SASKATOON – There isn’t much down time during a typical WHL season, but thanks to the schedule-maker the Saskatoon Blades are getting some right now. Friday’s game in Prince Albert is the Blades’ only contest in a 12-day span so the team is doing everything it can to take advantage of the situation.
“We did skills, we got a couple bag skates in to make sure our legs are there. I think it’s just practising like we’re going to play,” said 18-year-old forward Wyatt Sloboshan.
Exactly a quarter of the way through the season, the Blades are above .500 and occupying a playoff spot; not bad for a team that finished dead last a season ago and is playing this one with five rookies in its lineup.
“(We’re) really happy with their progress. They’ve played in all types of situations,” head coach and general manager Bob Woods said. “It’s one thing we try and do a really good job of is making sure we use these (rookies). The only way they get better is to experience those situations.”
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One rookie in particular has captured the attention of his teammates for his willingness to mix it up. Sixteen-year-olds don’t often drop the mitts but Cameron Hausinger has already done so twice.
“You don’t see a lot of rookies putting up a lot of points,” said the Alaskan-born forward, who has three goals and four assists in 17 games. “But if you can have a rookie out there who can create some havoc, make good things happen and give some motivation to the rest of the guys, that’s what I’m here for.”
Watch below: Jack Haskins goes one-on-one with Saskatoon Blades rookie forward Cameron Hausinger
Between Hausinger’s agitator act and the break in the schedule, the Blades continue to grow closer as a team.
“Having this kind of week to just cherish with the guys and have some fun activities going on, it’s going to be fun,” Hausinger said.
The Blades visit the Prince Albert Raiders Friday night at 7 p.m. CT.
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