Zadorov Makes A Difference

6'5", feet apart and using his stick, Zadorov is tough to beat defensively 

Nikita Zadorov is the definitive junior hockey impact player.  

His return to the London Knights helped them to two impressive victories this weekend.   The Knights played their most complete game of the year in a 4-0 win over a hot Windsor Spitfire team. 

 

The 18 year-old defenseman from Moscow seems ready to heed instructions from the Buffalo Sabres to return to junior and 'dominate..'  

DEFENSIVE ZONE -  In his seven games in the NHL Zadorov has learned to play the game faster.  The puck is on his stick and gone, or it's carried out of trouble.  In front of the net, his size and increased strength give him the ability to handle any OHL forward.  His long frame and wingspan cuts off passing lanes and smother opposition forwards against the boards.  More than anything he takes pride in his plus/minus (plus 33 last season) 

NEUTRAL ZONE - Timing and technique are Zadorovs' specialties in the middle of the ice.  He is excellent at reading the play and knowing when to commit to a hit.  At the point of impact he usually has his elbows in and arms down.  He allows his natural strength to do the rest - with few penalties for high or late hits.  Knights assistant coach Dylan Hunter says he "lets the hit come to him..."  Naturally, forwards are less aggressive coming through the neutral zone.  

OFFENSIVE ZONE - Zadorov seems to have the most fun here.  The modern game requires the constant threat of a defenseman joining the rush to create a mismatch.  Zadorov's speed and puck handling skill allows him to do this with minimal risk.  It's the skill that has Mark Hunter occasionally dropping the name Larry Robinson.  Occasionally he will get caught up ice, but the benefits far outweigh the risk. 

Zadorov times a hit perfectly against OHL scoring leader Connor Brown

True Patriot Love - There Was Never More

Veterans pass by the London Knights bench on November 8th

The Remembrance Day ceremony has become one of the favourite occasions for London Knights fans.  
"It really chokes me up," said Walt Nowabranec, who is celebrating his 50th year watching London junior hockey. 

Many of the 9,046 were dressed in red.  When the lights dimmed and The Trews - Highway of Heros video started on the scoreboard video a hush came over the crowd.  This years parade of war veterans included the young and old - a 95 year-old from World War II and a recent returnee from Afghanistan.  Both the London Knights and Barrie Colts players applauded and banged their sticks.   The Knights Chris Tierney and Barrie's Aaron Ekblad shook hands with extra sincerity after the ceremonial face-off.  

The Knights will continue to honour the cities military history for the 2014 Memorial Cup.  The new logo includes a picture of Woolsley Barracks, the longtime home of troops in southern Ontario. 

Nikita Zadorov physical presence would help the Knights defense

On the ice, the Knights are still working on putting together 60 minutes of consistent hockey.  The good news for Knights fans is the peaks of dominant play are getting higher.  There were stretches against the Erie Otters, Guelph Storm and Barrie Colts where they looked as good as the OHL champs of the last two years.   There were also stretches where they have trouble with giveaways and clearing the puck out of their own zone.   Nikita Zadorov would certainly help but he remains with the Buffalo Sabres.  

Zadorov is the 50th player in NHL history to play defense in the NHL at age 18.  20 have played more than 40 games.   While that is quite an exclusive club - the list has more Mickey Volcans than Bobby Orrs.  
The first defenseman to play in the NHL at age 18 was Frank "King" Clancy in 1921.  

Dakota Mermis celebrates overtime winner vs. Guelph Storm.

Knights Win vs. Erie, Sudbury

Bo Horvat scores vs. Erie Otters, Sunday Nov. 3

The London Knights played their most impressive game of the year against the Erie Otters on Sunday.  The Knights were passionate and physical against the Otters, who came into Budweiser Gardens having won 11 games in a row.   Bo Horvat and Brett Welychka each scored a goal and added two assists.  All the veterans of the past two Memorial Cup teams contributed to the wins. 

Horvat wins face-off vs. Sudbury Wolves 

     Max Domi had lightning in his legs all weekend.  He created two goals against the Otters with will and skill.  A heavy forecheck and great pass set up Chris Tierney.  A great pass through traffic on the power play resulted in Brett Welychka's key goal in the 2nd.

