New Blades acquisition adjusting to life in Saskatoon

It’s been more than a week since the WHL trade deadline came and passed.

The Saskatoon Blades made one deal that day, acquiring forward Jake Chiasson from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for three draft picks.

Getting to the city turned out to be quite an adventure for Chiasson.

“There was a game the day after the trade deadline. So I packed up my billet house in the matter of an hour or two, I hit the road, got in late on deadline night and played Portland the next day,” he said.

Chiasson had no problem staying awake for the six-hour drive, nor was he too tired to contribute; he added an assist in his Blades debut.

“There was no risk of me falling asleep behind the wheel on that night — my brain was all over the place,” Chiasson said. “It’s just a rollercoaster. You’re up and then you’re down and you’re excited (and) sad.

“Obviously, all the mix of that makes the drive, honestly, go pretty quick. By the time you gather your head around things, you’re driving into your new city.”

As of Thursday, Chiasson has played in five games, including three in the first week of him arriving in Saskatoon.

But he says the whole process of getting moved in the middle of the season was bittersweet.

“With the team that Saskatoon is and the organization they are, (the trade) is something that I realized was going to be really good for my hockey career and being a part of a winning team,” he said.

“(But) being in Brandon too for so many years, it was a tough goodbye to a lot of guys and the organization that brought me in as one of their own.

“It was so special to me. My billet family, obviously, they mean so much to me; it was tough to say goodbye to them and the kids. But it’s everyone — day-to-day staff, equipment managers, trainers, coaches, general manager. It’s everyone and none of it’s easy.”

But he couldn’t hide how excited he was to be coming to a team that’s nationally ranked and vying for top spot in the East Division.

“Leaving Brandon, driving past all the places that I’ve had lots of memories at was tough. Then once I hit the highway it was on to new beginnings,” he said.

Not only did Chiasson have to adjust to living in a new city and a different environment, he also had to adjust to new teammates and coaches with the Blades.

“Every team has their own system (and) their own style of play, but ultimately you’re out there playing the game that you know at the end of the day. So obviously if you control your work ethic and the way you play the game, the rest will take care of itself,” he said.

Chiasson says what he’s noticed so far is how the Blades really care in the way they play and the structure they have and that’s reflected in where they are in the standings.

There’s also a challenge of trying to walk into a locker room and build chemistry with players you haven’t been around for the first half of the season, but Chiasson says he’s been looking at extra video when he can. As well, everyone has been extremely welcoming.

He says he knew a couple of the Blades before coming to Saskatoon, which has helped. He gave credit to his linemates as well.

“Chemistry takes a little bit of time, but playing with guys that I am right now with (Brandon) Lisowsky and (Trevor) Wong, those are two guys that are so easy to play with (that) any guy could step on the ice and play with those guys,” Chiasson said.

“I think that helps me for sure. They’re talented (and) they have high motors of work ethic, so for me it’s been awesome playing with those guys and I’m just glad that I can come in and be a piece to help them as well.”

Even though he’s with a new team and had a lot of emotions driving out of Brandon looking at all of the familiar places he had been to in the past four years, Chiasson is excited to explore Saskatoon and be slightly closer to family.

He’s had some family friends reach out to him about being in Saskatchewan and there’s been one place he keeps hearing he needs to eat at.

“I’ve heard there’s a couple chains here. Fuddruckers, I’ve heard a lot about that burger place. I’m excited to try that out and share it with my family. It’s a little easier for them to get from Vancouver to Saskatoon and they’re excited to come in here … and I’m just as excited as they are,” Chiasson said.

While it’s only been over a week since coming to Saskatoon, Chiasson has scored four points in five games, but he’s still looking for his first goal as a Blade.

His next opportunity is Friday night, when the Blades host the Prince Albert Raiders at SaskTel Centre.