On the heels of introducing new head coach Mitch Love Wednesday, the Saskatoon Blades kept the news flowing Thursday.
First, the Blades acquired 17-year-old forward Nakodan Greyeyes from Seattle for a conditional sixth round draft pick. The Winnipeg product played the last two seasons with his hometown Rink Hockey Academy Midget squad and was a team-mate of fellow Bridge City Bunch prospect Tristen Robins.
Then, the Bridge City Bunch signed defenceman Marek Schneider (pictured with family and Blades Associate G.M. Steve Hildebrand) to a Standard W-H-L Education Contract. The 15-year-old Prince Albert native is the younger brother of Brandon blue-liner Braden Schneider. A right-hand shot, Marek Schneider was taken in the second round, 30th overall, by the Blue and Gold in the Bantam Draft four weeks ago.
Following are the respective news releases from the Blades…
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades have acquired 2001 born forward Nakodan Greyeyes from the Seattle Thunderbirds. In exchange, the Blades sent the Thunderbirds a conditional 6th round draft pick.
Greyeyes played his last two seasons at the Rink Hockey Academy with the Midget Prep team in his hometown of Winnipeg. This past season, Greyeyes appeared in 36 games scoring 24 goals and 54 points while collecting 34 penalty minutes. The left-winger stands at 6’1″ and 175lbs and was originally drafted in 2016 in the 6th round by the Seattle Thunderbirds. His teammate at RHA is fellow Blades prospect, Tristen Robins.
“Nakodan is a player we feel took notable strides forward as a player this season,” said Blades Director of Scouting, Dan Tencer. “He has a good individual skill package, sees the ice well, has good size and most importantly has a lot of character. He’s a player with upside that gives us added depth and competition in a key age group. We’re pleased to be able to welcome Nakodan and his family to the Blades.”
Nakodan added 5 points in 5 playoff contests this Spring and also suited up with the MJHL’s Dauphin Kings for two regular season games. The Blades are pleased to welcome Nakodan to the organization.
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce the signing of 2003 born defenseman, Marek Schneider, to a Western Hockey League Standard Players Agreement.
Schneider was drafted by the Blades 30th overall in the recent 2018 WHL Bantam Draft. Originally from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Schneider spent last season with his hometown Bantam AA Raiders of the Saskatchewan Bantam AA League. The 6’0″ tall blue-liner scored 3 goals and 22 points in 30 games during the 2017-18 season.
“Marek is a big, right shot defender who skates extremely well and shows real poise and composure while handling big minutes defending against top players,” explained Blades’ Director of Scouting, Dan Tencer. “His transition game is solid and showed consistent improvement throughout the season. We think he’s got the tools to be a very strong two-way defenseman in our league. Most importantly, he’s a character player that brings passion, compete and leadership to the ice each game.”
Schneider plans to play with the AAA Prince Albert Mintos next season when he enters his first year of midget hockey. A similar path to his older brother Braden, who is also a defenseman that made a stop with the Mintos before solidifying a roster spot with the Brandon Wheat Kings last season as a 16-year-old.
The Blades have now signed their top two draft picks in 2018 as first-rounder, Colton Dach, signed earlier in the week.
