WHL Saskatoon Blades

Luding Leads Blades to Victory Royale

Published on November 29, 2018 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Dorrin Luding went toe-to-toe with one of the top goaltenders in the league and made 30 saves helping the Blades to a 2-1 bounce back, road victory over the Victoria Royals. Saskatoon improves to 16-9-2-0 on the season and 2-1 on the B.C. road trip, continuing their journey on Friday night in Kamloops against the Blazers.

HOW IT WENT DOWN

It was evident early on both goaltenders were dialled in and ready to go the distance as the first goal of the game didn't come until 12:39 into the 2nd period. Seth Bafaro snapped a shot from the right point that deflected off the stick of Riley McKay and then Kristian Roykas-Marthinsen before finding the back of the net. The goal was Marthinsen's 8th of the season and held up through 40 minutes.

Scott Walford answered with a slick, 4-on-4 backhand goal early in the third period to tie it up 1-1. A couple of minutes later, Kyle Crnkovic drove down the right wing and sent a cross-crease backhand pass to a streaking Zach Huber who banged home his 1st goal as a member of the Saskatoon Blades and 5th of the season. The goal held up as the winner and Dorrin Luding withstood a late onslaught from the Royals to give the Blades the win.

TURNING POINT

https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/1067993090638733313

Victoria came out in the second period with a strong push but Dorrin Luding made a jaw-dropping glove save which seemed to flip a switch on the Blades bench and shift the momentum in favour of the Blades.

TOP PERFORMERS

Dorrin Luding made 30 saves and was the game's 1st star. He improves his season save percentage to .931SV%

Zach Huber drove hard to the goal and paid the price for his 1st goal as a Saskatoon Blade, but it was the GWG.

Griffin Outhouse stopped 30/32 shots in goal for Victoria in what was a tough goaltenders duel.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Kyle Crnkovic's assist on the game winner was his 3rd career point.

Tristen Robins went 6/12 in the face-off circle, had 3 shots on goal, and a +1 rating.

Seth Bafaro picked up his 2nd assist on the road trip and finished with a +2 rating, improving to +4 on the season.

UNSUNG HERO

https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/1067991419418230784

Gary Haden created several offensive scoring chances, had 3 shots on goal, and made a key defensive play in the 2nd period to take away a 3-on-1 Victoria rush.

UP NEXT

The Blades will travel to Kamloops on Thursday for a Friday night tilt with the Blazers. The road trip finishes on Saturday night in Kelowna against the Rockets. Next home action for the Blades goes on Friday, Dec. 9th at 7:00pm versus the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from November 29, 2018


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