WHL Saskatoon Blades

Preview: Oil Kings at Blades - October 29th

Published on October 29, 2015 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


OFF THE TOP: The Blades (6-3-3-0) return to the home confines of SaskTel Centre to face the Edmonton Oil Kings (3-8-3-0). The Blades are playing their first game since returning from their four-game western swing. Saskatoon went 3-1-0-0 on their road trip and now sit in the 1st wildcard spot in the East, one point behind Moose Jaw for 3rd place in the Eastern division.

LAST TIME OUT: This is the second meeting of the season between the Blades and Oil Kings. The Blades recently played Edmonton last Tuesday at Rexall Place in the first game of their latest road trip. Saskatoon edged out Edmonton 3-2 in overtime with Wyatt Sloboshan scoring the game winner while also adding an assist for a 1st star performance.

ROOKIE RELIANCE: Rookies were the story for the Blades last week as the 16-year old crew thrived under pressure on the gruelling four game road trip. Rookie centre Josh Paterson scored twice in Saturday's game versus Medicine Hat to help the Blades come from behind to win. Lukus MacKenzie and Cameron Hausinger each had three points in the final two games of the trip. Rookie import defenceman also scored his first and second career WHL goals for the Blades on the road.

HOMETOWN FLAVOUR: The Blades recently acquired forward Terrell Draude from the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for a 5th round pick in 2016. Draude, 6'3", 226lb centre from Warman, SK, will be making his Blades debut tonight. Draude was teammates Wyatt Sloboshan, and Cameron Hebig on the 2012-2013 Midget AAA Provincial Champions, Saskatoon Contacts.

BRIGHT FUTURE: The 2015 U16 Western Hockey Challenge is in full swing in Calgary. The Blades have five prospects present at the tournament. Jonny Tychonick (1st round, 12th overall), Chase Wouters (1st, 18), and Payton McIsaac (2nd, 39) are competing for Team Alberta, Matthew Mosher (3rd, 45) is competing Team BC, and Tyler Lees (5th, 94) is competing for Team Saskatchewan. Lees recorded an assist in the tournament's opening game vs. Manitoba. Chase Wouters scored the GWG for Team Alberta who defeated Team BC last night 6-3.

INJURY REPORT: 16-year old defenceman Anthony Bishop remains sidelined indefinitely with a hand injury. Mason McCarty is dealing with an illness and is day-to-day. Wyat Sloboshan is also out today with an illness.

UP NEXT: Saskatoon will have two days off before facing the Victoria Royals on Sunday, November 1st. Puck drop is at 2PM.

MILESTONES/STREAKS:

Terrell Draude suits up in his first game for the Saskatoon Blades. He sits at 39 career WHL points.

Nick Zajac is suiting up in his 263rd WHL game tonight. He will tie assistant coach Jerome Engele, and others, for 19th on the Blades all-time GP list.

Ryan Graham is one point away from 75 career WHL points.

Cameron Hebig sits at 39 career WHL goals.

Rookies, Lukus MacKenzie, and Cameron Hausinger are both currently on their first point streaks of their career. They each have points in two straight games.

AGE BREAKDOWN:

3 - 20 year olds, 3 - 19 year olds, 7 - 18 year olds, 5 - 17 year olds, 5 - 16 year olds.

GEOGRAPHICAL BREAKDOWN:

10 - SK, 7 - AB, 2 - MB, 2 - B.C., 1 - Alaska, 1 - Russia, 1 - Czech Republic

LEADING SCORERS:

Cameron Hebig: 12GP-8G-9A-17PTS

Connor Gay: 10GP-3G-9A-12PTS

Nick Zajac: 12GP-5G-5A-10PTS

Brycen Martin: 12GP-2G-8A-10PTS

Ryan Graham: 12GP-5G-4A-9PTS

Wyatt Sloboshan: 12GP-3G-6A-9PTS

DRAFTED PLAYERS: Brycen Martin (BUF - 3rd, 2014)

SPECIAL TEAMS:

PP: 10/56 - 17.9% (15th)PK: 47/57 - 82.5% (7th)

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from October 29, 2015


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