The Saskatoon Blades won their home-opener Saturday because Stone Cold said so.

As in “Stone Cold Austin” Elliott (pictured) who stopped 24 of 25 shots to back-stop the Bridge City Bunch to a 2-1 overtime victory over Prince Albert. That also earned him the first W-H-L Goaltender of the Week honour. The 18-year-old Strathmore, Alberta, product told Blades T-V what it means to him to get the award…..

After winning both ends of the opening weekend home-and-home series with the Raiders, the Blue and Gold are 2-0-0 for the 17th time in franchise history. They’ll try to make it three straight wins to start the season on Saturday when the Blades welcome Swift Current. Following is the news release from the Western Hockey League…..

Blades goaltender Elliott named WHL Goaltender of the Week

The Western Hockey League announced today that Saskatoon Blades goaltender Austin Elliott has been named WHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending September 25, 2022.

The 18-year-old rookie posted a record of 1-0-0 with a 0.92 goals-against average and .960 save percentage this past weekend, as the Blades secured two wins over their rival Prince Albert Raiders to open the 2022-23 WHL Regular Season.

The product of Strathmore, Alta., made his first appearance of the campaign Saturday, September 24, notching 24 saves on 25 shots as the Blades edged the Raiders in overtime by a 2-1 margin. The 6-foot, 154-pound puckstopper was named first star for his efforts.

Through one week, Elliott leads the WHL in GAA and sits second in save percentage.

Elliott, originally a 12th round selection (261st overall) of the Blades in the 2019 WHL Draft, has appeared in three WHL contests, going 2-0-0 with a 3.62 GAA and .892 save percentage.

The Blades return to action Saturday, October 1 (7 p.m. MT) when they host the Swift Current Broncos at SaskTel Centre.