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The Saskatoon Blades are stepping aside as the CIBC Canada-Russia Series takes over SaskTel Centre on Wednesday evening.
The all-star game pits the WHL’s best against a selection of Russian junior hockey players. It’s the fifth stop on the six-game tour for the Russians, who previously played teams from the OHL and QMJHL over a 10-day stretch this month.
Saskatoon will be heavily represented in Wednesday’s game.
Between the pipes for Team WHL will be Blades goaltender Nolan Maier. Joining him is Blades captain Chase Wouters, who was a last-minute addition to the team after Kirby Dach stuck with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.
“It was a goal for me at the start of the season to get named to that team. It was a huge honour (to be named). It will be fun playing here in Saskatoon,” Wouters said.
Wouters hasn’t played in this type of best-versus-best game since he suited up for Team Canada at the under-18s in Russia in 2018. Between that experience, and his time spent with former Blades teammate Mark Rubinchik, Wouters has picked up on some Russian trash-talking if it becomes necessary Wednesday.
“I know a couple of swear words,” Wouters said with a chuckle.
Maier, one of the Blades’ top performers the past two seasons, was expected to make Team WHL after his stellar play. After not being selected in last year’s NHL draft, Maier feels he has something to prove for all the scouts in attendance who passed on him a season ago.
“For whatever reason, (getting drafted) didn’t happen. I’ve come to terms with that over the summer. I’m really looking forward to kind of proving everyone wrong, and playing for my teammates and playing for myself,” Maier said.
Maier has considerable international experience after playing for Team Canada in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in 2018 and in the under-18 championships in Sweden in 2019.
The 18-year-old from Yorkton mentioned he doesn’t plan on using any Russian words Rubinchik taught him unless someone plows through his crease.
Maier and Wouters both have extra appreciation for Wednesday’s game as they are set to welcome numerous family members.
Family is expected to arrive from Yorkton to support Maier and from Wouters’ home of Lloydminster. Both players are excited at the prospect of showing off the province, too.
“There will be lots of family … It’s pretty close to home for me,” Wouters said of hosting extended family for the game.
“It’s something that they like to see and I enjoy that they’re able to come to most home games and have a good time with us.”
Maier agreed.
“Being in the home province, in the home rink, it’s going to be really exciting for not only myself and (Wouters), but the fans as well,” he said.
Blades head coach Mitch Love will guide Team WHL, with assistance from Regina Pats head coach Dave Struch.
Saskatoon-born players Connor Zary from the Kamloops Blazers and Adam Beckman from the Spokane Chiefs round out Saskatoon’s representation in the game.
Regina’s Carson Focht (Calgary Hitmen), Estevan’s Cole Fonstad (Everett Silvertips) and Yorkton’s Kaedan Korczak (Kelowna Rockets) also are on the Team WHL roster.
The final game of the six-game CIBC Canada-Russia Series is set for Thursday in Prince Albert.