Blades and Pats go head to head in soldout game in Saskatoon

The Saskatoon Blades are getting ready to welcome Connor Bedard and the Regina Pats on Sunday.

SaskTel Centre is sold out, which means 15,000 fans will be watching the WHL game.

Blades forward Brandon Lisowsky said the sellout will be fun for everyone.

“I’ve never been a part of that and I don’t think anyone in the dressing room has been a part of that, so it’s going to be a fun day,” he said.

Lisowsky believes this game will give the team an extra buzz and more motivation to want to beat the Pats at home.

He explained when he believes the moment of playing for a soldout crowd will hit him.

“Probably during the national anthem. I think it’s pretty cool when everyone stands up and there’s no seats available to look at. Normally the upper bowl is closed off, so I think it’s going to be a special night for all of us,” Lisowsky said.

He added that Sunday’s game will be a way for the team to prepare for the playoff’s since the Pats clinched a playoff spot Saturday.

“Regina can be a first-round matchup for us, so for a home game, these crowds are probably going to be the same for playoffs. So we’re kind of preparing ourselves for these crowds and these types of games,” Lisowsky said.

The game is not just exciting for the players and fans.

SaskTel Centre executive director Scott Ford said it’s also exciting for staff.

“Our operations staff is preparing the building, the dressing rooms, the ice, the glass (and) the netting. Everybody is wanting everything to be perfect,” he said.

Ford believes this will be the largest WHL attendance the rink has had for a regular-season game.

“(It’s) a historic day in Saskatoon with a soldout Saskatoon Blades and Regina Pats game and at the same time being able to go home and say what a great day they had,” he said.

According to Ford, having a soldout crowd and being able to seat 15,000 people is a big deal for the arena.

He reminded people to come early; the doors will open a half-hour before normal at 2:30 p.m.

SaskTel Centre is also providing free shuttles to and from the arena.

Puck drop for the game is at 4 p.m.