Elias Pul's journey from the international stage to the Saskatoon Blades is marked by grit, determination, and a unique blend of skill that the team hopes will propel them to a strong finish in the 2025-26 season. After representing Germany at the 2026 World Junior Championship, Pul joined the Blades, bringing with him a wealth of experience from various international tournaments.

Pul's international resume is extensive, having played in the top division and Division 1A for the U18s, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and the U20 World Juniors. He has participated in 35 international games with Germany and served as a leader, wearing an 'A' in 2023-24. His experience on the German National Team is expected to bring a valuable perspective to the Blades.

The Saskatoon Blades welcomed Pul, along with David Lewandowski and Dustin Willhöft, after their stint with Germany at the World Junior Championship. While the team maintained a solid 5-2-1 record in their absence, the Blades recognized the need for a full roster as they geared up for the second half of the season and the playoffs.

While Lewandowski and Willhöft were familiar faces to Blades fans, Pul arrived as somewhat of an unknown. However, he quickly made his presence felt in his debut game against the Edmonton Oil Kings on January 9, 2026. Despite a 3-1 loss for the Blades, Pul's relentless battling and fearlessness were evident, creating several scoring opportunities.

Pul's style of play is characterized by speed, energy, and skill. While not necessarily known for his offensive prowess, he demonstrated his potential in the DEL2, Germany's second-tier league, where he led all U22 players with nine goals and 16 points in the 2024-25 season. The Blades are optimistic that Pul will continue to develop and showcase his abilities in the WHL.

The Blades' coaching staff initially placed Pul on the fourth line alongside rookies Gavin Clark and Ben Bowtell. This decision surprised some, who anticipated Pul would fill the void left by Dominik Petr, a veteran Czech player traded for Pul. Petr was a key player in the top six, contributing nine goals and 21 points in 29 games. However, Petr lacked the grit that the team needed. Colin Priestner, the Blades' president and general manager, believed that adding Pul, with his existing chemistry with fellow Germans Lewandowski and Willhöft, would bring the necessary balance to the team.

Germany's performance at the 2026 World Juniors secured their spot at the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, thanks in part to the contributions of Lewandowski, Willhöft, and Pul. Willhöft, in particular, had a standout tournament, leading the German team in scoring with seven points in five games. His performance in the relegation game against Denmark, where he scored a goal and three assists in an 8-4 victory, was crucial in ensuring Germany's continued presence in the top international U20 division.

Pul's addition to the Saskatoon Blades is expected to inject a dose of grit and determination into their lineup. With his international experience and relentless work ethic, Pul is poised to become a valuable asset as the Blades pursue a successful 2025-26 season.