The Snack Man: Blades’ Daley brings more than experience to WHL’s Regina hub

Saskatoon Blades forward Caiden Daley is expected to be leaned on plenty during the shortened 24-game Western Hockey League season at the Regina hub.

It’s not just because Daley is entering his final year of junior eligibility as an associate captain of the team, but because he packed a few extra bags of exactly what his teammates want during their stay at the University of Regina dorms.

“I think I’m kind of the snack guy on the team right now,” Daley said during a Zoom call with local media. “I got a couple of goodies that I’ve got stashed in my room.

“I think I was one of the only guys that brought a lot of bags. My stash of snacks right now is pretty good, so hopefully I can keep those and kind of monitor that for the two months I’m here.”

Daley is one of three 20-year-olds on the team this year. While his speed and leadership will be an asset for the team’s performance on the ice, his preparedness for dorm life is sure to garner some positive attention from his teammates away from the rink.

“I think I’ve got everything. I’ve got a little basketball hoop in my room — whenever I get bored, I play with that. My roomies and I have a little game going too. I think our room’s pretty set,” he said.

When that doesn’t suffice, Daley said his room has cards, a crib board and a projector for movie nights.

Not seeing teammates for nearly a year made the first week of life inside the bubble fly by.

“It’s been a pretty good setup. We’re just trying to keep busy with the time we have off and just trying to connect because we haven’t been around each other for so long,” Daley said.

Head coach Mitch Love is happy to give Daley some extra duties on the team this year after Daley was acquired prior to the WHL trade deadline last year.

“We expect Caiden to step up and give us some big minutes this year,” Love said. “We need those guys. We need our 20-year-olds to be very solid for us and provide great leadership.”

Love understands Daley has pro aspirations after this season, and with only two months of hockey to play, Daley has limited opportunities to impress.

“It’s such a short window for these kids,” Love said. “They’ve just got to take it one day at a time. It holds very, very true now that it’s a sprint and not a marathon.”

Daley feels grateful to lace up his skates and demonstrate his skills after a year of wondering if he would ever play junior hockey again.

“It’s huge. Obviously, I want to make it to the next level. This is a new experience and we’re just trying to take it day by day and just flow with it,” he said.

Saskatoon begins its WHL season Saturday against the Swift Current Broncos.