It’s my Parting Shot for my post mortem take on the Saskatoon Blades’ season…..
Sad and disappointing – the two prevalent emotions from fans, that I share, when it comes to the feelings following Tuesday’s end to the Bridge City Bunch’s all-in run for a W-H-L and Memorial Cup championships that fell short.
Some of you are saying, again! And, you’re angry because the Blades’ franchise has yet to win a league title in 60 years and hasn’t been in the W-H-L final for 30 years. You’re allowed to be angry, but you shouldn’t complain because this edition of the Blue and Gold won more games, combined regular-season and playoffs – 61 of them – than in any of the 60 seasons in Saskatoon’s Major Junior franchise history!
How can you complain about a team that gave their all and lost on a centring pass off a Bridge City Bunch player’s skate in overtime in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final. There were six O-T games in that series, a league record, and six of the seven games were tied after two periods!
Complain if you like, but you’re wrong to do so, in my humble opinion. And, I’ve been following this for 30 of the 60 years! And, don’t give me the, but you don’t have to pay to go to the games, line! If you pay to get into your workplace, you should be angry and complain to yourself – and find a different job!
As for the team, the top six forward core and many of their defence unit is likely done with Major Junior hockey. Captain Trevor Wrong and fellow forward Easton Armstrong plus defenceman Charlie Wright have aged out. A total of 11, 2004-born players finished the season on the roster, but only three can be 20-year-olds next season. Almost certain not to return because of turning pro are fan favourite sniper Egor Sidorov and the already very professional Fraser Minten.
It’s highly unlikely the Blades will win 50 games next season, but they aren’t going to fall to the bottom of the table, either! Not with a top N-H-L Draft-eligible goaltender in Evan Gardner and a pile of prospects who have already seen W-H-L game action!
I really mean it when I say, enjoy your summer!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!…..
