WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Open 2019 with a Bang

Published on January 1, 2019 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Saskatoon Blades opened the 2019 calendar with a victory on Tuesday afternoon defeating the visiting Swift Current Broncos 5-2 at SaskTel Centre. It was the second win in a row for the Blades improving their record to 23-11-5-0 on the season, currently sitting in 3rd place in the WHL with 51 points.

HOW IT WENT DOWN

Max Gerlach (22) scored a power play goal in the first period to give Saskatoon a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. Nolan Kneen and Dawson Davidson added the helpers.

Josh Paterson (12) then made it 2-0 for the Blades in the middle frame, gobbling up a rebound from Kyle Crnkovic. The Broncos did manage to cut the lead in half before the 2nd intermission thanks to a late tally in the final minute from rookie defenseman Billy Sowa (2).

The second period also saw a pair of fights in the same sequence, resulting in Zach Huber of the Blades and Matthew Stanley of the Broncos getting ejected. Randen Schmidt and Quinton Waitzner were engaged in the original fight and they were each assessed 5-minute fighting majors.

The Blades kicked it into high gear in the final period outshooting the Broncos 20-6. Goals came from captain Chase Wouters (7), Kirby Dach (16), and Riley McKay (7).

Nolan Maier made 17 saves earning his 19th win of the season, moving into a tie with Red Deer's Ethan Anders for 4th most the WHL.

TOP PERFORMERS

Nolan Kneen - 2 assists, +1, 3 shots on goal.

Kirby Dach - 1 goal, 6 shots on goal.

Chase Wouters - 1 goal, +1, 70% on face-offs.

Max Gerlach - 1 goal, 1 assist, 5 shots on goal.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Kristian Roykas-Marthinsen (2 assists) extends point streak to 7 games (3G-5A)

Kirby Dach surpassed the century mark in career points moving to 101 career WHL points.

Dawson Davidson (1assist) extends his point streak to 7 games (1G-7A). Dawson is now in a 3-way tie for the league lead in points by defensemen with 39.

Riley McKay scored his 7th goal of the season and tied his career high in points from last season at 13.

UNSUNG HERO

Randen Schmidt laid a big hit on Quinton Waitzner that resulted in a double fight scenario that appeared to energize the Blades.

UP NEXT

The Blades will begin a 3-games in 3-nights weekend on Friday night at home when the welcome the Regina Pats to SaskTel Centre for the first time this season.




Western Hockey League Stories from January 1, 2019


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