Preview: Blades at Raiders - September 11th
September 11, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
SASKATOON - Baptism by fire.
The Saskatoon Blades 2015 pre-season schedules continues and while many rookies got their first taste of WHL action in Lloydminster last weekend, their second course will be served in one of the most hostile environments in the league.
For those rookies entering their first road WHL rink, one word can be said about the cozy confines of the Art Hauser Centre: hostile.
Home to the green and gold Prince Albert Raiders nearly 45 years, coming away with a victory is never an easy task. Though it is just a pre-season game, rookie centre-man Josh Paterson is anticipating a raucous crowd at the storied AHC.
"Just expecting being ready for everything. Hopefully all the guys will be backing me up and making sure I'm ready to play there. "
While the fresh faced young stars enter Prince Albert for the first time, 2nd year forward Garrett Armour is no rookie to the harsh environment the barn can bring, and he's ready to get back in it.
"You know it's gonna be a hard game to play. It's tough, a lot of corner battles...it's not for the faint of heart in P.A. for sure."
"I'm looking forward to it actually...this fits my game pretty good so I think I'm adjusted and ready to play."
All anticipations aside, the goal remains clear for the boys in blue; win. Despite going into only their second pre-season game of the year - first for many of the veterans - it is still a hockey game against a bitter rival and the team is adamant about pulling out the victory tonight.
"Don't take it lightly" said veteran centre Cameron Hebig "Pre-season gets us ready for the regular season so [we] have to give it our all."
"It's a rivalry and we're ready for it. We've always had good games against them so I think it'll be fun." added Hebig, who is excited for the upcoming year with a fresh crop of young talent.
"We've got some good young guys coming up and guys from last year and I think we're a more confident group and know we can win this year...we're ready for the challenge."
After last weekend's loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings, coaching staff was positive and optimistic about the young roster and how they handled the pressures of their first WHL action. Dean Brockman was specifically pleased with the compete of the younger players
"I liked how we competed...we had some structure to our game early in the year and that's nice to see. Our young guys were relentless, i think they showed a lot of character, they certainly didn't back down against the older guys and you have to like that about a younger group."
Younger team or not, the Blades mentality going into Friday's tilt can be broken down into a few simple words: Work hard. Be relentless. Win.
With star players Brycen Martin and Ryan Graham away at NHL camps, the team will once again be looked to band together as a group to beat the tough crew from the north. The Blades current camp roster can be found at the top. Puck drop comes at 7:00pm form the Art Hauser Centre and you can follow all the action on twitter @bladeshockey or on our live blog on www.saskatoonblades.com.
The team will be back "home" tomorrow as the Raiders come back to visit the Blue and White at the Legends Centre in Warman. Tickets are going fast and can be purchased at the Legends Centre or at the Blades office.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 11, 2015
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- Silvertips Topple Portland 3-1 - Everett Silvertips
- Silvertips to Host September 18 Preseason Home Game vs. Portland - Everett Silvertips
- Winterhawks Cancel Next Friday's Preseason Game - Portland Winterhawks
- Busy Weekend in Store for Wheat Kings - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Everett Defeats Portland 3-1 - Tri-City Americans
- Dairy Queen Home Opener Two Weeks Away - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Hawks Fall 3-1 to Everett Friday in Preseason Action - Portland Winterhawks
- Blazers Host Rockets, Season Ticket Pick-Up Night - Kamloops Blazers
- Preview: Blades at Raiders - September 11th - Saskatoon Blades
- Rockets, Blazers Play Preseason Home and Home - Kelowna Rockets
- Winterhawks Acquire Igor Larionov, Jr. - Portland Winterhawks
- Blades Acquire Garrett Wait and Pick - Saskatoon Blades
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- Tyler Benson Undergoes Successful Surgery - Vancouver Giants
- Hitmen to Play First-Ever WHL Pre-Season Game at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday - Calgary Hitmen
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