In many stats. The Blades sport one of the top defences in the league only allowing 55 goals thus far. They Also sport the best record and are currently in 1st place in the WHL. They have 5 of the top 6 players in the +- category. They also have the top 2 penalty minute leaders.
I dont think a team has ever led in all those categories. The Blades are a talented, strong defensively, ofensively, and very tough team. This would be year 5 of Lornes "5 year plan" Has he finally built the team needed to take the Blades into the promise land? Only time will tell. At 17-3-0-3 Blades fans have alot to be excited about. They meet the Cougars tomorrow, who are also owned by a Brodsky.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thats more like it
Going into last Wednesdays tilt against the Kootenay Ice. The Blades havent scored for 100+ minutes. They snapped that streak just 15 seconds into the game and potted 8 goals that night. Then in Red Deer tonight, the offense was again potent as they scored 6 more. 14 goals in their last 2 games and their PP is 3/6 in those 2 games. The record is now 4-2-0-2, certianly much better than it was a week ago.
But now Lorne is faced with another problem. Wintoneak looked to be the odd man out. Kytnar was supposed to stay. When Kytnar went down with a nagging injury(which could affect him later in the season) Wintoneak took his spot for the time being. Since playing for the injrue Kytnar, Wintoneak has definately been the best Blades player. He has 9 points in 6 games including a 4 point night tonight in Red Deer! Wintoneak also has 2 powerplay goals - PP goals have been a struggle with the Blades this season. Lorne is also under pressure from Oilers management to keep him on the team. Here is what the stats of the players look like.
Wintoneak 6GP - 3 goals, 6 assists, +3.
M Kytnar 3 GP - 0 goals, 1 assist, -1.
Who would you keep? Wintoneak seems like the obvious choice. I hope Lorne can find a home for Kytnar.
But now Lorne is faced with another problem. Wintoneak looked to be the odd man out. Kytnar was supposed to stay. When Kytnar went down with a nagging injury(which could affect him later in the season) Wintoneak took his spot for the time being. Since playing for the injrue Kytnar, Wintoneak has definately been the best Blades player. He has 9 points in 6 games including a 4 point night tonight in Red Deer! Wintoneak also has 2 powerplay goals - PP goals have been a struggle with the Blades this season. Lorne is also under pressure from Oilers management to keep him on the team. Here is what the stats of the players look like.
Wintoneak 6GP - 3 goals, 6 assists, +3.
M Kytnar 3 GP - 0 goals, 1 assist, -1.
Who would you keep? Wintoneak seems like the obvious choice. I hope Lorne can find a home for Kytnar.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Blades aquire goaltender Steven Stanford from the Raiders
In what was certainly an interesting an unexpected move. Lorne aquired Stanford from the Raiders. Stanford was on Campese's untouchable list last season. However a couple things changed that.
1 - The emergence of a very good 16 yr old goalie in Jacob Edwards
2 - Garret Zemlaks phenomenal play
Unfortunately this is likely the end for Sharkey. Things dont turn out the way you expect. Krahn will be 20 next season and obviously not part of the plan. Sharkey didnt get a chance this year and will probably get beat out by Oswald or Iwan next season. To the Raiders are Wall and Yaworsky, a couple players who will get a better chance in PA. Kozyra is likely gone as a result. Morrison and Stanford are the men between the pipes now. 2 good goalies, i dont know who the starter will be. But its good to have some experience and depth in that position.
Tyler Matheson has been traded to Kelowna for a 7th round pick.
Lorne NEEDS to find a home for Wintoneak. The 30+ goal scorer has decent value as its early on in the season. But that value decreases as the season wears on. Im sure Lorne has recieved all the interest he's gonna get, now its time to strike a deal. Also, once Wintoneak is gone, Lorne cam focus in picking lines and letting the players find chemestry with their linemates, and that should lead to some more wins. 2-2-0-2 is not a record a contender should have.
