Blades coach goes out on a limb, predicts team takes `leap' forward
Saskatoon Blades head coach Brennan Sonne sees his team taking more of a leap than a step forward this season in the Western Hockey League.
Back in the summer, Sonne thought the Blades were definitely going to take another step by getting that much older and more experienced, with four 16-year-olds now back in the league at age 17.
Fast forward to late September with the season starting Friday in Prince Albert against the rival Raiders.
“Right now, I'm kind of going out on a limb to say this, but I think it's getting closer to being a bit of a leap, just with the additions we've made and how that changes our dynamic,” said Sonne, who is entering his second season with the Blades.
“With our returning guys in the back end and our front end, it's a little more than a step in my opinion. I'm going out on a limb in saying that, but that's currently my assessment.”
Does that mean a possible league championship contender?
“I see us as a high-level team,” replied Sonne.
“There are really good teams in this division. Just look around. How many NHL guys does Moose Jaw have? And Winnipeg, there's (Connor) Geekie and (Matthew) Savoie and (Carson) Lambos, those guys didn't go anywhere,” Sonne said.
“Regina's got (Connor) Bedard. P.A., going into that building is not an easy building to play in. Then even going into the Central (Division), they're good teams. Brandon's going to be good too. Everybody's really, really good. If we're just solely focused on how the Saskatoon Blades are progressing, I think we're closer to a leap than a step.
“We're going to be a good team.” Game-time is 7 p.m. Friday in Prince Albert and 7 p.m. Saturday at Sasktel Centre in Saskatoon.
ROULETTE, LIES AMONG NEWCOMERS
Among the newcomers to the Blades this season are forwards Connor Roulette (Seattle Thunderbirds trade, NHL Dallas Stars main camp) and Justin Lies (Vancouver Giants trade, NHL Vegas Golden Knights prospect camp).
“We've got two big pieces for our group here,” said Blades captain Aidan De La Gorgendiere. “Both add size, some grit and heaviness as well. Obviously both can play offence as well, so I'm real excited for the group we have this year and I look forward to get the season started Friday.”
De La Gorgendiere believes the Blades are much grittier overall.
“In previous years, when we had success, we had a gritty team,” he noted. “We could go into the corners and win those battles and also put the puck in net. I'm real excited. The vibe around here is awesome right now. Everyone's super excited to get this season going. I'm looking forward to it.” Also new to the fold is Czech D -man Tomas Zizka (CHL import draft).
THREE GRADS AMONG DEPARTURES
The Blades graduated overagers Nolan Maier (G, NHL Philadelphia Flyers main camp, AHL contract), Tristen Robins (F, NHL San Jose Sharks) and Rhett Rhinehart (D, NHL Calgary Flames main camp).
As well, they bid farewell to Noah Boyko (Prince George Cougars), Kyle Crnkovic (Seattle), Kyren Gronick (Vancouver) and Josh Paulhus (MJHL).
BLADES DEEP WITH RETURNEES
The Blades are heavy in eligible returnees, at forward and defence.
Up front, Pillar, Brandon Lisowsky, Trevor Wong, Jayden Wiens, Egor Sidorov, Misha Volotovskii, Vaughn Watterodt, Tyler Parr and Lukas Hansen are set to make their return along with youngsters Rowan Calvert, Jordan Keller and Zach Moore who made their WHL debut last season.
On the back end, the Blades have welcomed back as many as seven veteran defencemen led by captain De La Gorgendiere. Tanner Molendyk, Charlie Wright, Spencer Shugrue, Marek Schneider, Ben Saunderson and Ryan Nolan round out a veteran-laden group with a number of youngsters knocking on the door.
In goal, Ethan Chadwick will be joined by Austin Elliott as they look to fill the void left by Nolan Maier.
“We're in a situation that's extremely positive for the long term but, in the current moment, it adds a little bit of grey in that we've had five guys in NHL camp and a couple more guys injured...,” noted Sonne. “It's leading to a bit of juggling right now but it's a good problem to have because, if you don't have anyone coming back, it's a different feeling.”