Huber, Haden likely in lineup tonight Against ICE
Saskatchewan lad Huber raring to get going after trade from Calgary Hitmen
The changing face of the Saskatoon Blades continues with yet another pair of new faces at the forward position.
Newcomers Zach Huber and Gary Haden are both expected to be in the lineup Thursday night when the Blades play the visiting Kootenay Ice.
Game-time is 7:05 p.m. at Sasktel Centre.
“Thursday night will be a real cool feeling,” said Huber. “I’m sure I’ve been watching the (Blades) since I was little. I’ve been wanting to be one of them for a long time, so I’m finally pulling a Blade sweater on — it’ll be awesome.”
It’s been a whirlwind couple of days for Huber, who was acquired from the Calgary Hitmen in a Western Hockey League trade Tuesday.
He practised with the Blades on Wednesday morning after spending the night at his parents’ place near Grandora, which may or may not be his home for the remainder of the season.
“I’ve got to talk to my parents and see if they want me to move back,” joked Huber, a 2000-born forward who was obtained for a sixth-round WHL Bantam Draft pick in 2020.
“I’ve kind of come in to add some depth scoring and be a gritty player, the kind of player who checks, drops the gloves if I have to, score some goals and be an all-round player for the team.”
The six-foot, 192-pound Huber had four goals and an assist in 14 games with the Hitmen this season. He has 72 games of WHL experience after being taken in the fourth round, 74th overall, in the 2015 bantam draft.
“Zach’s a guy we kind of had in mind for a while in terms of bringing some forward depth to our group,” said Blades head coach Mitch Love. “He plays an honest, hard game and he’s an experienced guy playing in a good program in Calgary last year and he’s a local product who has a lot of family and friends here who’ll support him. From what I’ve got to know him here in the limited time is that he’s very personable, very excited to be here and that’s always reassuring to a hockey coach.”
Huber found out about the trade late Tuesday afternoon, packed his bags quickly and headed back to Saskatchewan, where he spent part of his childhood. His parents reside about 40 minutes west of Saskatoon.
“It was a quick turnaround but I got in around 1-1:30 (a.m.) last night and I went to my parents place,” said Huber. “I’m just glad to be here for a new opportunity. Being close to home is obviously a good bonus. I couldn’t say no to that.”
Meanwhile, Haden made his Blades debut this past weekend. He scored both goals for Saskatoon, including a short-handed tally, in a 5-2 loss Saturday to the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Haden was acquired from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for defensive-mind centreman Logan Christensen.
“It seemed like a trade for both hockey teams that made a lot of sense,” said Love. “In Medicine Hat’s case, they’re looking to add some depth defensively down the middle. We were looking to add a little more speed and offence. Gary fits in very well. He’s very new here. He’s still learning a lot of different things about our group and our systems, but both kids are welcome additions so far.”
Haden now has three goals and three assists in 12 games this season. Last season, he had 17 goals and 25 assists for 42 points in 70 games.
“I’m just trying to score on all of my opportunities that I get,” Haden said Wednesday.
“I’m super excited, playing with great players. I’ve been playing with Patty (Josh Paterson) and Wouty (Chase Wouters). I played against them in the Alberta league for a long time. Now to be on their side is awesome and lots of fun.”
Haden asked to be traded out of Medicine Hat.
“It was just one of those things where I asked for a trade and I didn’t want to stick around and cause drama on the team,” he explained. “Medicine Hat was always great to me and it will always hold a special place in my heart, but I’m here now and I’m really happy to be looking forward to the feature.”
Thursday night will be a real cool feeling. I’m sure I’ve been watching the (Blades) since I was little. I’ve been wanting to be one of them for a long time.