Families Game Day Guide to the Saskatoon Blades
Photo Credit: Saskatoon Blades Steven Hiscock
Attending a Blades Game is a local thrill for all ages! The Saskatoon Blades draw large crowds in the regular season, and even larger crowds in the playoffs. It is our go to event in the winter to cheer on our favorite team!
The Saskatoon Blades kickoff their season in September and play through the regular season until the end of March. Depending on where they end up in the standings, the playoffs then begin at the end of March and can go until June! You can potentially watch 9 months of high caliber hockey right in your backyard. Another exciting factor is that some of these players are drafted by NHL teams, so you have a chance to watch these players right before they take that next step into the NHL.
Now, if you are anything like me, you are a hockey fanatic. I grew up in a big hockey family, so it has always been a large part of my life. I grew up playing it (and still do!). Now that my kids are playing hockey, I can see the passion for hockey growing on them, and their excitement for the Saskatoon Blades.
Game Day Prep!
We never attend a Blades game without gearing up in our favorite local jersey and other fan gear. You can purchase your fan gear either at the Frozen Pond, located within SaskTel Centre, or at the FEZ (Fan Experience Zone) located on Faithful Avenue. They carry everything from jerseys, to pom poms, to mini sticks, hats, light up glasses and light up necklaces. I challenge you to deck yourself out! GO BLADES GO!
Arriving
You will want to ensure that you arrive well before game time. I would recommend you arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before the game starts to ensure you allow time to park (keeping in mind they draw a lot of fans!) Once you park you will make your way through the closest entrance (they have a few). Once inside you will proceed through security and metal detectors to ensure a safe event for all. Now that you are in, it is time to head to the Frozen Pond if you are in need of gear. I bet you’ll run into our friend Pokechek (Blades Mascot)!
Photo Credit: Saskatoon Blades Steve Hiscock
Warm Ups
The Blades will head out on the ice for warm ups typically 30 minutes before game time. This is a great opportunity for your kids to head right down to the glass with their homemade signs (Go Blades Go) and watch the team up close. Maybe your kid(s) will get a puck? Free souvenir ?
Game Time
Now the real excitement is about to begin! Ensure that you have all of your snacks and drinks, and prepare yourself for the game intro. Lights go down, music is turned up, followed by a pyrotechnics display. Then they announce the team onto the ice. The crowd cheers loud and the excitement is in full swing! My kids love watching the intros, and cheering loudly with their light-up fan gear on. They get so excited!
Intermission – and a Moment for Pokechek
During the intermission, we love taking the kids on the concourse to see if we can spot Pokechek. They LOVE Pokechek. My kids are always looking for Pokechek, and when they see him we must go give him a hug, or at least a high five. (Side note, the Frozen Pond sells mini Pokechek stuffies).
End of the 3rd
Once the game is over, the fun doesn’t need to stop! Sometimes we like to head out either for a supper after the game, or a lunch before the game depending on what time the game is at! Some of our favorites are Las Palapas for some Mexican inspired food, or Una Pizza for some delicious pizza. Plenty of choices to suit your taste buds!
Shanda Doerksen
Shanda Doerksen blends her love for travel, adventure, sports, fitness and the joys of motherhood into captivating narratives. Shanda's past in sports has brought her to numerous locations throughout North America. Join her as she brings a mix of fun and real-life experiences to her blogs, making it relatable for anyone who loves sports, staying active, and embracing the adventure of life, all while navigating the ups and downs of motherhood.