12 percent compared to the 2022-23 season. The Blades averaged 5166 fans through the doors throughout the 2023-24 campaign, 660 people more than 2022-23 and the highest since the 2012-13 season when the team averaged 6040 fans. The hype hit a fever pitch for Fan Appreciation Night as 13,004 fans flooded inside SaskTel Centre for the final home game of the regular season.

Attendance was increased thanks in part to improved digital access for tickets, ticket options suited for many peoples needs, and players showing their personality which allowed fans to connect with a human behind the hockey player.

Fan-favourite playoff passes returned, allowing fans to purchase their seats for $129 for the entire playoffs. Playoff passes sold out within 24 hours of going on sale, as around 15,000 fans filled the arena for games 1 and 2 combined of Round 1 vs the Prince Albert Raiders.

A $40 Family Pack was once again a popular option this season, particularly with in-game entertainment focused on families and children. The three sections designated for Family Packs were routinely sold out.

In-game entertainment was once again second-to-none in the WHL. Berries Night was a hit as the Blades rebranded for one night to the Saskatoon Berries in honour of the city's new baseball team debiting this spring. Kids Takeover returned as the team handed over all their in-game controls to youth in Saskatoon, topped off by our sponsorship rink boards designed by kids!

Initiatives such as Girls Rock!, Seniors Night, Pride Night in support of OUT Saskatoon, First Nations Night, and Pucks & Paws proved to the community that Blades games are for everyone. Not only are people welcomed at Blades games, they're celebrated. These special theme nights helped engaged new fans and create a fun environment that welcomes new fans back for future games.

The Blades built off their work with Saskatoon Minor Hockey from last season with players spending countless evenings at minor hockey practices, and hosted group nights such as Goalies Night. Group rates for minor hockey clubs brought hundreds of kids to SaskTel Centre, growing their passion for the game.

For the second straight pre-season, the Blades partnered with the Prince Albert Raiders to play an exhibition game on Big River First Nation, bringing hockey to the remote Saskatchewan community. As a part of the event, the Blades participated in a pow-wow, engaging with local community members in a powerful setting.

Beyond the exhibition game on Big River First Nation, the Blades put an emphasis on continuing a strong partnership with Chief Mark Arcand of the Saskatoon Tribal Council. This season, the Blades filled 3,000 backpacks for inner city youth at White Buffalo Youth Lodge, returning in December to host a hot dinner during the holiday season. Assistant Coach Wacey Rabbit has made it a priority to share his journey as an Indigenous coach and former player.

Two separate theme night initiatives saw the Blades provide proceeds back to the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, including the RE/MAX presents Nickelodeon Night in support of the Children's Miracle Network, as well as Berries Night.

Certain players took it one step further to be role models in the community. Rookie goalie Evan Gardner teamed up with Diabetes Canada after sharing his story of being diagnosed with type-1 diabetes as a kid. Gardner was an ambassador for the Lace Up to End Diabetes initiative in November which saw fans walk laps around the concourse to raise awareness for diabetes.

21-year-old forward Easton Armstrong shared his struggles of being diagnosed with dyslexia, inspiring children dealing with the same learning disability to reach out to Easton and feel more confident in school. Armstrong also dedicated his time to Roadways Literacy Academy, speaking to children at the school for children with learning disabilities.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics




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Saskatoon Blades Teddy Bear Toss
Saskatoon Blades Teddy Bear Toss
   



Western Hockey League Stories from April 2, 2024


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