Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are proud to announce rookie goal Evan Gardner is the East Division nominee for the 2023-24 WHL Humanitarian of the Year Award.
The 18-year-old netminder was forced to come to training camp early due to the forest fires in Kelowna, BC, and got to work with the community of Saskatoon immediately. Upon arrival, Gardner dedicated his time all week at our inaugural hockey school as a first year Blade.
The Fort St. John, BC native has already shown leadership and maturity well beyond his years. The NHL draft-eligible goalie became a role model for people living with diabetes after he shared his story about being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 11 years old. Gardner’s story resonated with people also living with diabetes and showed people who struggle with the disease that their dreams are still possible. “Don’t let it take a negative toll on you, you’re still a normal person” was something Gardner made sure to get across to those who have a hard time with the disease.
After going public with his diagnosis, Gardner partnered with Diabetes Canada for the Lace Up to End Diabetes initiative during Diabetes Awareness Month in November. Gardner led the “Unite the Circle” challenge in which Blades fans walked the concourse of SaskTel Centre on November 17th to raise funds for Diabetes Canada. After the game, Gardner offered to meet with the participants unprompted. Gardner continues to be an ambassador for Diabetes Canada and hopes to take the initiative even further in the future.
On top of all his work with Diabetes Canada, Gardner has some of the most hours in the community this year representing the Blades. The organization received a call from Eden Care Home (a home for individuals living with diversabilities) about Gardner’s visit on Feb. 21st, 2024. The club was told of how thrilled residents of the home were to spend time with Evan, and how courteous he was with his time while there.
Gardner also spent several nights at minor hockey practices across the city to help teach kids fundamentals of the game, but also spark passion in the league’s future stars. With all his work around Saskatoon, Gardner balanced school alongside the hectic schedule of the WHL and is one of the top goalies in the league. The 6-foot-2 netminder understands the importance of success on the ice but also knows the impact and inspiration he has on the community is more important.
Gardner is well respected by his teammates, coaches, opponents, and fans. On behalf of the entire organization, congratulations Evan on being nominated for WHL Humanitarian of the Year, and thank you for all your contributions to the city of Saskatoon this season!
—
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are the East Division nominee for the WHL Business Award.
Enjoying one of the club’s most successful seasons in franchise history on the ice, the Blades once again led the way in providing the best in-game entertainment at an affordable price for the people of Saskatoon. Countless hours spent by players interacting with fans and in the community, along with an engaging coaching staff helped make the team more personable and to fans across the city.
Focused on delivering an experience gearfed towards the fans best interest every single night, this season saw the Blades increase their average attendance by more than 12 percent compared to the 2022-23 season. The Blades averaged 5166 fans through the doors throughout the 2023-24 campaign, 660 people more than 2022-23 and the highest since the 2012-13 season when the team averaged 6040 fans. The hype hit a fever pitch for Fan Appreciation Night as 13,004 fans flooded inside SaskTel Centre for the final home game of the regular season.
Attendance was increased thanks in part to improved digital access for tickets, ticket options suited for many peoples needs, and players showing their personality which allowed fans to connect with a human behind the hockey player.
Fan-favourite playoff passes returned, allowing fans to purchase their seats for $129 for the entire playoffs. Playoff passes sold out within 24 hours of going on sale, as around 15,000 fans filled the arena for games 1 and 2 combined of Round 1 vs the Prince Albert Raiders.
A $40 Family Pack was once again a popular option this season, particularly with in-game entertainment focused on families and children. The three sections designated for Family Packs were routinely sold out.
In-game entertainment was once again second-to-none in the WHL. Berries Night was a hit as the Blades rebranded for one night to the Saskatoon Berries in honour of the city’s new baseball team debiting this spring. Kids Takeover returned as the team handed over all their in-game controls to youth in Saskatoon, topped off by our sponsorship rink boards designed by kids!
Initiatives such as Girls Rock!, Seniors Night, Pride Night in support of OUT Saskatoon, First Nations Night, and Pucks & Paws proved to the community that Blades games are for everyone. Not only are people welcomed at Blades games, they’re celebrated. These special theme nights helped engaged new fans and create a fun environment that welcomes new fans back for future games.
The Blades built off their work with Saskatoon Minor Hockey from last season with players spending countless evenings at minor hockey practices, and hosted group nights such as Goalies Night. Group rates for minor hockey clubs brought hundreds of kids to SaskTel Centre, growing their passion for the game.
For the second straight pre-season, the Blades partnered with the Prince Albert Raiders to play an exhibition game on Big River First Nation, bringing hockey to the remote Saskatchewan community. As a part of the event, the Blades participated in a pow-wow, engaging with local community members in a powerful setting.
Beyond the exhibition game on Big River First Nation, the Blades put an emphasis on continuing a strong partnership with Chief Mark Arcand of the Saskatoon Tribal Council. This season, the Blades filled 3,000 backpacks for inner city youth at White Buffalo Youth Lodge, returning in December to host a hot dinner during the holiday season. Assistant Coach Wacey Rabbit has made it a priority to share his journey as an Indigenous coach and former player.
Two separate theme night initiatives saw the Blades provide proceeds back to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, including the RE/MAX presents Nickelodeon Night in support of the Children’s Miracle Network, as well as Berries Night.
Certain players took it one step further to be role models in the community. Rookie goalie Evan Gardner teamed up with Diabetes Canada after sharing his story of being diagnosed with type-1 diabetes as a kid. Gardner was an ambassador for the Lace Up to End Diabetes initiative in November which saw fans walk laps around the concourse to raise awareness for diabetes.
21-year-old forward Easton Armstrong shared his struggles of being diagnosed with dyslexia, inspiring children dealing with the same learning disability to reach out to Easton and feel more confident in school. Armstrong also dedicated his time to Roadways Literacy Academy, speaking to children at the school for children with learning disabilities.
