Wheaties knock off Blades for second straight night

Once again the Saskatoon Blades kept it close against the Brandon Wheat Kings. But for the second straight night, it was the Brandon coming away 3-2 winners.

All three Brandon goals came straight off the faceoff, with Tyler Gutenberg’s marker clinching the game with 1:06 left in the third period.

“It’s pretty frustrating but they were reminded (that), but an error in judgement and that’s what happens,” said Blades head coach Dean Brockman.

Saskatoon had plenty of opportunities to win the game, including five first period power-plays.

Braylon Shmyr(14) opened the scoring for Saskatoon early in the second period, starting an avalanche of teddy bears, the Blades were hosting teddy bear toss night.

“It’s fun doing that,” said Shmyr post game, adding that it’s a weight off the team’s shoulders to avoid the shutout on the special occasion.

“There’s always emotions going into these kinds of games, especially when the playoffs are on the line.”

.@BladesHockey score and down come the Bears! pic.twitter.com/jdLm3H3V2H

— Ryan Brandt (@Ryan_Brandt) December 18, 2016

Jesse Shynkaruk (11) added the other for the Blades, tucking a backhander between the legs of Brandon goalie Jordan Papirny.

Logan Flodell stopped 26 of 29 shots in the loss.

The Blades join the rest of the WHL in taking a break for the holidays. They return Dec. 27 on the road against Prince Albert.