The CHL on Sportsnet features the new-look Prince Albert Raiders against their arch rivals Saskatoon Blades.
The Blades are still re-tooling from hosting the 2013 Mastercard Memorial Cup. Since that time, new owners, new management and new coaches have taken over. Most notabe of the group is head coach and GM Bob Woods who left the Anaheim Ducks as an assistant to take over the dual role.
The Blades are the youngest team in the WHL and while they may not be the most skilled group, it is a team that has played better of late. Saskatoon extended its season-high win streak to four games with a 6-1 win over Moose Jaw Saturday.
Giving up goals has been the problem for Saskatoon. The Blades have used five goalies this season, four of whom have played more than 500 minutes. When veteran Alex Moodie was moved at the trade deadline, it allowed Woods to settle and split the duties between Brock Hamm and Nik Amundrud, both of whom are in their rookie seasons.
The D-corps is lead by Buffalo Sabres prospect Brycen Martin who was acquired in a trade from Swift Current. Nolan Reid and Schael Higson represent a rare 16-year-old pairing.
Overager Brett Stovin, Nick Zajac and Ryan Graham are the holdovers from 2013. That trio is supported by veterans Sam McKechnie and Mitch Skapski up front.
The Raiders have also experienced significant change. Gone are soon-to-be NHLers Josh Morrissey and Leon Draisaitl. Gone too, from the start of the season, is head coach Cory Clouston who was replaced by Marc Habscheid in early November.
Since taking over, Habscheid has worked to bond what was seemingly a fractured group. Team-building exercises have long been a staple of Habscheid’s coaching. On the ice, he has introduced an up-tempo style of game predicated on spending less time in the defensive zone and allowing the defencemen to better support the rush.
Up front, the Raiders are lead by the Austin Glover, Kris Schmidli, Jayden Hart line, which was put together after the trade deadline.
Prince Albert features both Brendan Guhle and Nick McBride who participated in Thursday’s BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects game. Guhle has flourished under Habscheid. McBride has battled some lower body issues, but stopped all 11 shots he faced for Team Orr in Thursday’s 6-0 win. It will be interesting to see if McBride gets the net Sunday as he’s only started one game since the Christmas break (a 5-0 loss in Saskatoon on December 28).
Prince Albert Raiders: 19-26-1-0 (10-12-1-0 Road), 3L (5th Eastern Division, 10th Eastern Conference)
Individual Stats
In Goal
NHL Drafted/Signed Players
Mackenze Stewart (VAN 186th 2014)
Hunter Warner (MIN signed FA)
NHL Central Scouting
#13 Nick McBride (Goalies)
#76 Brendan Guhle
#104 Reid Gardiner
Under The Radar
Sawyer Lange: In his overage year, the Prince Albert native is key for the Raiders. He’s a max effort guy who puts up points and defends well while playing with energy.
Saskatoon Blades: 13-29-2-1 (9-12-2-0 Home) 4W, 6th East Division, 11th Eastern Conference
Individual Stats
In Goal
NHL Drafted/Signed Players
Brycen Martin (BUF 74th 2014)
NHL Central Scouting
No players ranked
Under the Radar
Cameron Hebig has performed well in a shut-down centre role. His offence has taken off as well, he’s currently riding a six-game point streak.