Saskatoon Blades Navigate NCAA Changes Ahead of Training Camp

The Saskatoon Blades are entering their training camp this weekend, facing the evolving landscape of hockey due to recent changes in NCAA eligibility rules. These adjustments now permit players with major junior or minor professional experience to compete in collegiate hockey in the United States. While the new rules have significantly impacted various levels of hockey, the Blades have managed to retain their core group as they prepare for the upcoming season at the newly opened Martensville Recreation Centre.

Colin Priestner, the general manager of the Blades, expressed relief that the team expects to have its entire roster intact. “We’re all in a very uncertain time, for sure. But as things stand with the Blades, we’re expecting our whole group back,” he stated. This is a fortunate position, as several teams in the Western Hockey League (WHL) have already lost key players to NCAA programs.

The Blades aim to capitalize on the situation by potentially recruiting American players who may be displaced by the influx of talent into the NCAA. Priestner noted that the long-term effects of these eligibility changes might not be fully understood for another year or two. “We’re all kind of waiting with strong interest with what’s happening,” he said.

The team’s focus remains on providing a positive environment for players. “Even if they are presented with an option to leave to the NCAA early, they’ll want to stay with us, because they think they’re going to get the best coaching, training, and ice-time opportunities that they can possibly get,” Priestner emphasized.

Kirkness Cup Celebrates Legacy and Competition

The training camp includes the annual Kirkness Cup, a tournament named in memory of the late Bobby Kirkness, who served as the team’s dressing room attendant for many years before passing away in 2021 after battling cancer. The tournament has become a cherished tradition, with round-robin games kicking off on Friday, starting at 15:15 GMT. Four teams, named after notable Blades alumni, will compete: Team Nicholls, Team Peters, Team Khudobin, and Team Belak.

This year, approximately 74 players are expected to attend the camp, which runs from Friday to Sunday. The teams will honour former players such as Josh Nicholls and Warren Peters. The Kirkness Cup will also feature a third-place game at 09:00 GMT on Sunday, followed by the championship match at 12:00 GMT.

Priestner acknowledged the challenges posed by the NCAA’s recent changes, particularly for teams like the Medicine Hat Tigers and Brandon Wheat Kings, who have lost significant players during the off-season. “It’s a work in progress right now in terms of all the teams in the league,” he said.

He anticipates a period of adjustment as teams adapt to the new landscape. Many general managers believe that by Christmas, some players might realize that NCAA hockey does not meet their expectations. “If they’re not playing as much as they promised or thought, I think there are going to be some people realizing that there’s no rush to go there,” Priestner concluded.

As the Blades gear up for their training camp and the Kirkness Cup, they remain focused on maintaining a competitive edge while navigating the uncertainties of the changing hockey environment. The upcoming days will not only showcase talent but also honour the legacy of those who have contributed to the team’s history.