1 - The emergence of a very good 16 yr old goalie in Jacob Edwards
2 - Garret Zemlaks phenomenal play
Unfortunately this is likely the end for Sharkey. Things dont turn out the way you expect. Krahn will be 20 next season and obviously not part of the plan. Sharkey didnt get a chance this year and will probably get beat out by Oswald or Iwan next season. To the Raiders are Wall and Yaworsky, a couple players who will get a better chance in PA. Kozyra is likely gone as a result. Morrison and Stanford are the men between the pipes now. 2 good goalies, i dont know who the starter will be. But its good to have some experience and depth in that position.
Tyler Matheson has been traded to Kelowna for a 7th round pick.
Lorne NEEDS to find a home for Wintoneak. The 30+ goal scorer has decent value as its early on in the season. But that value decreases as the season wears on. Im sure Lorne has recieved all the interest he's gonna get, now its time to strike a deal. Also, once Wintoneak is gone, Lorne cam focus in picking lines and letting the players find chemestry with their linemates, and that should lead to some more wins. 2-2-0-2 is not a record a contender should have.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Welcome home, Boyer
Last season Boyer was one of the players i hoped Lorne would get at the trade deadline. He didnt, but he got him now. Boyer is coming to Saskatoon in exchange for a 3rd round pick, and Stefan Burzan(2009 bantam draft) Burzan was excellent in the Blades camp and i had him picked to make the team as a 16 yr old next season.
(image from saskatoonblades.com)
Jeremy Boyer will bring some speed, leadership, experience, and scoring touch, to a club that will improve from his services. Boyer is from Saskatoon and a former Blazer.
Lets take a look at the trades this season.
-Ryan Funk to Vancouver for a 4th
-Chris Langkow to Everett for a 6th and a 3rd
-Tyler Kiziuk from Prince George for a 6th
-Jeremy Boyer from Seattle for Burzan and a 3rd.
What the Blades lost - Langkow, Funk, and Burzan
What the Blades recieved - Kiziuk, Boyer, and a 4th.
(The 3rds and 6ths cancel out)
Lorne, IMO has done an excellent job trading. And there are definately more to come. Lorne has to get rid of at least 1 20yr old and 1 euro(or Kytnar who is a 20yr old euro)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Blades very mediocre start
1-1-0-1 is about as mediocre as you can get. Not good considering those 3 games were against teams they should be beating. There are a few problems with the start of the season(some out of Lorne's control)
1 - Getting a good start - The Blades have yet to score in the 1st period. The Blades have played good in the 2nd half of all their games but cannot get a good start going. They need to be fast right from the opening faceoff to the end of the game if they want any success.
2 - Work on the PP - The Blades IMO have the best slap shot and best wrist shot from the point. Elliott with the wrister and obviously Niemi with the slapper. Ive seen Niemi take 3 slap shots at home, hes had the chance for about 10. He's got a 100+ mph shot, he needs to use it. To give you an idea on how hard that is, the hardest shot in the NHL is Zdeno Chara at 105.6, an NHL record.
3 - Shoot the puck - The Nicholls Patterson play was nice, but those do not work very often. Despite returning a good part of the team, the Blades still need to keep it "Simple and Hard" Their team logo.
4 - Finalize the lines(out of Lornes controll) With the suprise returns of Kytnar and Klassen, Lorne im sure has been on the phone trying to figure out what to do with his 4 overagers and 3 euros. Part of the reason the Blades looked slow is because they have no chemestry. Once they get a final roster to play the season, you can expect to see the old Blades team you were hoping for. Unfortunately they have not figured out the euro and overage situation yet, so things will be rough till Lorne makes the trades he needs to.
1 - Getting a good start - The Blades have yet to score in the 1st period. The Blades have played good in the 2nd half of all their games but cannot get a good start going. They need to be fast right from the opening faceoff to the end of the game if they want any success.
2 - Work on the PP - The Blades IMO have the best slap shot and best wrist shot from the point. Elliott with the wrister and obviously Niemi with the slapper. Ive seen Niemi take 3 slap shots at home, hes had the chance for about 10. He's got a 100+ mph shot, he needs to use it. To give you an idea on how hard that is, the hardest shot in the NHL is Zdeno Chara at 105.6, an NHL record.