 Tim Bender arrived from Germany and wondered what all the fuss was about.  He played a regular shift and was steady moving the puck out of his own zone.  The Knights get another test in their next game when the high flying Guelph Storm come to Budweiser Gardens.

Knights defenseman Tim Bender

Lidstrom Junior

He is a legend in their minds. 

Olli Maatta is missed by the London Knights

19 year-old Olli Maatta is still a presence in the London Knights dressing room. 

  Bo Horvat recalls Maatta getting a speeding ticket the first day that he drove his new car.  He shrugged it off and rolled with the good-natured ribbing. 

 Chris Tierney remembers ordering the same sub sandwich at the same location at the same time before each playoff game. He says Olli loved his routines.  

 Trainer Doug Stacey remembers Maatta as one of the hardest working players he's ever seen.  He suggested Maatta  avoid taking punishing hits but Olli refused.  "He wanted to show everybody he wouldn't back down," remembers Stacey.   "He acted like a professional from the day he walked in here."  

Maatta (L) Jarred Tinordi and Scott Harrington (R) formed a big three under Rob Ramage

  Josh Anderson remembers Maatta scoring a huge shorthanded goal in Kitchener that led the Knights to a comeback from a two goal deficit against the Rangers in a playoff game.  

Maatta (2) scores SH playoff goal vs. Kitchener 

  "He was a warrior for our hockey club," Knights GM Mark Hunter told Mike Stubbs of Newstalk 1290 CJBK.  "Look at what he did.  He played his way past 7 one-way contracts." (to make the Pittsburgh Penguins).

Flying first class to Memorial Cup in Shawinigan

In two years, with Olli Maatta often leading the team in minutes played, the London Knights were 8-0 in playoff series.  During those 32 playoff wins, Maatta often made a big play near the end of the game that turned the result in favour of the Knights.  He was plus 25 in his first season with London. He followed that with 23 points in 19 playoff games.  

The 2nd trip to the Memorial Cup was highlighted by Maatta's performance against the Plymouth Whalers.  The huge Whaler forwards pounded him at every turn.  Maatta would not be intimidated.  He kept moving the puck out of harms way and battling the likes of Tom Wilson in front of the net.  

Mark Hunter eyes a future without Maatta 

His last seconds as a Knight were spent in front of the Portland Winterhawks net frantically trying to get the tying goal in a 2-1 loss.  He was named the Knights player of the game.  He seemed destined to captain the team to another Memorial Cup.  The fact that he is not in the London lineup has required a psychological adjustment for his former teammates.  An adjustment that's not yet complete.  On the ice he was Lidstrom-dependable.   He also had an easy smile.  No one ever took Olli Maatta for granted.  Universally liked by coaches, teammates and fans, Maatta's loss will take some time to overcome.

Justin Sefton and Doug Stacey help Maatta off the ice vs. Plyoouth

Maatta and Nikita Zadorov celebrate OHL championship 

   

That's Hockey

Knights Anthony Stolarz (43) and Mike McCarron (24) wish Remi Elie the best 

 The London Knights didn't want to trade Remi Elie.  The Belleville Bulls didn't want to trade Brady Austin.  They were traded for each other.  That's hockey.
"The quick answer was no if 18 other teams were knocking on the door at this time (about Brady Austin)," said Belleville GM/Coach George Burnett before the Knights game against the Bulls.
  "You think he's been a pro for ten years," added Burnett. (Listen to entire interview here)
   Elie helped the Knights get to the Memorial Cup last season.  His work alongside Paxton Leroux and Kyle Platzer on an energy line was especially strong early in the playoffs.  He was so impressive, the Dallas Stars invested a 2nd round draft choice in him last June at the NHL draft.  
   Elie scored a goal against the Knights in the first period to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.  The Knights showed their depth at forward in the 2nd and 3rd periods - which is why they could afford to trade Remi Elie.   Need and opportunity met. The Knights get what they needed in a veteran defenseman with size. The Bulls get a forward who will score and return next year. 
   THE GAME - Matt and Ryan Rupert combined for seven scoring points in the 2nd period vs. the Bulls.  Ryan set up Matt for the first two Knights goals while Matt set up Ryan for a third.   Matt has taken over the Knights team scoring lead with 11 points. 
    Jake Patterson gave the Knights strong goaltending.  He made 43 saves against a Bulls team that didn't give up. 

