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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Minten's Three-Point Night Secures Game 1 Win for Blades Over Rebels

April 13, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Saskatoon Blades' Fraser Minten celebrates win
Saskatoon Blades' Fraser Minten celebrates win
(Saskatoon Blades)

MINT TO BE: Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten recorded three points to help the Saskatoon Blades secure a 4-1 victory over the Red Deer Rebels in Game 1 of Round 2 at SaskTel Centre. It's the first time the Blades have won the opening game of a series since Game 1 in Round 1 against the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2019, when then captain Chase Wouters scored in overtime for the win. The last regulation Game 1 win was in 2011 in Round 1 against the Prince Albert Raiders.

Minten lit the lamp on the opening goal of the game and potted his second of the night on a powerplay goal just over halfway through the game. The 6-foot-2 centre assisted on winger Vaughn Watterodt's game-winning tally between his two goals, improving Minten to three goals and seven points in six games this postseason.

Watterodt netted his first goal of the 2024 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien, giving him two points in six games.

Rookie netminder Evan Gardner improved his career playoff record to 5-0 after stopping 16-of-17 Red Deer shots. The WHL Rookie of the Year finalist has a .926 save percentage and 1.61 goals-against average in his first run in the postseason.

The Blades have won five straight games in the postseason dating back to Game 2 in Round 1 vs the Prince Albert Raiders.

NEXT GAME: The Blades look to go up 2-0 against the Rebels after Game 2 on Sunday at SaskTel Centre.

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Saskatoon Blades' Fraser Minten celebrates win
Saskatoon Blades' Fraser Minten celebrates win
   



Western Hockey League Stories from April 13, 2024


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