Watch above: Ryan Graham taking big step forward for the Saskatoon Blades in his third WHL season.
SASKATOON – Of the Saskatoon Blades six wins this season, only one has come on the road. That doesn’t bode well for a team that’s about to head out on a tough road trip that will see them play three games in three nights against three tough Alberta teams, starting Friday night in Edmonton.
“We know who we are up against. Tough teams and tough buildings to go into,” says Bob Woods, head coach and general manager of the Blades. “We know we’ll have to be at our best. Not an easy task but hopefully the guys are up for it and we get a good effort out of everybody.”
One of the players who the Blades will lean on this weekend is Ryan Graham. The 18-year-old has taken a big step forward in his third season in the WHL.
“I got quite a lot of experience now in the league,” Graham says. “Every game I’m trying to get better and I think I have and obviously this year is one of the better starts I’ve had.”
Graham missed the first eight games of the season because of a bout with mono, but since getting healthy has made up for lost time. The 6’1, 200 lb power forward is averaging a point a game this season, while also adding a new found physical dimension to his game.
“He’s a big strong kid that can skate, shoot and run people over. He brings an element we don’t have a lot of here,” admits Woods
“It’s something to get excited about. He definitely has NHL tools.”
Graham got his first take of the ‘next level’ in September, after being invited to Minnesota Wild training camp. It’s an experience that has done wonders for the Calgary product.
“Just being able to see how you compare up to those NHL guys is a big helper,” recalls Graham. “It just motivates you to get that much better to compete with their speed and skill. It was a huge experience; invaluable experience. Hopefully I’ll be back up there soon.”
Graham is coming off his second three point night of the season against Seattle in the last game. He’ll look to keep it going Friday against the reigning Memorial Cup Champions.
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