SASKATOON – In the junior hockey jungle big, skilled forwards are considered prize game. The Saskatoon Blades feel they’ve landed a good one in Terrell Draude.
At six-foot four, 220 pounds, Draude certainly has the size covered. As for the skill, the 18-year-old’s numbers with the Calgary Hitmen may not jump off the page, but it’s how he got them that impressed Blades head coach and general manager Bob Woods.
“Last year I think he played the majority on the third and fourth lines and got 30 points, so any time you can add that to your lineup, that’s great,” Woods said.
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In addition to his size and skill Draude also has recent playoff experience, something a young Blades team lacks after missing the post-season the past two years.
Last season, Draude’s Hitmen made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final before being eliminated by the Brandon Wheat Kings. If Saskatoon returns to the playoffs this season that experience will come in handy.
“Just being in that situation and I guess being one of the older guys now with a young team here I can give some advice and offer some experience to some of the young guys and help out that way,” Draude said.
The newest Blade grew up just outside Saskatoon in Warman and played midget hockey with fellow Blades Cameron Hebig and Wyatt Sloboshan, so he feels right at home in the Bridge City.
“It brings back some memories. Playing on the opposite side of things with the Hitmen the past couple years I’ve had lots of family and friends come out, so it’s always fun playing here.”
Draude makes his Blades debut Thursday when the Edmonton Oil Kings pay a visit to SaskTel Centre.
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