Ben Saunderson named new captain of Saskatoon Blades

The Saskatoon Blades are passing the leadership torch to Ben Saunderson.

The Manitoba player named the 63rd captain in franchise history on Tuesday.

“It’s a privilege and honor that they have the trust in me to lead this group,” said Saunderson.

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“(I’m) thankful to the guys that I’ve come up with, my leaders teaching me about the league, and now for me to be able to teach everyone else. It’s pretty cool.”

Saunderson, who has been with the club since he was picked 89th overall at the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft, will lead a young Blades squad along with fellow veterans Tyler Parr, Rowan Calvert, Brandon Lisowsky, and Tanner Molendyk, who will serve as alternate captains.

The fifth-year blue-liner has recorded six goals and 50 assists and a +48 rating in his 195 games with the Blue and Gold.

After working closely with Saunderson for the past three seasons as an associate coach, first-year head coach Dan DaSilva said Saunderson was a natural choice.

“The way he is with the guys, he really knows what we expect out of the players,” said DaSilva.

“He’s really great in the community, too. That’s really important for me – someone who’s willing to go to those community events and put the time in.”

The 20-year-old will wear the C on his chest for the first time on Wednesday night in Calgary during a game against the Hitmen. Saunderson said his focus will be staying true to himself and his playing style.

“It shouldn’t change much when you’re out on the ice and (I’m) still going to be doing the same things,” he said.

“I am vocal on the bench, and I think just keep things the way they have been is the best way to go about it.”

Puck drop at the Scotiabank Saddledome is at 7 p.m.