| Saskatoon Blades | |
| Saskatoon Blades | |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Home ice | Credit Union Centre |
| Based in | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan |
| Colours | navy blue, royal blue, gold, silver and white |
| League | Western Hockey League |
| Head coach | Lorne Molleken |
| General manager | Lorne Molleken |
The Saskatoon Blades are an ice hockey team in the Eastern Divison of the Western Hockey League. They are based in the Saskatchewan city of Saskatoon.
- Founded: 1964-1965 (franchise awarded 1964)
- Arena: Credit Union Centre (capacity 11,310)
- Uniform colours: navy blue, royal blue, gold, silver and white
- Logo design: An angry looking bulldozer
- Division titles won (regular season): 2 (1991-92, 1993-94)
- Conference titles won (playoffs): 2 (1991-92, 1993-94)
- President's Cups won: 0
- President's Cup Finalists: 2 (1991-92, 1993-94)
- Rivals: Brandon Wheat Kings, Moose Jaw Warriors, Regina Pats and Prince Albert Raiders
History
The team spent many seasons at the old Saskatoon Arena where they built up a strong fanbase and developed many top players. In 1988, the moved to Saskatchewan Place and they hosted the Memorial Cup tournament in May, 1989, where they finished the round robin undefeated , but lost in overtime in the Memorial Cup Final to the Swift Current Broncos. They lost in the WHL League Finals in 1992 and 1994 to the Kamloops Blazers (in seven games). The team is currently owned by the Brodsky Family and is one of the few teams who haven't been contracted or relocated. The Blades have been a huge success at the gate, and have a great rivalry with the Prince Albert Raiders in what is dubbed the Highway 11 Rivalry.
Players of Note
Not to be forgotten:
- Frank Banham
- Kelly Chase
- Mark Deyell
- Mike Greenlay
- Curtis Leschyshyn
- Norm Maracle
- Scott Scissons
- Brent Sopel
- Rhett Warrener
- Clarke Wilm
Retired Numbers:
- 7 Brent Ashton
- 10 Brian Skrudland
- 22 Wendel Clark
- 24 Bernie Federko
Coaches
- Burns McDonald 1964-65
- George Agar 1964-65 to 1969-70
- George Senick 1969-70*
- Jack McLeod 1970-71 to 1978-79
- Jerry Engele 1979-80
- Lorne Frey 1980-81
- Daryl Lubiniecki 1981-82 to 1983-84
- Marcel Comeau 1984-85 to 1988-89
- Terry Ruskowski 1989-90 to 1990-91
- Lorne Molleken - 1991-92 to 1994-95
- Donn Clark - 1995-96 to 1997-98
- Willie Desjardins - 1998*
- Brad McCrimmon - 1998-99 to 1999-2000
- Kevin Dickie - 2000-01 to 2003-04
- Jamie Reeve - 2003-04*
- Lorne Molleken - 2004-05 to present
*interm (regular head coach fired, sick or suspended)
External links