3 - Shoot the puck - The Nicholls Patterson play was nice, but those do not work very often. Despite returning a good part of the team, the Blades still need to keep it "Simple and Hard" Their team logo.
4 - Finalize the lines(out of Lornes controll) With the suprise returns of Kytnar and Klassen, Lorne im sure has been on the phone trying to figure out what to do with his 4 overagers and 3 euros. Part of the reason the Blades looked slow is because they have no chemestry. Once they get a final roster to play the season, you can expect to see the old Blades team you were hoping for. Unfortunately they have not figured out the euro and overage situation yet, so things will be rough till Lorne makes the trades he needs to.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The WHL is back(new fight rules, new jerseys)
Well we are in for another exciting WHL season! There is alot going on this season, first the new fight rule. Players will not be able to take off their helmets before fighting. If their helmets come off during the fight that's fine, but no more dumping the lids before squaring off. It sucks but apparently the league had to do it in order to have insurance for the players. On a somewhat positive note, players will likely just unstrap their helmets after dropping the mitts that way they'll come off rather easily once they engage. Especially the tough guys or more frequent fighters. From what I understand, unstrapping helmets before fighting won't be against the rules. -from HordiBrusk29 at hockeyfights.com
However i think the players sent a message to the WHL saying that this rule aint gonna stop them from fighting. There were multiple line brawls. Something like 25 fights on opening night which is unheard of unless you watched during the 80's. The Blades/Pats had a bit of a brawl that saw 4 fights and Zahn fighting twice. From what has transpired, it looks like fighting aint out of the game just yet.
Fans get to see all new RBK jerseys for EVERY CHL team. I have checked all of them out and my favorites in order are.
1 - Rouyn Noranda Huskies
2 - Saskatoon Blades
3 - Kamloops Blazers
4 - London Knights
5 - Regina Pats
However i think the players sent a message to the WHL saying that this rule aint gonna stop them from fighting. There were multiple line brawls. Something like 25 fights on opening night which is unheard of unless you watched during the 80's. The Blades/Pats had a bit of a brawl that saw 4 fights and Zahn fighting twice. From what has transpired, it looks like fighting aint out of the game just yet.
Fans get to see all new RBK jerseys for EVERY CHL team. I have checked all of them out and my favorites in order are.
1 - Rouyn Noranda Huskies
2 - Saskatoon Blades
3 - Kamloops Blazers
4 - London Knights
5 - Regina Pats
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Windsor does if after all
After a shocking 0-2 start. The Spitfires decided it was time to get their act together. In some very close games the Spitfires clawed their way back to a winning record. While doing so it was only fitting that Taylor Hall, Nemisz, and Ellis found their games. After defeating the Voltigeurs in the semi final Windsor found themselves battling the team that they beat earlier to stay alive. On the other hand the Rockets were faced with the task of playing the only team to have beat them thus far.
Now the Rockets had a chance to eliminate Windsor early on. But the Rockets were already garunteed a spot in the final so in a way this was a meaningless game for them. Well the Rockets played soft and Windsor came out with a win despite another poor effort from their club. So in the final would the Windsor make the Rockets regret not eliminating them when they had the chance.
Yes would be the answer to that question. Windsor came flying out of the gate. Windsors 1st shot, a goal. Windsors 2nd shot, a goal. Windsors 3rd shot, a goal. Windsor had 3 goals in 3 shots and Kelowna hadnt even got a shot off yet. Mark Guggenberger is pull and Adam Brown saw his 1st taste of action in 2 months. To his credit he would make some huge saves right away. After 1 period Kelowna looked down and out.
8 seconds into the 2nd period Cody Almond scores. 3-1 going into the 3rd. Ryan Ellis would blast a point shot that beats Brown and 4-1 would be your final. The Spitfires never gave up despite looking like the laughing stock of the Memorial Cup just a few days in. Mickey Renaud was watching them from up above with pride. The Spitfires became the 1st ever team to win it all after starting 2-0 at the Memorial cup.
Now the Rockets had a chance to eliminate Windsor early on. But the Rockets were already garunteed a spot in the final so in a way this was a meaningless game for them. Well the Rockets played soft and Windsor came out with a win despite another poor effort from their club. So in the final would the Windsor make the Rockets regret not eliminating them when they had the chance.
