Distance has never been an issue between the Saskatoon Blades and Swift Current Broncos but division alignment has been one. That’s not the case anymore as the Blue and Gold kick off the 2024-2025 regular season on the road at Innovation IPlex, welcoming Speedy Creek back to the East Division. The Broncos spent the last five seasons in the Central Division due to the Winnipeg ICE being in the East, winning the division banner last season.
The Bridge City Bunch come into Friday night reigning regular season champions after a 50-13-2-3 campaign last year. Saskatoon’s opening night roster features 14 returning players, 11 rookies, 14 forwards, eight defenceman, and four goalies. Saskatoon won all four meetings against the Broncos last season, outscoring the hosts 15-9. The Blades hope to build off momentum from Saturday’s preseason finale in Warman, beating the Prince Albert Raiders 4-3 in overtime.
Blades forward Brandon Lisowsky, goalie Evan Gardner, and defenceman Tanner Molendyk are all away at NHL training camps. Lisowsky is at Toronto Maple Leafs camp after 42 goals and 38 assists in 68 games last season with the Blue and Gold. The 20-year-old forward is expected to be a big part of the Blades’ offence this season. Gardner is at Columbus Blue Jackets camp after being selected 60th overall in June at the NHL Entry Draft. The 2023-24 WHL Rookie of the Year finalist went 21-5-0-2 with a 1.91 goals-against average, .927 save percentage, and four shutouts. Molendyk is at his second straight Nashville Predators camp after he was drafted 24th overall by them at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old blueliner led all Blades defenceman in points last season with ten goals, 46 assists, and 56 points in 50 games.
Who to Watch
20-year-old defenceman Grayden Siepmann is slated to dress tonight after returning from Utah Hockey Club rookie camp this week. The right-handed shot is expected to be a massive factor on the Blades’ backend this season. A 204-game veteran, Siepmann has 18 goals, 69 assists, and 87 points in his WHL career.
Bridge City Faithful will get their first glimpse at 2005-born winger Ben Riche. The Bethune, SK native was acquired by Saskatoon from the Victoria Royals in May in exchange for senior forward Vaughn Watterodt. Riche led the Blades in preseason points with two goals and seven assists in four games.
After making his WHL debut on March 23, 2024 at SaskTel Centre in front of 13,000+ fans, rookie forward Zach Olsen is ready to return to the lineup and make an impact. The Calgary, AB native was drafted 29th overall by the Blades at the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.
The Saskatoon Blades home opener is on Saturday, Sept. 21st at 7:00 p.m. vs. the Swift Current Broncos.
