The Saskatoon Blades are entering the WHL Eastern Conference Semi-Finals with high spirits following a hard-fought series win against the Edmonton Oil Kings. Their next challenge is a major rivalry series against the top-seeded Prince Albert Raiders.
Key to their playoff success has been a strong power play and penalty kill, exemplified by their game seven victory where they neutralized an Edmonton power play and scored on the man advantage. Forward Rowan Calvert scored the winning goal in that decisive game.
Despite the challenge posed by the favored Raiders, Blades coach Dan DaSilva emphasized the team's pride and unity. "Our group is really tight. They have a ton of pride and they’re going to battle hard," DaSilva stated. "We expect it to be another long series. It’s going to be a grind and a challenge, but we’re going to embrace that grind and challenge."
Power forward Cooper Williams echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team's unwavering belief in each other. Goalie Ryan Gardener, nominated for the WHL's Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy for humanitarian of the year, noted the intense animosity towards the Raiders, stating, "I genuinely hate the Raiders, I think everyone in the room feels the same. Every time we play them, we have this fire in us."
The Blades face the Raiders at 7:00 PM Central Standard Time.