Daily Dose

Daily Dose of the Dub: Blades clinch playoff spot; Giants clinch division; Raiders clinch division and conference

Written by Stephen Hawco on

Blades clinch

The Saskatoon Blades became the fifth team in the league to clinch a playoff spot with a 4-3 shootout win over Kootenay. This will be their first trip to the playoffs since 2013 when they hosted the Memorial Cup, losing in the tiebreaker game. The Blades have a record of 38-14-8-0 and have a ten point lead over Moose Jaw for second in the East Division.

Giants take division

The Vancouver Giants clinched their first BC Division title since 2009/10 after winning five straight division titles previously starting in 2005/06. With a 40-14-2-2 record, the Giants have their most wins in seven seasons (40).

Raiders clinch division and conference

The Prince Albert Raiders clinched their first East Division title in 20 seasons, as well as the Eastern Conference crown with a 7-1 win over Brandon. The Raiders have had a remarkable season with a 49-8-1-2 record and 101 points and being the top team in the CHL for the majority of the campaign.

Elmer on fire 

With his goal on Saturday, Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Jake Elmer scored a goal in his eighth consecutive game, giving him the longest goal scoring streak in the WHL this season. The 20-year-old has 11 goals in those games and is up to 31 goals and 32 assists for 63 points in 59 games this season.

Multiple Milestones

Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Vincent Iorio scored his first WHL goal in a 7-1 loss to Prince Albert. The 16-year-old rookie was originally drafted in the second round (27th overall) in 2017 and has three points (1G, 2A) in 43 games this season.

Edmonton Oil Kings defenceman Parker Gavlas scored his first WHL goal in a 5-2 win over Red Deer. The 19-year-old was acquired by the Oil Kings in a trade from Regina back in November and has six points (1G, 5A) in 51 games split between the Pats and Oil Kings.

Calgary Hitmen defenceman Devan Klassen also had his first WHL goal which turned out to be the game winner in a 6-1 win over Swift Current. The 17-year-old has four points (1G, 3A) in 29 games this season.

Victoria Royals defenceman Scott Walford recorded his 100th WHL assist in a 5-4 shootout win over Vancouver. The Montreal Canadiens prospect is having a career year with 45 points (9G, 36A) in 57 games this season.

Troubling Moments

Portland’s Nick Cicek was given a five minute major for checking from behind and a game misconduct for this hit on Seattle’s Jake Lee. He has not been previously disciplined by the league.

Prince Albert’s Parker Kelly was given a five minute major for boarding and a game misconduct against the Wheat Kings. He has been suspended two times before this incident.

Three Stars of the Night

1st Star: Lethbridge’s Carl Tetachuk stopped all 35 shots he faced for his first career WHL shutout in a 5-0 win over Medicine Hat.

2nd Star: Prince Albert’s Cole Fonstad had a goal and three assists in a 7-1 win over Brandon.

3rd Star: Calgary’s Carson Focht had four assists in a 6-1 win over Swift Current.

Honourable Mentions 

Moose Jaw’s Tristin Langan had two goals and an assist in a 5-2 win over Regina….Kootenay’s Brad Ginnell had a goal and two assists in a loss to Saskatoon….Edmonton’s Vladimir Alistrov had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over Red Deer….Kelowna’s Roman Basran stopped 18 shots for his second shutout of the season in a 2-0 win over Kamloops….Portland’s Seth Jarvis had an assist and the shootout winner in a 4-3 win over Seattle….Spokane’s Eli Zummack had the game winner in a 2-1 win over Tri-City….Vancouver’s Jadon Joseph had a goal and two assists in a 5-4 shootout loss to Victoria….Everett’s Gianni Fairbrother had three assists in a 6-3 win over Prince George….