The Saskatoon Blades are currently navigating a challenging period, learning to win despite a significant shortage of defencemen. What was once a surplus on the blue line has quickly turned into a situation where they've had to finish recent games with just five defencemen on the bench.
Injuries have severely impacted the Blades' defensive lineup. Since December 13, 2025, the team has lost a total of 26 games due to defencemen being sidelined. Key veterans like 17-year-old Kaden Allan, a shutdown defender Isaac Poll, and the physical Derek Thurston have all been out of the lineup for extended periods. Thurston has been absent since November 22, 2025, and his return to the ice remains uncertain. Allan has been out for all but one game since December 28, 2025, and Poll re-entered the injured list on January 16, 2026.
This situation has placed considerable pressure on the remaining defencemen. Brayden Klimpke and Tristen Doyle have performed well as puck-moving defencemen in the top four, but the absence of Poll, Allan, and Thurston has meant that Jordan Martin and Jack Kachkowski have had to shoulder a heavier defensive burden. Rookie Jack Lavallee, who is 17 years old, has also been filling in, along with affiliate call-ups Julian Revel and Ewen Gillis when needed.
Despite these challenges, the Blades have managed to remain competitive. In their last two games, they've conceded five goals but still secured three out of a possible four points. Jordan Martin acknowledged the difficulty, stating that the remaining five defencemen have had to elevate their game to manage the situation. The team is focused on securing home-ice advantage for the playoffs, making these points crucial.
The Blades' ability to adapt and find ways to win, even when facing adversity, demonstrates their resilience and determination. While the team eagerly awaits the return of its injured players, the remaining defencemen are gaining valuable experience and proving their ability to compete under pressure. The team is scheduled to face the Medicine Hat Tigers on Friday.