Yes would be the answer to that question. Windsor came flying out of the gate. Windsors 1st shot, a goal. Windsors 2nd shot, a goal. Windsors 3rd shot, a goal. Windsor had 3 goals in 3 shots and Kelowna hadnt even got a shot off yet. Mark Guggenberger is pull and Adam Brown saw his 1st taste of action in 2 months. To his credit he would make some huge saves right away. After 1 period Kelowna looked down and out.
8 seconds into the 2nd period Cody Almond scores. 3-1 going into the 3rd. Ryan Ellis would blast a point shot that beats Brown and 4-1 would be your final. The Spitfires never gave up despite looking like the laughing stock of the Memorial Cup just a few days in. Mickey Renaud was watching them from up above with pride. The Spitfires became the 1st ever team to win it all after starting 2-0 at the Memorial cup.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The favored Spitfires start off 0-2?
After a great effort against Drummondville from the Spitfires and a poor effort against Kelowna from the Oceanic. Many would expect a poor effort from the Oceanic against Windsor. Well, that was not the case. Rimouski certianly brought out their game legs against Windsor potting 5 and letting in 4. While doing that there were many scrums and a couple fights. When a game has 3 minors at the 20:00 mark you know these teams dont like eachother.
The first fight started off after McMillan leveled a Spit cleany into the boards. McMillan agreed to the fight but nothing was really thrown. A headlock each way and this is a non event. The 2nd fight was better though. After a scrum in front of the Oceanic goal. Spit Henrique and Oceanic Piche tussle a little too far and drop the gloves. Much to the fans enjoyment, Piche had Henrique in a headlock and fed him plenty of mini uppercuts. When it was all said and done Henrique had to get some repairs.
Oceanic led 1-0. But then Windsor scored 2 goals in 2:30. The Oceanic tied it back up and potted 2 more. Windsor struck within 1 before the 3rd. Although the Spitfires would start the 3rd on a PP. It would be the Oceanic striking first just 34 seconds in McMillan bangs home his rebound to really take the wind out of Windsors sails. Lokionov would circle the net and release a wirster that Gougen got a good part of but not enough and its a 5-4 game. After some glorious chances from Windsor the clock would eventually run down and the home team improves to 1-1 while Windsor goes 0-2.
What went wrong for Windsor? IMO it coulda been a couple things. After watching the pitful effort the Oceanic gave against Kelowna, Windsor may have thought this match would be a walk in the park. Also, Rimouski played day 1 and have had a couple days rest. The Spitfires had to play 2 games in 2 nights and may have been out of gas as they went to Overtime last night then had to play this afternoon. Combine those reasons and an "upset" doesnt seem too far fetched.
Tomorrow is the matchup im most looking forward to! Kelowna VS Drummondville. Who will stay undefeated?
The first fight started off after McMillan leveled a Spit cleany into the boards. McMillan agreed to the fight but nothing was really thrown. A headlock each way and this is a non event. The 2nd fight was better though. After a scrum in front of the Oceanic goal. Spit Henrique and Oceanic Piche tussle a little too far and drop the gloves. Much to the fans enjoyment, Piche had Henrique in a headlock and fed him plenty of mini uppercuts. When it was all said and done Henrique had to get some repairs.
Oceanic led 1-0. But then Windsor scored 2 goals in 2:30. The Oceanic tied it back up and potted 2 more. Windsor struck within 1 before the 3rd. Although the Spitfires would start the 3rd on a PP. It would be the Oceanic striking first just 34 seconds in McMillan bangs home his rebound to really take the wind out of Windsors sails. Lokionov would circle the net and release a wirster that Gougen got a good part of but not enough and its a 5-4 game. After some glorious chances from Windsor the clock would eventually run down and the home team improves to 1-1 while Windsor goes 0-2.
What went wrong for Windsor? IMO it coulda been a couple things. After watching the pitful effort the Oceanic gave against Kelowna, Windsor may have thought this match would be a walk in the park. Also, Rimouski played day 1 and have had a couple days rest. The Spitfires had to play 2 games in 2 nights and may have been out of gas as they went to Overtime last night then had to play this afternoon. Combine those reasons and an "upset" doesnt seem too far fetched.