Matt Rupert shot beats Belleville goalie Charlie Graham in 2nd period of 6-1 win

Knights Win Third Straight

Christian Dvorak scored two goals on the weekend for the Knights

 The London Knights responded to last weeks loss in Guelph with a 7-2 win over the Storm at Budweiser Gardens.  It was the first loss of the year for the Storm.   London unleashed another offensive weapon this weekend.  Christian Dvorak came alive in the third period against Windsor on Friday night.  He scored his first OHL goal and even got some penalty killing duties.  The 17 year-old from Chicago will start a serious climb on NHL scouting lists.  One scouting website had him as a late second round pick.  NHL Central Scouting did not have him ranked in the top players to watch for 2013-14.  Dvoraks first OHL goal was batted out of the air against the Spitfires.  His second showed his speed and skill as he carried the puck into the Guelph zone and swooped around the net and beat goalie Justin Nichols to the post. 
   Dvorak was 5 foot 6 and 146 pounds when he was drafted by the Knights in the spring of 2012.  He is now 6 foot 1 and hasn't lost his speed and skill.  

Bo Horvat wins faceoff against the Windsor Spitfires

Bo Horvat has returned to junior hockey to dominate.  He scored two goals in the first 7 minutes of the Knights biggest early season game against the Guelph Storm.  Horvat's return will most certainly result in some big offensive numbers.  He already has a keen sense of his defensive duties.  The 9th overall pick by the Vancouver Canucks will grow confidence in his offensive game that will certainly carry over into the pros.   

Knights celebrate Chris Tierney's 3rd period goal vs. Windsor 

Knights Fall to Storm, 6-3

Hunter Garlent scores on Jake Patterson 

The London Knights are certainly the consensus favourite in the OHL Western Conference in 2013-14.  Being ranked number one in Canada in the CHL ratings and Memorial Cup hosts has made them targets.  They wouldn't want it any other way.
 The Guelph Storm proved they are willing to stand in with the Knights.  The Storm defeated London 6-3 in Guelph to drop the Knights to 2-1.  The Storm got great goaltending from Justin Nichols, recently acquired from the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds.
The Storm have a talented group of forwards who have grown up together under coach Scott Walker.  They will score plenty of goals this year and show a chemistry that comes with a team that has grown up together.  

Knights Improve To 2-0

Mitch Marner has moxie

Stories and pictures from the London Knights 6-3 win over the Saginaw Spirit.

Mitch Marner will find you.

Somehow the young first round draft pick gets the puck on the stick of teammates in good shooting position.  Marner helped create Santino Centorame's first OHL goal in the first period with a quick pass that sprung Kyle Platzer loose for a scoring chance.  Centorame followed up and banged home the rebound.
Marner also set up Platzer for his third goal of the season in the second period. Again, skating at high speed he somehow slid a puck underneath a sprawling defender to wide-open Platzer who made a backhand forehand deke on Jake Paterson.

Marner has three points in his first two OHL games.

Anthony Stolarz 

Goalie Anthony Stolarz has yet to give up an even strength goal in two games.  The 19 year-old 2nd round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers has more economy in his game this season.
"He's more in control," says London Knights goalie coach Bill Dark.   "He's staying a bit deeper in his net to use his size and athletic ability.  He's still challenging but more at the right time."

Stolarz has a .957 save percentage and a 1.5 GAA through two games.

Josh Anderson played one of his best games as a Knight against the Spirit.  Anderson scored two goals. He was physical along the boards and a constant presence in front of the net.  Anderson and Chris Tierney teamed with Mike McCarron on a line that had a great game in a 6-3 London win.

John Anderson watches Alex Basso play 'pop up the water bottle' vs. Saginaw Spirit

Raonic Is Not Young

Milos Raonic is leading a tennis revival in Canada.

He gets praise from around the sport as a potential top-five talent.

He has a chance to win a major tennis title.

All true.

But he is not young - in the cruel world of mens singles tennis.  Raonic seems like a raw, developing talent.  But the results show he is behind most top-20 players.

Raonic has a 12-8 record in the four major tennis tournaments.  He has yet to reach the quarterfinals of any of the big four events.  Before the next major (Australian Open) he will be 23 years old and his 20 matches of major experience are well behind many other players of his era. 

