Blades Select Budding Star Brad Lambert in CHL Import Draft

June 30, 2020 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release

SASKATOON, SK - Brad Lambert could be returning to a familiar place.

With the 33rd overall selection in the 2020 CHL Import Draft, the Saskatoon Blades selected the 16-year-old Finnish product in the first round, forming a gateway back to his old stomping grounds.

Lambert was born and raised in Saskatoon, where he began his minor hockey career, before moving to Finland with his family for the start of the 2017-18 season.

Lambert is one of the most talked-about prospects eligible for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, with the potential to go first overall. Playing for HIFK Helsinki-U20 in Finland last season, the speedy centerman scored 18 goals and added 20 assists for 38 points in 42 games. This, despite playing against opponents several years older and more experienced.

The product of Lahti, Finland has also gained praise on the international stage, wearing Finnish colours at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. At the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, Lambert notched three goals in five games, and later increased his output with one goal and five assists for six points at the World U17's.

The Lambert name also has a familiar ring to the Blades organization. Brad's father, Ross, wore the Pacman logo for one star-studded season, piling up 106 points in 71 games in 1982-83. Blades fans may also recognize the name Lane Lambert - Brad's uncle - who played two seasons for the Blades in the early '80s collecting 233 points.

Brad also has a cousin with roots in Saskatoon. Jimmy Lambert, who just finished his second season at the University of Michigan, played three seasons for the Saskatoon Contacts U18 AAA squad before venturing into the BCHL.

This is only the second time since the Blades have selected a Finnish-born player since the CHL Import Draft was introduced in 2000. Lambert follows Jyri Niemi, who was picked 13th overall in 2007.

The Saskatoon Blades would like to welcome Brad and his family back to Blade City, and look forward to helping him progress his hockey career further in the future.

Western Hockey League Stories from June 30, 2020

• Jiri Patera Signs 3-Year, Entry-Level Contract with Vegas Golden Knights - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Broncos Add Forward and Defenceman in CHL Import Draft - Swift Current Broncos
• T-Birds Select Samuel Knazko in First Round of CHL Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Blades Select Budding Star Brad Lambert in CHL Import Draft - Saskatoon Blades
• Americans Select Goaltender, Defenseman in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Tri-City Americans
• Wheat Kings Draft Russian Defenceman in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Hitmen Select Two Players in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
• WHL Clubs Select 25 Players from Eight Nations in 2020 CHL Import Draft - WHL
• Rebels Select Promising Czech Winger in CHL Import Draft - Red Deer Rebels
• Oil Kings Select Janis Svanenbergs in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Cougars Draft Finnish Forward in CHL Import Draft - Prince George Cougars
• Broncos Add Forward and Defenceman in CHL Import Draft - Swift Current Broncos
• Blazers Select Defenseman Viktor Persson in CHL Import Draft - Kamloops Blazers
• Chiefs Select Defenseman David Jiricek in CHL Import Draft - Spokane Chiefs
• Raiders Select Shyla in CHL Import Draft - Prince Albert Raiders
• Tigers Select Oskari Kuntonen in CHL Import Draft - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Hurricanes Select Nikita Chibrikov in CHL Import Draft - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Rockets Select Krutil In Import Draft - Kelowna Rockets
• Giants Select Slovakian Defenceman Marko Stacha with 90th Overall Pick in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Vancouver Giants
• Winnipeg Ice Select Henri Nikkanen and Eugen Rabcan in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Winnipeg Ice
• Giants Select Swedish Forward Fabian Lysell 30th Overall in the 2020 CHL Import Draft - Vancouver Giants
• Warriors Select Rysavy in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Royals Select Marcus Almquist in CHL Import Draft - Victoria Royals
• Broncos Acquire Draft Pick from Victoria - Swift Current Broncos
• Pats Select Stanislav Svozil 15th Overall in 2020 Import Draft - Regina Pats
• Royals Make Trade with Broncos - Victoria Royals

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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