Blades Get Revenge.

Seeing the Blades for the 1st time since their 2nd round sweep was nice.

Some of the Blades rookies look impressive. #17 Kyle Haas played well with a good tilt in the 2nd as well as scoring 2 goals. Nick Zajac is fast.... Not too sure if he has all of the tools this year to make the team.

Brett Stovin really played well chipping in with 3 assists. Christian Stockl added 2 goals to his credit. Many of these guys are making a name for themselves.

Patrick Johnson played the first 3o minutes surrendering 1 goal. Adam Todd allowed 1 as well. If I was Adam Morrison I may be a tad worried with the competition. A lot of talk around the rink tonight saying that one of the goalies in camp could be the back-up and that Morrison could be traded.

The only minus player for the Blades was Alex Elliott.

The final score was 6-2 for the Blades. The team of mostly rookies played well tonight.

The Blades next game is in Swift Current on Friday Sept 9th. Hopefully I can make the trip.

Blades Pre Season Underway.

1st some late very sad news to share. Former Blade and Maple Leaf Wade Belak who was only 35 years old passed away this week. In his condo in Toronto. This is the 3rd hockey player that the hockey world has lost this summer. All of them enforcer/tough guys.

The NHL better step in and do something. Just because these players go out and fight every night does not mean that they are invincible. It is a very stressful role to play these days. As seen by the comments made by George Laraque,Tyson Nash,Cody Franson etc.

My condolences go out to all of his family and friends.

Now onto some better hockey news. The Blades kicked off their pre season on Wednesday night with a tilt in Prince Albert against the Raiders. Saskatoon managed to score 1st. That was all that they could really do.

Here is a recap from the Blades website: http://www.saskatoonblades.com/article/saskatoon-drops-exhibition-opener

I am excited for Saturday. Also to see the rookies and players looking to earn a spot on the Blades roster or even just trying to get listed/protected by the Blades. Hockey is Back!!!!

Blades Using New Technology.

Here is a good article about concussion monitoring:

http://www.saskatoonblades.com/article/blades-monitoring-hits-to-the-head

I hope more teams use this chip.

400 posts!!!

Blades training camp starts today. I would have liked to go catch some action but work is preventing that. I can not wait for the pre season game. In PA and Saskatoon.

What A Summer.

Some very sad events have taken place over the summer. The sudden death of Derek Boogaard and most recently Rick Rypien. I think I was just getting into following the WHL when these two players played for the Regina Pats.

Both of them knew there role on the ice and I am sure they were great guys away from the rink. I never met either of them. My condolences go out to all of their family and friends.

Things like this make us realize how short life can be.

Blades training camp starts on August 24th. If anyone goes I would appreciate some feedback.

I am now on twitter,and have been since July. @Saskhockeyfan88 is my handle.

Go to the Blades website for all the information about training camp and more. Time for me to enjoy 3 days away from work.

Blades Release Season Schedule.

This is probably late I know. It is summer so I have been outside and not near a computer,well my blackberry is almost like a computer..... Here is the link to the schedule: http://www.saskatoonblades.com/schedule/list/time_zone/-120/team/22

4 Blades Drafted & Russian Goalie Selected.

Duncan Siemens went to the Colorado Avalanche 11th overall. Matej Stransky was drafted by the Dallas Stars,Darren Dietz went the Montreal Canadiens and Darian Dzuirzynski was selected by the Phoenix Coyotes. Brent Benson was not picked. Hopefully he earns a camp invite with one team.

The Blades traded with the Prince George Cougars and selected Russian goaltender Andre Makarov. Here is an article written about him.

http://bruins2011draftwatch.blogspot.com/2011/02/andrei-makarov-guy-you-should-know.html

It also looks like Morrison will be returning as per the Blades press release.

NHL News,Brayden Schenn Traded,WHL Preseason Schedule Announced

http://www.whl.ca/article/2011-whl-pre-season-schedule-announced

Brayden Schenn along with teammate Wayne Simmonds was traded from LA to Philly for Mike Richards and a 2nd round draft pick.

The NHL Entry Draft in tomorrow and Saturday in Minnesota. Duncan Siemens is a sure pick,Brent Benson,Matej Stransky and Darren Dietz also could be selected.