Here are the major records of some similar players past and present at age 22:

 - Tomas Berdych - 30-17 including one quarter final.

 -  Juan Martin del Potro - 31-6 including one win, one semi final and two quarter finals.

 -   Richard Gasquet - 28-20 including one quarter final appearance

 -   Jo Wilfrid Tsonga - reached Australian Open final at age 22. 

 Top players like Novak Djokovic are in another universe when it comes to early results.  Djokovic had a 66-19 record in majors by age 23 with one major win.  Roger Federer had one major title and two quarter final appearances by age 22.  He had a 39-13 record.  Rafa Nadal had five majors before age 23. 
    In past years, Pete Sampras had won 58 matches in majors before age 23.  He had won three titles and been to two semi finals.   The player that might compare most to Raonic is Goran Ivanisevic, who had a 45-20 record in majors at age 22.   

   This is not to be critical of Raonic.  He is progressing.  He showed a lot of game in the first set against  Djokovic in the Davis Cup.   His return of serve and net presence are improving.  

   But he is not young.  In high level tennis the career trajectory is different than most other sports.  Good players reach their peak earlier and also decline earlier.  

    Milos should expect QF and SF in majors in 2014.   

More Marner

Mitch Marner 

This kid is special. 

London Knights first round draft choice, Mitch Marner displayed a rare skill in the Knights 6-3 loss to the Plymouth Whalers. 

Although just 16, he has mastered the art of the backhand pass.   

Marner found Mark Gazdic with a clever backhanded pass through traffic to set up the Knights' first goal of the game.  Marner laid a nice pass to Remi Elie for the Knights third goal as Elie unleashed a slap shot from just inside the blueline. 
  
 If you are playing with Mitch Marner you need to be ready to get the puck on your stick.  He will find you - even on the backhand.   So many players don't practice the art of the backhand pass.  Too often the time it takes to move the puck to the forehand allows a checker to break-up the play.  Not so with Marner. 

And They're Off

London Knights rookie Mitch Marner

First round draft choice Mitch Marner took about two periods to look comfortable in the Ontario Hockey League.
Marner scored two third period goals to help the London Knights to a 5-1 win over the Sarnia Sting in the pre-season opener for 2013-14.
Watching Marner score the two goals, you could check off a list of attributes the Knights listed when they selected him last May.
"He competes", said the scouting report.
On his first goal, Marner went hard to the net and wouldn't be denied as he lifted a rebound over Brodie  Barrick in the Sarnia goal.  Despite his slight frame Marner showed no hesitation sticking his nose into areas where punishment is dished out.  Marner seems to have grown at least an inch since draft day.
"He keeps his feet moving," said the scouting report.
Also on his first goal Marner did indeed keep his feet moving.  That gives him a 'slippery' quality for opposing defenseman.
"He has high-end skill and great hands", said the scouting report.
On his second goal, Marner picked off a pass in the slot on his backhand.  He quickly brought it to his forehand and got a shot on goal.  He got his own rebound and scored.
Marner will get a lot more pre-season ice time when the Knights drafted players leave for pro camps.

Michael McCarron is big. More than that, McCarron loves to be in front of the net.  Even more than that, McCarron has the skill to be able to do something with the puck when he gets it in front of the net.  He scored a goal vs. the Sting that required using his size and hands.  The same skill set that made Tom Wilson such a handful for the Knights in the playoffs last year, appears evident in McCarron.  The first round pick of the Montreal Canadiens played mostly on a line with Matt and Ryan Rupert.

Michael McCarron will be a headache for OHL goaltenders this season.

Portland 2 London 1 - What a Year

 The Knights on the ice after a 2-1 loss to Portland in the Memorial Cup semi-final

Pained but proud, the London Knights lost the Memorial Cup semi-final 2-1 to the Portland Winterhawks in Saskatoon.

World junior defensemen Tyler Wotherspoon and Scott Harringston

The Knights left their hearts in Saskatoon, giving everything they had against a very good Portland team.  Ty Rattie's third period goal proved to be the winner, his fifth of the Memorial Cup.

There was very little to choose between two skilled, fast teams and the hockey was entertaining.  The game finished with the Knights pressing for the tying goal.

