Sidorov earns weekly honours as Blades gear up for playoff push

There is just over a month left before the Saskatoon Blades close out the regular season.

With 14 games remaining, there is still work to do as the team tries to lock up a playoff position, but some of the hard work the players have put in is already being recognized. Forward Egor Sidorov was named the WHL’s player of the week for Feb. 13-19, during the team’s road trip through B.C.

“It’s cool,” Sidorov said. “I can help my team win those games, and I’m happy.”

He finished the road trip with three goals and six assists in five games, with all three goals and four of those assists in games played during the week against the Prince George Cougars, Victoria Royals and Vancouver Giants. The Belarus product had his biggest night against Victoria with four points, including two goals.

While most of the Saskatoon players were trying to adjust to the time change and long bus rides, Sidorov said it didn’t compare to some of his own travel days.

“I fly from Belarus like 20 hours, so I was OK,” he said. “Guys were a little bit tired, so I understand.”

Head coach Brennan Sonne said while the trip was successful, everyone is glad they get to sleep in their own beds again.

“Being away for a long time is hard,” Sonne said. “You’re away from family. You’re away from friends. You’re away from the comforts of your own space, and your own room and shower and things like that.”

Sonne said he was grateful for the support the team had, and said the B.C. scenery didn’t hurt while the team was on the bus.

While it’s good to get the recognition from the league, Sonne said there’s more to Sidorov’s game than just the numbers.

“He’s a phenomenal player. He’s spectacular with the puck (has a) great shot (and his) offensive instincts are awesome. At the same time, he still has more. I think he’s an NHL player,” Sonne said.

“We’re going to continue to push him in that direction, because I still think there’s areas where he can go from one of the top players in the league to the top player in the league.”

This is Sidorov’s second year with Saskatoon after being picked during the 2021 import draft. While he said he isn’t entirely used to the cold yet, he’s happy with how welcoming everyone has been.

“I didn’t see my parents in a really long time, like almost a year and a half,” Sidorov said. “The coaches helped me about that (and so did) the general manager. I do my best here and do my best on the ice.”

That isn’t just talk, either. Sidorov is having a banner year with 33 goals and 62 points so far, both career highs.

Sidorov is eligible for the NHL draft again this year after going unselected last year. He is currently ranked 86th on the NHL’s central scouting list, and said he’s more relaxed this year and not putting too much pressure on himself.

“I know I’ll be drafted and do my best and play hard,” Sidorov said.

Both Sidorov and Sonne said they’re focused on getting into the playoffs and finding more success.

“This has been a phenomenal season. We have such a good group of kids (and) tight staff. We work really hard and we have a ton of fun,” Sonne said.

But at the same time, Sonne said there’s a lot of work still ahead.

“We still have things to take care of in playoffs … We have unfinished business,” he said.

The Blades open a home-and-home series with the Prince Albert Raiders on Friday at SaskTel Centre.