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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Net Powerplay Goal in 3-2 Loss vs Hitmen

October 1, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Saskatoon Blades left wing Misha Volotovskii (right) vs. the Calgary Hitmen
Saskatoon Blades left wing Misha Volotovskii (right) vs. the Calgary Hitmen
(Saskatoon Blades)

Calgary, AB - The Saskatoon Blades powerplay operated at 50 percent as they fell 3-2 to the Calgary Hitmen Sunday at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Forwards Lukas Hansen and Jordan Keller each notched their second goal of the season in defeat, while captain Trevor Wong extended his point streak to three games with an assist.

Rookie netminder Evan Gardner was sensational in the crease for Saskatoon stopping 30-of-33 shots, several being breathtaking saves.

The Blades fall to 2-2-0-0 on the season, and leave Alberta with two of a possible four points.

After the Blades went 0/8 on the powerplay the night prior against Medicine Hat, it was something addressed Sunday afternoon. The opportunity came 2:17 into the game after forward Smyth Rebman drew an interference call inside his zone. Winnipeg, MB's own Hansen cashed-in on the man-advantage just over a minute later for his second goal of the season, giving the Blades an early 1-0 lead. The 6-foot center parked in front of Hitmen rookie netminder Alex Garrett and slid a backhand between his legs. Captain Wong's primary assist on the play gives him points in three straight games, and gives him the sole possession of the team-lead in points with five (1G, 4A).

A late push by the Hitmen in the first couldn't crack rookie goalie Evan Gardner, stopping all eleven shots in the frame. The Blades headed back to the dressing room with a 1-0 lead.

Calgary kept their foot on the gas into the middle frame and forward Carter Yakemchuk tied the game 1-1 with his second of the season. The 6-foot-3 defender contributed 47 points (19G, 28A) in 67 games last season for the Hitmen.

Rookie forward Keets Fawcett scored his first WHL goal under four minutes later to give the Hitmen a 2-1 lead. The 5-foot-10 right winger's played in all four games for Calgary so far this year, and the score would stand heading into second intermission.

Keller tied the game 2-2 for Saskatoon with just over six minutes left in the game. The Kamloops, BC product fired a shot towards Saskatoon, SK native Alex Garrett on the goal line and it snuck through. Keller scored the Blades first goal of the season and now has two in four games this season.

The Hitmen came into this game without a powerplay goal, and broke that streak with a 4-on-3 goal from forward Oliver Tulk. The 2005-born forward gave the Hitmen the 3-2 edge with 3:31 left in the game, and the Blades were unable to respond.

What's Next

Blades fans can see the Blue and Gold in action Wednesday, Oct. 4th against the Edmonton Oil Kings at SaskTel Centre.

It's the Blades $5 Night! Tickets, beer, and food are $5 each. Come enjoy an affordable night out filled with non-stop action!

Puck drop is 7:00pm CT

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics




Images from this story

Saskatoon Blades left wing Misha Volotovskii (right) vs. the Calgary Hitmen
Saskatoon Blades left wing Misha Volotovskii (right) vs. the Calgary Hitmen
   



Western Hockey League Stories from October 1, 2023


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