Game Day vs Saskatoon

Blades are coming off a 7-6 shootout loss to Portland last night.  Seven to 6?  Did the goalies sit out or something?

This is the first meeting of the Ams and Blades since The Hit, could be interesting to see how the teams approach each other, hopefully it's water under the bridge and we get to see just a good ol' game.

MacMaster has been playing on the checking line with Mason Wilgosh and a rotating list of players.

"I think I fit in pretty well," MacMaster said. "I like the style of play and the team atmosphere. I have played every role in my WHL career. Last year in Calgary I was brought in to provide scoring. I'm familiar with the checking line role, and playing with Wilgosh makes the transition smoother."

John and Lois MacMaster made the drive down from Rossland, British Columbia, to watch their grandson play last weekend.

"It's always nice to have family around, especially my first week here," said MacMaster, a native of Calgary. "It was special to have them here."

Ryckman, 19, had ties to the Americans before the trade. He grew up playing hockey in Red Deer, Alberta, with Justin Feser and Mitch Topping, and all three were coach by Feser's dad, Myron.

"It was a little bit of a shock," Ryckman said of the trade after playing his entire career before Sunday with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. "But I'm glad to be with a winning team."

The Hurricanes had lost eight consecutive games before the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Ryckman was traded.

Ryckman skated with the Americans for the first time Tuesday.

"I was a little nervous at the start of practice," Ryckman said. "New team, new plays to learn. I didn't know what to expect. When you've played with just one team, you've never had a taste of anything else." (Herald)

It should be noted that Nate has approved the nickname "Mix Master".  Now you can breathe easy.