Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades utilized a strong opening period to beat the Red Deer Rebels 8-1 on Wednesday night in Saskatoon.

Tristen Robins notched a career high five points (2G-3A), Kyle Crnkovic had four points (1G-3A) and Nolan Kneen chipped in with three (2G-1A) on the backend. Koen MacInnes made 30 saves in his fourth career win in his first start since November 30th.

A slow first five minutes opened the game with both teams finding their legs until the Blades’ line of Robins, Crnkovic and Jayden Wiens took over. First it was Crnkovic who got the puck off a faceoff and took the puck wide and found Robins who had a couple pokes at the puck as it trickled in to give the Blades the lead.

Wiens wins the face-off, Crnkovic centres the puck & Robins goals 👌 pic.twitter.com/10v3ruNnZs — Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) January 9, 2020

Just 13 seconds later, on the very next shift, Crnkovic picked off a Rebels breakout pass and fed Robins who one-timed home his second of the game to make the Blades lead 2-0. The Blades then took advantage of another Rebels’ mistake as a bad line change had Robins feed Crnkovic for a mini breakaway and he beat the Rebels goaltender to give the Blades a 3-0 lead which held after one.

With Crnkovic's goal, he and Robins each have three points in the first period. pic.twitter.com/4cBuuQZK1w — Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) January 9, 2020

The Blades picked up right where they left off to start the second period. Robins drove the net and Wiens rebound shot went wide as Scott Walford got the puck up top, move down and finished bardown to make it 4-0 Saskatoon.

Red Deer would respond, but Robins continued his impressive night as he got the puck on an odd man rush and made a nice move around his defender to give Kneen a slam dunk goal.

Kneen's 8th of the campaign gives him a new career high in goals scored 👏 Assisted by Robins & Crnkovic. pic.twitter.com/5i8WHGRz99 — Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) January 9, 2020

Kneen would later add another goal as Riley McKay spotted him on the power play and he made no mistake to make the lead 6-1 for the Blades after two periods of play

Saskatoon added a further two more goals in the third period, both on the power play. Aidan De La Gorgendiere and Kneen played catch up top before Kneen fed Zach Huber who sniped truly on a tight angle from the right wing for the 7-1 lead.

Huber's 12th tally of the year 🎯 pic.twitter.com/OYm18Y5h9Y — Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) January 9, 2020

The Blades added the eighth and final goal of the game as Charlie Wright had his shot tipped by Colton Dach to make the final 8-1 Blades.

The win completed Winning Wednesday for the second time this season meaning everyone in attendance went home with a free ticket to this Friday’s game against the league leading Edmonton Oil Kings.

Doors open on Friday at 6pm for Kids Takeover Night, with puck drop at 7pm. In-stand hosting duties, rink-board designs & PA announcements will all be run by kids as part of the night’s promotion.