(rdnewsNOW/Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

bounce back win

Team Alberta shuts out Saskatchewan at WHL Cup

Oct 23, 2025 | 10:23 PM

Team Alberta won their first game at Western Hockey League Cup in dominant fashion on Thursday night.

They defeated Saskatchewan 4-0 at the Centrium, dictating play on both ends of the ice. They produced plenty of offence with 28 shots, followed by stellar defensive play holding Saskatchewan to just seven shots.

Head coach Cody Reynolds said it was a great bounce-back game from their loss on Wednesday.

“I thought yesterday there was a little bit of nerves that showed up throughout the game that translated into some inconsistencies. Tonight our focus was to lead by example,” he said. “We watched a lot of tape, we knew exactly how we wanted to play going into the game, and the boys did an excellent job executing the game plan.”

Saskatchewan didn’t record its first shot until late in the first period when there was just under seven minutes to go.

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“It’s all about the little details, and I think the guys were so focused today for the full 60 minutes. That’s as close to a 60-minute game as I’ve seen and been a part of.”

Alberta got on the scoreboard first with 16:35 left in the opening period. Captain Teagen Bouchard capitalized on an opportunity from the right circle with a laser of a shot while on a four-minute power play.

The Albertans notched another power-play goal with 13:04 left in the first. Forward Miles Kalan ripped a shot from the slot that beat goaltender Chase Nielson.

Alberta extended their lead by three with another tally at the midway point of the opening frame. Defenceman Jim Cruz scored off a blast near the blueline for his first goal of the tournament and second point of the evening.

Alberta added their fourth of the game midway through the second period off the stick of Cohenn Rotar, nearly eight minutes into the second period.

In the third period, Alberta sealed the deal with a goal from defenceman Hunter Saddleback with under a minute to play.

Alberta is fresh off a 3-2 loss in overtime to Manitoba on Wednesday evening at the Centrium. Next up, they’ll face Team B.C. on Friday at 1:15 p.m. for the final game of round robin play.

The semifinals are set to be played on Saturday, followed by the bronze and gold medal games on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“Guys are coming from programs all over, and just being around this group, you can tell they’re really starting to become a cohesive group… It looks like it’s becoming more of a family unit, so I’m really happy it’s going that way,” Reynolds added.