Back-breaker: Volotovskii scores game-winner against former Blade team

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Tigers 5, Blades 3

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It was a happy return for a pair of former Saskatoon Blades, as exemplified by a decisive goal.

Misha Volotovskii scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Tanner Molendyk, to lead the Medicine Hat Tigers to a 5-3 victory over their former Blades team in Western Hockey League action Tuesday night before an announced crowd of 3,754 fans at SaskTel Centre.

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“That,” said Blades head coach Dan DaSilva, “is a great hockey team over there.  They’re obviously in it to win it. They loaded up and they have some really elite players.”

Saskatoon slipped to 27-17-3-3, while Medicine Hat improved its Eastern Conference-leading record to 34-16-3-1.

Volotovskii’s marker proved to be the dagger, coming just 24 seconds after the Blades managed to knot the score at 3-3 on a power play goal by Rowan Calvert at the 12:42 mark of the third period.

“It’s a shame we get a power play goal to tie it up and we lose our focus, kind of lose our intensity and give them one right back,” admitted DaSilva, whose team is trying to finish atop the WHL’s East Division and corresponding No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

“I was proud of the way they fought in the third period. We didn’t quit or back off. We actually carried the play for a little bit in the third and we made a bit of a push, which was good to see, but you can’t give those guys that many opportunities — eventually it’s going to burn you.”

Former Prince Albert Raider forward Ryder Ritchie, Markus Ruck, Oasiz Wiesblatt and teenage phenom Gavin McKenna also scored for Medicine Hat, which outshot Saskatoon 43-18 and led 3-2 after two periods.

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Former Tiger Ethan McCallum made 38 saves to keep the Blades within striking distance most of the night.

“Big Mac was unbelievable tonight for us in there, especially in the second period,” pointed out DaSilva. “He made some unbelievable saves — breakaways, back-doors. He kept us in it.”

McCallum has been pressed into a starting role while goalie Evan Gardner is away dealing with a medical issue.

Despite his outstanding play and 38 stops, McCallum felt he could have made even more saves.

“Just at the of the day, no matter how many saves I make, or good or bad, I just think I just needed another save in that game,” said McCallum, who was hoping to record a win against his former team and teammates.

“I felt good (coming into Tuesday’s game). You just have to take it day-by-day. It was just another game. Have some fun and enjoy the moment and, when it came time to play, just give it everything you’ve got for the boys.”

Former Tiger Hayden Harsanyi and Hunter Laing also scored for Saskatoon, which went 1-for-3 on the power play. Medicine Hat was 0-for-1.

“We don’t quit — we fought,” stressed DaSilva. “The shots might not indicate that but the guys fought, they had resiliency. I’m proud of this team, man. They showed up and they give their all every night.”

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BLADE BITS: Three stars were 1) McKenna, 2) Wiesblatt and 3) McCallum … The Blades return to action Friday, once again at home, against another top Central Division opponent, the Calgary Hitmen. Game-time is 7 p.m. On Saturday, the Blades head to Swift Current to play the Broncos. On Family Day holiday Monday, the Blades will host the Brandon Wheat Kings. Game-time is 4 p.m. Monday

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