The Saskatoon Blades improved to 3-0-0-0 on the season after a 4-3 victory Saturday at SaskTel Centre against the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Rowan Calvert was the hero for Saskatoon, scoring the game-winning goal with 3:03 left in the third period on the man-advantage. It was a clutch goal for the Moose Jaw, SK product’s second tally of the game, coming right after a gutsy penalty kill for Saskatoon.
Blades forward Willy James went to the sin bin with under six minutes remaining for holding, giving another chance to a Wheat Kings powerplay that scored on their first attempt earlier in the night. Big saves from Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick Evan Gardner kept the game tied at 3-3, leading to a double-minor high-sticking penalty to Brandon rookie Brady Turko with 3:38 left in contest.
Calvert buried a rebound off a Grayden Siepmann point-shot that was deflected on its way to the net. The alternate captain finished the game with two goals, earning first star on the evening. Calvert has three goals and four points in three games this season.
The Blades now sit atop the Eastern Conference with six points alongside the Central Division’s Lethbridge Hurricanes.
What’s Next?
The Blades bus out west to the Scotiabank Saddledome Wednesday for their first meeting of the year against the Calgary Hitmen.
Puck drop is 7:00 p.m.
