
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
- Pats Stopped by Raiders to Open 2019 - Regina Pats
- T-Birds Acquire Keltie Jeri-Leon, Michael Horon and Draft Pick from Hurricanes - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Hurricanes Acquire Hughes from Thunderbirds - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Blades Defeat Broncos in New Years Day Matinee - Swift Current Broncos
- Blades Open 2019 with a Bang - Saskatoon Blades
- Giants Fall 3-1 in Edmonton to Kick off 2019 - Vancouver Giants
- Raiders Open 2019 With A Win In Regina - Prince Albert Raiders
- Hitmen Power past Royals, 6-3 - Calgary Hitmen
- Royals Tripped up by Hitmen - Victoria Royals
- No Time Like the Present for the Rebels to Get Back in Gear - Red Deer Rebels
- Silvertips Acquire 27-Goal Scorer and Left Wing Zack Andrusiak from the Seattle Thunderbirds - Everett Silvertips
- T-Birds Acquire Sean Richards, Prospect Forward, and 3 Draft Picks from Everett - Seattle Thunderbirds
- T-Birds Sign Goalie Roddy Ross - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Preview: Blades Host Broncos in New Year's Matinee - Saskatoon Blades
- Calgary Hitmen Game Preview - Tuesday, January 1 vs. Victoria - Calgary Hitmen
- Game Day Preview: Pats Kick off 2019 at Home to Prince Albert New Years Day - Regina Pats
- Hawks Ring in 2019 with a Win - Portland Winterhawks
- Ams Ring in New Year with Dominate 6-1 Win over Chiefs - Tri-City Americans
- Winterhawks Down T-Birds in Annual New Year's Eve Game - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Jesse Makaj Named December's Player of the Month Presented by Jewels on Ninth - Kootenay Ice
- Penny Coyle Named December's Community Member of the Month Presented by Spring Honda - Kootenay Ice
- Royals Ring in New Year with OT Victory over ICE - Kootenay Ice
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.
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