Saskatoon Blades Optimistic About Future Despite Playoff Exit in 2025-26 WHL Season
The Saskatoon Blades' 2025-26 Western Hockey League season concluded with a second-round playoff sweep by the Prince Albert Raiders, but team officials and players are already looking ahead with confidence. Despite the 5-3 loss on Wednesday night that ended their campaign, the Blades are celebrating a playoff run that defied expectations and showcased their resilience.
A Rare Playoff Achievement
Blades president and general manager Colin Priestner highlighted the team's impressive first-round victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings as a significant accomplishment. In a Game 7 showdown, the sixth-seeded Blades defeated the third-seeded Oil Kings, a feat Priestner described as exceptionally rare in junior hockey.
"It's been 10 or more years since the sixth seed kind of beat a third seed in our league, so it's pretty rare," Priestner noted during an end-of-season media conference at SaskTel Centre. "In our league, it's generally a loaded-up team looking to win a championship versus a team that sold off or didn't do much, like we did. We were able to achieve that by winning that series."
Priestner emphasized that this victory was particularly noteworthy because, unlike the NHL where seed differences can be minimal, the WHL often sees a stark contrast between top contenders and rebuilding squads.
Season Highlights and Departures
The Blades' playoff run marked their second consecutive postseason appearance, a success in what were supposed to be rebuilding years. However, the series against the Raiders proved challenging, with Prince Albert outshooting Saskatoon 18-4 in the final game and demonstrating superior defensive play.
The season's end also brought emotional goodbyes to key players Tyler Parr and Rowan Calvert, who concluded their five-year tenures with the team. Calvert, an alternate captain, expressed gratitude for his time with the Blades, despite the frustration of facing the Raiders' stingy defense.
"I am just really grateful for playing as long as we did and just really looking forward to enjoying my time with the guys before everyone heads home," Calvert said. He also reflected fondly on the camaraderie built during long bus rides and shared experiences.
Looking Forward to New Opportunities
With Parr and Calvert moving on, the Blades are poised to reshape their roster. Calvert has committed to playing NCAA college hockey at the University of Maine, while Parr's leadership legacy will be carried forward by players like defenceman and assistant captain Brayden Klimpke.
Klimpke, who believes the team "turned a lot of heads in the playoffs and proved a lot of people wrong," is expected to guide the locker room in Parr's absence. Additionally, goaltender Evan Gardner, a Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, is anticipated to join the American Hockey League's Cleveland Monsters.
Building a Championship Contender
Priestner remains upbeat about the Blades' future, asserting that the current roster possesses "the bones of a championship-level team." The organization plans to explore new talent acquisitions, potentially from overseas or among up-and-coming 16-year-old players, to fill the gaps left by departing veterans.
As the Blades transition into the offseason, the focus is on leveraging this season's successes to build a stronger, more competitive squad for the future. The team's ability to overcome odds and foster a positive, resilient culture has set a solid foundation for the chapters ahead.
