Saskatoon Blades superfans excited for game 7 against Moose Jaw Warriors
The Saskatoon Blades and Moose Jaw Warriors are getting ready for what’s sure to be an epic game seven at Sasktel Centre, capping off one of the tightest series in recent history.
Five out of six games have needed overtime to decide a winner, and there have been countless comebacks, highlights, and heart-stopping action throughout.
The playoff run is treating long-standing Blades fans to the best hockey they’ve seen in decades, and they want another round of it.
Joan Dietz has been a Blades fan almost all her life. She was a season ticket holder back in 1977, when the Blades played out of the Saskatoon Arena.
“It had atmosphere,” said Dietz of the old arena. “That’s where the Sutter brothers played, that's where Kelly Hrudey played. So it was a great place to play in, a great place for fans to be at. Mind you, by the end of the game you couldn’t see because they could smoke in there, the donut machine was going, so it was very smoky by the end of the game.”
She’s stuck with the Blades through thick and thin, in good times and in bad. She even billeted players for 10 years. In fact, it was through her love of Blades hockey that she met her husband.
“It was a Blades fan bus, it was for the west coast trip,” said Dietz, of how she met her future husband. “It was for Blades fans to follow Saskatoon around, so that’s where I met Al.”
Brad Sylvester has been a Blades season ticket holder since 1998, and he knew there was something special about this year’s squad. That’s why he and his wife spent the winter following the team for almost every game.
“We spent the winter watching hockey and watching curling,” said Sylvester. “We followed the Blades from January 27th to the 24th of March; we missed two games; both in Brandon, and both for the Scotties and Brier opening weekends.”
Sylvester’s been enjoying how closely matched these two teams are through six thrilling playoff games.
“Some great hockey, especially this series against Moose Jaw, these teams are so tight. It’s a flip of the coin.”
And while the long-time fans are enjoying this playoff run, it’s the younger generation who have shown their creativity and humour through signs popping up all around the rink.
“I think the signs have been awesome, and I think they really add something to the excitement of the game,” said Dietz. “It’s not something that Saskatoon’s known for.”
Sylvester says the signs hit all the right notes without offending anyone.
“That’s in good fun, and everybody sees it. It’s just part of being excited, and the playoffs. I know the players on the opposite team look at it and shake their head and go on, but it’s something to get our fan base riled up a bit and laughing. It’s just fun.”
More than ten thousand fans are expected to pack into Sasktel Centre on Tuesday night, and both super fans had words of encouragement for their favourite team ahead of game seven.
“You’re going to go out and win every single shift,” said Sylvester. “Don’t worry about the big score. Go after every single shift, come off the ice and if you have won your shift, you’ve done your job.”
“Play smart,” said Dietz. “Don’t take any foolish penalties, and have fun out there. Having fun is what it’s about, and making memories. So just play your game.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
House from 'Home Alone' hits the market for US$5.25 million
Kevin McCallister’s childhood home has hit the market for US$5.25 million. At just over 9,000 square feet, the house from the 'Home Alone' movie was last sold in 2012 for $1,585,000.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
Israeli tanks advance into Rafah's centre despite global outcry
Israeli tanks advanced to the centre of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, witnesses said, three weeks into a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city that has stirred global condemnation for its continued civilian toll.
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
Arm of mummy came off after mishandling by museum staff: Mexican government
Mexico's federal archaeology agency on Monday accused the conservative-governed city of Guanajuato of mistreating one of the country’s famous mummified 19th century bodies.