Tomorrow is the matchup im most looking forward to! Kelowna VS Drummondville. Who will stay undefeated?
Saturday, May 16, 2009
All 4 teams have played!
Kelowna and Rimouski kicked things off yesterday. It seemed like Kelowna was out of Rimouski's league as they peppered the Oceanic goalie with shots. The puck crossed Kelowna's blueline 3 times in the 1st 5 minutes, all of which were icing calls. Tyler Myers scored the 1st goal of the tournament and Kelowna rolled from there. Rimouski made it a little respectable as they potted 1 late to cap off the scoring at 4-1.
Then we got our 1st look at the OHL and QMJHL Champions. The Windsor Spitfires and the Drummondville Voltiguers. Few people gave Drummondville a chance. But the Voltiguers knew what they had to do. They used their speed against Windsors skill which made for a heck of a very close faught match. Windsor had a 1 goal lead twice in the game. Including the first goal with under 1/4 of a second left!!! But the Volts didnt let that stop them. They fought back and kept coming. 60 minutes wasnt enough but 68 was. As a point shot tipped to the right of the goal and a glorious rebound gave Drummondville the win.
Rimouski will have to prove themselves as they take on the Spitfires tomorrow. Windsor will not be in a good mood and will be desparate for a win. This could be bad for Rimouski. If they are not back in game shape tomorrow we will see another blow out.
Then we got our 1st look at the OHL and QMJHL Champions. The Windsor Spitfires and the Drummondville Voltiguers. Few people gave Drummondville a chance. But the Voltiguers knew what they had to do. They used their speed against Windsors skill which made for a heck of a very close faught match. Windsor had a 1 goal lead twice in the game. Including the first goal with under 1/4 of a second left!!! But the Volts didnt let that stop them. They fought back and kept coming. 60 minutes wasnt enough but 68 was. As a point shot tipped to the right of the goal and a glorious rebound gave Drummondville the win.
Rimouski will have to prove themselves as they take on the Spitfires tomorrow. Windsor will not be in a good mood and will be desparate for a win. This could be bad for Rimouski. If they are not back in game shape tomorrow we will see another blow out.
Friday, May 15, 2009
The 2009 Mastercard Memorial Cup!
Well the Memorial Cup experience got started a day early for me as i recieved a 2009 top prospects signed CHL jersey in the mail yesterday for placing 2nd in the Rightgaurd CHL most extreme fan contest. My favorite tournament kicks off today with the WHL Champions Kelowna Rockets facing off against the host team the Rimouski Oceanic. As the Rockets appear healthy the Oceanic is anything but. Defenseman Marc Bourdon (NHL3rd rounder) has battled injury. Heart and soul player 2-way forward (NHL3rd rounder) Olivier Fortier has also battled through injury. Thats the 2nd best D-man and the best forward with status in question. Should those 2 key players be ready then we are in for 1 hell of a match. If they are not ready to go then it may be a long night for the home team fans.
The QMJHL Champions (to no suprise) are the Drummondville Voltiguers. This highly favored team was CHL ranked most of the season and didnt disappoint. The OHL Champions(to an even lesser degree of suprise) are the Windsor Spitfires. A team that has IMO the best forward of the tournament, and the best offensive D-man of the tournament. Those 2 being Forward Taylor Hall(The hands down fav to be #1 in the NHL draft in 2010) And Ryan Ellis(should be a top pick in this years draft) Taylor Hall is a complete package player. He doesnt take a shift off and is good in all aspects of the game. Ryan Ellis is a 5'11 tremendously talented in the offensive department form the bluline. He is always thinking offence and has that ability to sneak into high priced offensive real estate when opposing teams least expect it. Before they turn their heads-BAM! the puck is in the back of the net.
Aside from all the talent that team has, the Spitfires also have another motive at the Memorial Cup. They are wanting to win it all for their late captain Mickey Renaud who passed away suddenly February 22nd last year. A little more then a year later the players have not forgot about their captain. If you look at their OHL Championship picture, youll see the teamates draping Renauds jersey over the cup. That motivation i believe will be enough for Windsor to win the Memorial Cup as they ice arguably their best team ever.