In the end, the key game for the Knights might have been the Saskatoon Blades beating the Halifax Mooseheads for their only win of the tournament.  Had that not happened, the Knights would not have had to play a tie breaker Thursday night.  Although the Knights had good energy throughout the semi-final game against Portland, perhaps the extra energy would have helped.  

Max Domi scored the London goal to put them up 1-0.   The Winterhawks tied the game less than two minutes later on a goal by Tyler Wotherspoon setting the stage for Rattie's winner.

The Knights played well enough to win, but Portland goes on to play Halifax in what should be a great Memorial Cup final.

Thanks to Saskatoon for being a great host.

The Knights try for the tying goal in the dying seconds against Portland. 

Country star Paul Brandt did a great job on both anthems

Knights Win 6-1 over Saskatoon

The handshake after a tie breaker win

Sparky Anderson used to have a sign in his office when he managed the Detroit Tigers.  

It said: "Every 24 hours, the world turns over on someone who thought they were on top.."

Jake Petterson vs. Sakatoon Blades

The reverse is also true.   The London Knights left the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon relieved, happy and energized after their 6-1 win over the host Blades.  When Seth Griffith scored a power play goal just after the midway point of the game, the Knights relaxed.  They dominated the rest of the game and proved to be too fast and skilled for the Blades.  It was a long way from how the Knights felt after a 9-2 loss to the Halifax Mooseheads in their final round robin game.  The Knights would be forgiven for having a crisis of confidence.

The world turned over for London goalie Jake Patterson as well.  He was in the net for the first five Halifax goals and his confidence appeared shaken.

But the world continues to spin and the new day brought new hope. Patterson was tapped on the shoulder by coach Dale Hunter.  He made several key saves while the Knights built their confidence and nursed a 1-0 lead on a Bo Horvat penalty shot goal.

It was one of the strangest exits to a Memorial Cup in my memory.  7,585 watched the hometown Blades in their elimination game but few were around at the final buzzer.  A tepid ovation sent them on their way after a "year on the edge.." (Sportsnet documentary), a four game sweep in round one vs. Medicine Hat and a 51 day wait for the Memorial Cup.

Game Three - Halifax 9 London 2

Knights captain Scott Harrington meets Mr. Hockey in Saskatoon

Well, that was a turn of events.  

The London Knights lost to the Halifax Mooseheads 9-2 at the MasterCard Memorial Cup.  The Knights record fell to 1-2.   The Knights trailed 5-0 after one period and never threatened the powerful Moosehead, who lost just six regular season games and one playoff game this year.

The Knights looked fine to start the game when they had a couple of chances on a power play in the first five minutes of the game.   Halifax goalie Zach Fucale was put to work early and made a couple of decent saves. 

Alexis Normand redeeming performance of Canadian national anthem

When Halifax got a power play a couple of minutes later, they cashed in.  Stefan Fournier scored at 7:43 as he found some room in the slot and beat starting goalie Jake Patterson. 

The Knights seemed to sag after that and Halifax pounced.  Playing their second game in two nights, the Knights couldn't muster sustained pressure against the Mooseheads.  London perhaps is feeling the effects of two tough OHL playoff rounds vs. Plymouth and Barrie.  

The Knights scored two goals after Halifax had a 7-0 lead.  Seth Griffith and Matt Rupert scored  1:18 apart.  The Knights used the rest of the game to get some experience to some of their younger players and Kyle Platzer and Remi Elie acquitted themselves very well. 

The Knights will play the loser of Saskatoon vs. Portland in a tie-breaker game on Thursday.  Not much more the Knights can say except they can't be worse.

Halifax scored first goal vs. Knights.  Stefan Fournier sneaks into the slot on the PP

Knights had some chances on an early power play but were stopped by Zach Fucale

Pre-Game - vs. Halifax

Knights working media row in Saskatoon prior to game vs. Halifax

 The London Knights appeared relaxed as they prepared for game three of the MasterCard Memorial Cup in Saskatoon.
  The Knights will have to tighten up defensively against the high-flying Mooseheads.  The 'Herd have promised a better performance after a loss to the host Saskatoon Blades.

  Much of the talk today was about Max Domi's electric move on a set up of Bo Horvat's goal against Portland.  
  "In 8 years of covering this tournament, it's the best goal I've seen," said Sam Cosentino of Sportsnet.
Doug MacLean on Hockey Central (Sportsnet) predicts Domi will be chosen between 7 and 12 in next months National Hockey League draft.  "An NHL scout just texted me," MacLean said on-air. "He said he's got him 9 on his list."
 

