Blades Win Iconic Series vs Pats in Dramatic Game 7 Fashion
April 11, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
Saskatoon Blades' Vaughn Watterodt on game night
(Saskatoon Blades)
The Saskatoon Blades stalled the Regina Pats 4-1 Monday night in Game 7 of their first-round WHL playoff series at SaskTel Centre to advance to Round 2.
In front of sold out crowd of 14,768 and vs WHL phenom Connor Bedard, the Blades rose to the occasion in the biggest spotlight imaginable.
Unlike the first six games of this series, goal scoring was difficult to come by for either side. The ice-breaker didn't come until 14-seconds remained in the second period. 19-year-old defenceman Spencer Shugrue scored the biggest goal of his career up to this points sending the packed crowd into a frenzy.
A big change coming into the contest was in net. Rookie goalie Austin Elliott was back between the pipes after allowing nine goals in less than six periods during games 1 and 2. Saskatoon, SK. product Ethan Chadwick stole three victories for the Blades in the meantime, but tonight was a chance at redemption for Elliott. He lived up to his nickname, "Stone Cold" stopping 25 of 26 shots en route to his first career playoff victory.
History repeats itself as the last time these two teams met in a Game 7 was the first-round in 2000, which the Blades won in the same fashion as this series. Saskatoon trailed 2-0 initially before storming back to take a 3-2 series lead and dropping game six. In 2000, the Blades came back to home-ice and won 5-1 while 23-years later was a 4-1 decision.
The Blades advance to Round 2 for what should be a hard-hitting series vs the Red Deer Rebels. The Rebels defeated the Calgary Hitmen in five games of their first-round series coming into Game 1 Friday at SaskTel Centre with a bit more rest.
NEXT GAME: The Blades get set for action Friday at SaskTel Centre in Game 1 of their best-of-seven second-round series vs the Red Deer Rebels. Game 2 is Sunday on home-ice as well, before heading on the road for games 3 and 4 Tuesday and Wednesday.
Puck drop for Friday's contest is 7:00pm, while Sunday is a 4:00pm start.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Apr. 11th at 10:00am!
Images from this story
 Saskatoon Blades' Vaughn Watterodt on game night |
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