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Blades Address Size Issue Up Front With Acquisition of Lies From Giants

By Les Lazaruk Aug 31, 2022 | 12:17 PM
       The Saskatoon Blades made a second trade in as many days prior to the start of training camp, this one designed to address the Bridge City Bunch’s perceived lack of size from last season.
       The Blue and Gold acquired 19-year-old forward Justin Lies from Vancouver for 18-year-old winger Kyren Gronick and a second round choice in the 2025 W-H-L Prospects Draft. Lies is a 6’2″, 205-pound product of Flin Flon, Manitoba. He had eight goals amongst 16 points and 42 penalty minutes in 50 games last season with the Giants. He also attended Vegas’ rookie camp in July. The deal follows Tuesday’s blockbuster that saw the Blades get 19-year-old left winger Conner Roulette and a third round selection in the 2026 Draft from Seattle for 20-year-old left winger Kyle Crnkovic. Saskatoon opens training camp Thursday SaskTel Centre with 73 players. Following is the news release from the Blue and Gold…..
AUGUST 31, 2022

Blades Acquire Veteran Power Forward Leading up to Camp

Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce the acquisition of forward Justin Lies, from the Vancouver Giants, in exchange for forward Kyren Gronick and a 2nd round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.

“Justin is the exact type of player we’ve been coveting over the last year to help add size, ability and tenacity to our forward group,” commented Blades President and General Manager Colin Priestner.

The power forward, who stands 6’2” and weighs 205lbs, attended Las Vegas Golden Knights Rookie Camp in July.

“He is very difficult to play against and creates room for his linemates every shift,” continued Priestner. “We think he brings an element that was missing from our team with his style of play and his competitiveness.”

The Saskatoon Blades would like to thank Kyren Gronick for his service to the team and wish him the best in Vancouver with the Giants.

Single game tickets for the 2022-23 season go on sale Thursday morning, September 1st, at ticketmaster.ca or by contacting the Blades office at info@saskatoonblades.com or by texting or calling 306-975-8844