Knights fans in Saskatoon

Game Two - Portland 6 London 3

Portland G Mac Carruth bounced back after a 7-4 loss to Halifax

For the second straight year, all four teams are 1-1 at the MasterCard Memorial Cup.   Prior to last year, that had never happened since the advent of the four team format in 1983.   

Taylor Leier of Portland was 1g, 2a and first star for the Winterhawks

Make that two in a row in Saskatoon.  The London Knights lost 6-3 to the Portland Winterhawks.   

When Alex Broadhurst scored early in the 3rd period to tie the game 3-3, the Knights appeared to be in good shape.  

London had crawled back from a 3 goal deficit and seemed to have the momentum.   But that was the last goal London would score on Portland goalie Mac Carruth, who bounced back from a 7-4 loss to Halifax.  Carruth stopped several point blank chances and showed the confidence in his game that helped Portland to the WHL title. 

The game winning goal was scored halfway through the 3rd period on the power play.  Ryan Rupert was called for closing his hand on the puck.  The Knights did a good job killing the penalty until Derrick Pouliot scored.  Pouliot moved in from the point to score after a point shot from the other side went off the end boards.  
Pouliot is a first round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins (8th overall, 2012).  The Penguins had three defense prospects in the game and all had good games.   Ollie Maatta was also a 1st round pick in 2012, while Scott Harrington a 2nd round pick in 2011.  

Bo Horvat scores for the Knights off a beautiful set up by Max Domi

Sportsnet postgame interview with Derrick Pouliot 

Day Five - Games Just Don't Happen

There is artistry in the anticipation.  The London Knights will walk into a pristine dressing room for game two of the MasterCard Memorial Cup.

Knights dressing room in Saskatoon

The sweaters are perfectly clean.  Each piece of equipment has a place.

The team of Dean Patterson, Bob Martin and Chris Maton work long hours to transport some of the luxury the Knights enjoy at Budweiser Gardens to Saskatoon's Credit Union Centre.

It takes a lot of work.  With four teams using the same facility dressing rooms are not like at home. The Blades upgraded dressing room facilities recently, but visiting teams don't start with the same benefits.

"I had to prepare for this," Maton told CJBK's Mike Stubbs.  "But the team really couldn't. They didn't want to jinx anything."

Listen for the entire interview on NewsTalk 1290 tonight between 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The large London Knights logo (which no one can step on) is on a carpet in the middle of the floor.  Each player has a mat in front of his dressing area.  The skates are sharpened to order by Maton who also calls the slight  athletic odor the 'sweet smell of success..."  

The Knights take on the Portland Winterhawks tonight.  London can really take control of their own fate with a victory.  With a second loss, Portland would face Saskatoon on Wednesday only one loss away from going home.  Should the Knights lose they would have to beat an angry Halifax team tomorrow to avoid a tie breaker.

..and the men who make it happen L to R - Bob Martin, Dean Patterson and Chris Maton

Max Domi sitting in front of an image of himself painted onto the steps at Credit Union Centre

New Tournament - Day Four

Matej Stransky scores on a breakaway against Halifax Mooseheads

Wow.

The Saskatoon Blades injected some excitement into the Memorial Cup with a 5-2 in front of 8,700 loud fans at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon.

Blades fans celebrate

The Blades played with the desperation of a team fighting for survival.  They played with physical discipline and took advantage of a sluggish performance by the Mooseheads.  The win by the Blades almost guarantees a tie breaker on Thursday evening.  The Knights are the only team without a loss in the tournament and can really help their fate with a win vs. Portland.

The Winterhawks will be angry with their opening game loss to Halifax on Saturday.  It will be a tough assignment for London but they at least now control their fate. They have also had two days to watch opponents.

The result, while surprising, highlights the unpredictability of a tournament format.  70% of home teams getting to the final game since the format was introduced in 1983.

'Clappers' on the ice after empty net goal by the Saskatoon Blades

Andrey Makarov and the Blades defense stop Nathan McKinnon

Former Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan helping the Blades

Blades fans exciting with win over Halifas.  Saskatoon now 1-1.