'What's next?' Riders' Armstead focused on showdown with Ottawa
Sep 26, 2024
"I have a 'What's next?' mentality," said Ryquell Armstead, who faces his former team on Saturday.
The hate is on between the Saskatoon Blades and Prince Albert Raiders.
Before their second round Western Hockey League playoff series even started, the Raiders were accusing the Blades of embellishing penalties.
For now, Blades head coach Mitch Love has taken the high road but he’s had enough.
Love has noticed a lot of head shots on his players in the first two games that have not been called.
“People have turned a blind eye based on comments made previous to the start of the series,” said Love. “I’ve said this since day one. I’m going to protect my players and that’s what I’m doing here today. It’s B.S.”
Love wasn’t done there. He was asked if he’s tired of the accusations.
“Yeah, I’m tired we’ve had eleven minor penalties in two games to their six,” said Love. “They’re not that innocent of a hockey club. It’s plain and simple. It starts with the guy that’s in charge on their bench and it goes right across the board.”
“I get playoff hockey is gritty and it’s tough and you have to battle through some stuff. I’m all about that,” said Love. “But at the same time it’s about player safety out there and it’s not being monitored and it needs to be.”
Despite being down 2-0 in the series, Love is confident his guys can rebound.
“We got things we can improve on, but we’re on home ice and we’re excited for the challenge for (Tuesday) night,” said Love. It’s supposed to be a great crowd. Both fan bases are really involved, obviously both coaches are really involved and it should be a fun series.”
Game three is on Tuesday night, 7 p.m. at SaskTel Centre.