Next blog will be about the NHL playoffs.
The QMJHL Champions (to no suprise) are the Drummondville Voltiguers. This highly favored team was CHL ranked most of the season and didnt disappoint. The OHL Champions(to an even lesser degree of suprise) are the Windsor Spitfires. A team that has IMO the best forward of the tournament, and the best offensive D-man of the tournament. Those 2 being Forward Taylor Hall(The hands down fav to be #1 in the NHL draft in 2010) And Ryan Ellis(should be a top pick in this years draft) Taylor Hall is a complete package player. He doesnt take a shift off and is good in all aspects of the game. Ryan Ellis is a 5'11 tremendously talented in the offensive department form the bluline. He is always thinking offence and has that ability to sneak into high priced offensive real estate when opposing teams least expect it. Before they turn their heads-BAM! the puck is in the back of the net.
Aside from all the talent that team has, the Spitfires also have another motive at the Memorial Cup. They are wanting to win it all for their late captain Mickey Renaud who passed away suddenly February 22nd last year. A little more then a year later the players have not forgot about their captain. If you look at their OHL Championship picture, youll see the teamates draping Renauds jersey over the cup. That motivation i believe will be enough for Windsor to win the Memorial Cup as they ice arguably their best team ever.
Next blog will be about the NHL playoffs.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Kyle Beach
Hes the kind of player that you either love or hate. And to alot of "away" fans he's very easy to hate. The 6'3, 210 lb Kyle Beach has made the type of impact that seemingly everyone notices. Aside from looking like a mean guy, he plays with a mean streak. He hits, fights, chirps, crosschecks, slashes, and scores. Theres nothing that Beach doesnt do. Theres no question that sometimes his temper gets the better of him and causes him to take untimely penalties. But the talent is there.... Kyle Beach has been a point per game player ever since his rookie 16 yr old season in the dub.
A question that many have asked is "Would you want Beach on your team? Though many have answered no, i will answer yes. I think Molleken would be able to handle Beach and that his attitude would improve as a Blade. Beach would also provide a scorers touch which is something the Blades havent had alot of since the Setoguchi, Rabbit, Barnes, Green days. He would take some bad penalties and there will be a refs eye on him, but i truely believe he would end up being a huge help to the club the may challenge for the WHL title next season. Maybe Lorne will try for him? Who knows.
Another question that has been raised is: "Will Kyle Beach make the NHL" My answer"yes" Beach is a mean 6'3 210lb power forward would can put the puck in the net, plays with a gritty style, and will drop the gloves. His physical attributes and stats would make him a dream player for any NHL club. Kyle Beach was selected in the 1st round, 11th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. As far as talent goes, i think Beach was the 2nd most talented forward in that draft. Im going to make a bold prediction and say that Kyle Beach will be a full time NHLer within 3 years. He will fit in well with Chicagos systems.
In my next blog, i will post about my favorite tournament of all time! The Memorial Cup.
A question that many have asked is "Would you want Beach on your team? Though many have answered no, i will answer yes. I think Molleken would be able to handle Beach and that his attitude would improve as a Blade. Beach would also provide a scorers touch which is something the Blades havent had alot of since the Setoguchi, Rabbit, Barnes, Green days. He would take some bad penalties and there will be a refs eye on him, but i truely believe he would end up being a huge help to the club the may challenge for the WHL title next season. Maybe Lorne will try for him? Who knows.
Another question that has been raised is: "Will Kyle Beach make the NHL" My answer"yes" Beach is a mean 6'3 210lb power forward would can put the puck in the net, plays with a gritty style, and will drop the gloves. His physical attributes and stats would make him a dream player for any NHL club. Kyle Beach was selected in the 1st round, 11th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. As far as talent goes, i think Beach was the 2nd most talented forward in that draft. Im going to make a bold prediction and say that Kyle Beach will be a full time NHLer within 3 years. He will fit in well with Chicagos systems.
