WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Set Stage to Retire Ashton's #7

Published on October 7, 2004 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Saskatoon Blades announced this morning that the team and it's fans will honor former Blades great Brent Ashton in a pre-game ceremony on Saturday November 6th, 2004 when the Blue & Gold host the Everett Silvertips. The ceremony Will see the #7 of Ashton lifted to the rafters of Credit Union Centre and be officially retired. The jersey retirement will be just the fourth in franchise history, following those of Wendel Clark, Bernie Fererko and Brian Skrudland.

This historic celebration of one of Saskatoon's finest is proudly sponsored by Shaw TV, CJWW, Hot 93FM and Magic 98.3FM.

Ashton, a Saskatoon hometown boy, spent three full seasons, plus 18 games in his first season, with the Saskatoon Blades. As a rookie he skated with Bernie Fererko and Blair Chapman collecting seven points in eleven games. He followed up with 54 and 64 point seasons before exploding for 119 points in 1978-79. Following the 1978-79 season Brent signed with the Vancouver Canucks which was the start of a solid 14 year NHL career which saw Brent compete in 998 regular season games while collecting 284 goals and 345 assists for 629 points with 635 penalty minutes with the following NHL teams (Vancouver, Colorado, New Jersey, Minnesota, Quebec, Detroit, Winnipeg, Boston and Calgary). After retiring in 1994, and after a serious knee injury, Brent opened up Brent Ashton Sportswear here in Saskatoon.

Brent Ashton night will have a local flavor as many players who played with Brent and the Blades still reside in the Saskatoon area: Wes George, Dan Erickson, Marc Chartier, Geoff Brand, Ralph Klassen, Ron Valade, Brian Schnitzler and Kevin Tendler just to mention a few. Jack McLeod and Gary Peeters, Blades coaches from when Brent played are also still in the Saskatoon area.

Brent will be joined on November 6th by his wife, Susan and sons Taylor (15), Carter (13), along with his parents Ken and Elizabeth Ashton. Hockey was in the family, Brent's brother Ron and Gary even suited up for the Blue & Gold from 1971 through until 1975.

Brent Ashton - Born May 18, 1960 - Saskatoon, SK
Vancouver's 2nd Choice, 26th Overall in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft

Saskatoon Blades President Jack Brodsky comments, "The Saskatoon Blades have had a rich history of great hockey players and fine men represent our team. Brent had a wonderful career with the Saskatoon Blades. He played many years of professional hockey and while away continued to be proud to call Saskatoon home. We look forward to having Brent's number officially retired here at Credit Union Centre and join the likes of Clark, Skrudland and Federko."

Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling 306.938.7800 or via on-line at ticketmaster.ca. Blades group seats for November 6th can be purchased by calling the Blades Ticket team at 306.974.8844…Hometown Hero's…

Blades Seats…Quality Time…Affordable Fun!!!

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Western Hockey League Stories from October 7, 2004


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