Preview: Raiders at Blades
September 12, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
Prince Albert Raiders @ Saskatoon Blades
7:00 PM - Legends Centre - Warman, SK
OFF THE TOP: The Saskatoon Blades head into tonight's game vs. the Prince Albert Raiders with nothing but confidence as their downed their bitter rival 6-3 last night in Prince Albert. Cameron Hebig scored 3 goals, and Josh Uhrich added 4 assists to propel the Blue & White into the win column. Rookie centreman Logan Christensen scored his first 2 goals of the pre-season including the empty netter to seal the win. The Blades enter tonight's matchup with a 1-0-1-0 record after previously losing to Edmonton in overtime last weekend in Lloydminster.
CREASE CRUNCH: After stopping 31 of 34 shots last night, Brock Hamm will get the night off as Nik Amundrud gets his first start of the pre-season. The 17-year old Melfort, SK native produced an impressive rookie season last year posting a 3.94 GAA and a .895 SV%. The two goaltenders have been pushing each other and will continue to push to earn the opening night start.
RETURN OF THE VET: Saskatoon born and grown, Connor Gay will make his Blades debut tonight. The 20-year old was acquired at the bantam draft in May, and will be looked upon to provide elite scoring and leadership to the young Blades core. In 71 games split between Regina and Red Deer last season, Gay raked up 23 goals, and 38 assists for 61 points.
CZECH IT OUT: 2nd overall CHL Import Draft pick Libor Hajek was ranked 23rd overall in Craig Button's pre-season draft rankings for the 2016 NHL Draft. The native of Smrcek, Czech Republic, the young defenceman has lived up to the hype early into his WHL career. He has already impressed coaching staff and fans with his smooth skating and tremendous play-making ability. Look for him to be a force on the Blades' blue line this year.
THE ROOKS: Cameron Hausinger, Josh Paterson, and Lukus MacKenzie will once again be in the lineup for the boys in blue tonight. The all 1999-born line has been very impressive so far as the three provide a unique combination, each with their own skill set. Hausinger, the buzz saw was all over the ice last night, getting under the skin of the opponent in "Brendan Gallagher like fashion". Lukus "Lucic" MacKenzie is coming into his own recently, figuring how to use his large frame to his advantage. Lastly, Paterson round out the trio, using his size, smarts, and skill to take the game over at times.
IN THE FUTURE: The Blades are now off for 6 days before their pre-season schedule picks back up next Friday at SaskTel Centre for their matchup with the Swift Current Broncos. The team then travels to Speedy Creek for the back end of their home and home to round out their exhibition season. The regular season gets underway Friday, September 25th when Prince Albert comes back to town for the always exciting season opener.
Stay tuned for all the details surrounding our season opener. There will once again be a pre-game tailgate party in the parking lot with entertainment for all ages.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 12, 2015
- Rockets Edge Kamloops 4-3 - Kelowna Rockets
- Americans Take Down T-Birds in Preseason Game - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Brandon Blow past Pats 8-3 - Regina Pats
- Rockets Edge Blazers 4-3 to Split Preseason Home and Home - Kelowna Rockets
- Hitmen Continue to Roll by Thrashing Edmonton 6-1 - Calgary Hitmen
- Giants Edge Royals 3-2 - Vancouver Giants
- Third Period Outburst Pushes Spokane to Win - Spokane Chiefs
- Spokane Defeats Red Deer - Tri-City Americans
- Prince George Defeats Kootenay in Overtime - Tri-City Americans
- Preview: Raiders at Blades - Saskatoon Blades
- Oil Kings Add Hughes - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Rebels Win 5-3 over Americans - Red Deer Rebels
- Blades Bash Raiders on the Road - Saskatoon Blades
- Cameron Hebig records a hat-trick to lift Saskatoon to first pre-season win - Prince Albert Raiders
- Red Deer Tops Tri-City 5-3 - Tri-City Americans
- Rockets Fall 3-1 in Kamloops in WHL Preseason - Kelowna Rockets
- Blazers Win 3-1 Over Rockets - Kamloops Blazers
- Kamloops win over Kelowna - Kelowna Rockets
- Brandon's Wheat Kings Beat The Pats - Brandon Wheat Kings
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