The Winterhawks' circus comes to town

It might just be the biggest game of the year so far in Saskatoon.

Everything from bull riders, to rock stars (Gene Simmons of Kiss) to crazy faux-denim jerseys will be on display tonight at Credit Union Centre.

And, oh yeah, there is a hockey game to be played as well.

The team in town tonight is the top ranked Portland Winterhawks, a team that has won 10 straight games and lead the league by 5 points.

It's a game many fans have had circled on their calendars since the start of the year as these Winterhawks only appear in Saskatoon once every two years. They should be a fun team to watch.

They are a team that features a ton of players with NHL potential, including:

- Ryan Johansen (drafted 4th overall by the Blue Jackets in 2010)

- Nino Niederreiter (drafted 5th overall by the Islanders in 2010)

- Brad Ross (drafted 43rd overall by the Maple Leafs in 2010)

- Taylor Aronson (drafted 78th overall by the Predators in 2010)

- Troy Rutkowski (drafted 137th overall by the Avalanche in 2010)

- Ty Rattie (expected to be a high pick in the 2011 NHL draft)

- Sven Bartschi (expected to be a high pick in the 2011 NHL draft)

- Derrick Pouliot (expected to be a high pick in the 2012 NHL draft)


Yes, they haven't talent that runs through every part of their lineup. As mentioned, they are a team that has won 10 straight games to move to 16-2-0-1 on the year. Portland is also coming off a late come-from-behind win in Regina on Wednesday night.

The Blades will have to be on top of their game if they want to earn a win. Saskatoon is coming off that shootout loss to the Seattle Thunderbirds this week. A game which they led by 2 goals after 40 minutes. A better effort should be expected by them tonight, and it should not be a game that is hard to get excited and ready for.

With that being said, here are my keys to the game:

For Portland

- Play physical. Saskatoon is a team that likes to throw their weight around. Portland has to be just as aggressive and can’t be afraid to hit back.

- Stop the top line. Saskatoon’s big scorers continue to find the score sheet but if Portland can stop those guys, they will have a great shot at winning.

- And take the crowd out of it. It could very well be the biggest one of the year in Saskatoon with a ton of festivities and special guests for the game. Portland has to make them sit on their hands.

For Saskatoon

- Get out to a fast start. Portland is a dynamic team and the Blades have to come out early and try to get on the board first.

- Simplify the powerplay. They went 1 for 3 last game and will need to continue to work on getting more shots and traffic. Portland has the best penalty kill in the WHL.

- And Adam Morrison needs to be very sharp. Everyone knows how good offensively Portland is, Morrison needs to be on top of his game tonight for Saskatoon to get a win.


Game time goes at 7:05 from CUC and I really hope you come and check this one out. If you can't, you can always listen on 92.9 The Bull. The pre-game show starts at 6:30.