In my next blog, i will post about my favorite tournament of all time! The Memorial Cup.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Another exciting WHL season comes to an end.
When i think of the Saskatoon Blades season, the word "1st" comes to mind. Some of which is in a positive way and some of which is in a negative way. The Blades finished 1st in the division. The Blades captured their 1st banner in 15 years. The Blades were out in the 1st round of playoffs. They were also considered to be on the losing end of the 1st WHL playoff upset. To cap it off in a positive manner they tied the all time(1st place) WHL road record.
Now, according to who you ask: The Blades in some minds had a successful season and had an unsuccessful season in other minds. In the negative minds you will hear comments such as "Still no WHL championship" The Blades were so good in the regular season then choke in playoffs. They will never win. All the regular season hard work was for nothing.....
Well thats where i would like to respectfully disagree. To begin not many people had the Blades to finish anywhere near the top. So any extra regular season success was a bonus. Now the playoff exit was hard, but it did go to a very entertaining game 7 in front of 10,000 strong. Burke Gallimore made a name for himself, Adam Morrison made a name for himself. The Blades inked the record books putting their name right beside the Hitmen in the road wins category. Also i had the privilage of experiencing live in PA something that Blades fans had longed for, for over 15 years. It happened as Stefan Elliott came up with some late game heroics ironically with 6 (his jersey number) seconds left in regulation to give the Blades the point they needed to bring home a division banner. That victory was bittersweet as it was the Blades last chance to set the Road record but they fell short in the S.O. However after seeing the reactions on the bench as they scored, im sure the boys in blue still had a great ride home.
Having said that it brings me to another point. A friend of mine currently resides in Brandon. And we had a friendly debate on who had a more successful season. The Saskatoon Blades or the Brandon Wheatkings. The Wheatkings made it to the 3rd round then got swetp by the Hitmen. The Blades captured an East div banner then lost in 7 to the Hurricanes. When the returning Blades players come back in Sept and start playing again, during every national anthem they will be looking at "2008/2009 East divsion champions - Saskatoon Blades" And knowing that they were a part of that will spark the players and leave a good feeling inside. Whereas the last season memories the returning Wheatkings will have is a 0-4 sweep from the Hitmen. Personally, id rather have the banner and the tied road record.
Thats all for now! In my next blog i will talk about a touchy subject, Kyle Beach.
Now, according to who you ask: The Blades in some minds had a successful season and had an unsuccessful season in other minds. In the negative minds you will hear comments such as "Still no WHL championship" The Blades were so good in the regular season then choke in playoffs. They will never win. All the regular season hard work was for nothing.....
Well thats where i would like to respectfully disagree. To begin not many people had the Blades to finish anywhere near the top. So any extra regular season success was a bonus. Now the playoff exit was hard, but it did go to a very entertaining game 7 in front of 10,000 strong. Burke Gallimore made a name for himself, Adam Morrison made a name for himself. The Blades inked the record books putting their name right beside the Hitmen in the road wins category. Also i had the privilage of experiencing live in PA something that Blades fans had longed for, for over 15 years. It happened as Stefan Elliott came up with some late game heroics ironically with 6 (his jersey number) seconds left in regulation to give the Blades the point they needed to bring home a division banner. That victory was bittersweet as it was the Blades last chance to set the Road record but they fell short in the S.O. However after seeing the reactions on the bench as they scored, im sure the boys in blue still had a great ride home.
Having said that it brings me to another point. A friend of mine currently resides in Brandon. And we had a friendly debate on who had a more successful season. The Saskatoon Blades or the Brandon Wheatkings. The Wheatkings made it to the 3rd round then got swetp by the Hitmen. The Blades captured an East div banner then lost in 7 to the Hurricanes. When the returning Blades players come back in Sept and start playing again, during every national anthem they will be looking at "2008/2009 East divsion champions - Saskatoon Blades" And knowing that they were a part of that will spark the players and leave a good feeling inside. Whereas the last season memories the returning Wheatkings will have is a 0-4 sweep from the Hitmen. Personally, id rather have the banner and the tied road record.
Thats all for now! In my next blog i will talk about a touchy subject, Kyle Beach.
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