Blades Add Fifth 2023 Draft Prospect to Commitment List

The Saskatoon Blades have now signed their first five picks in the 2023 Prospects Draft to W-H-L Scholarship and Development Agreements.

The Bridge City Bunch announced that 2008-born right-shot forward Matthew Dowdall has agreed to join the organization. The Coquitlam, B-C, product was the Blue and Gold’s fifth pick of the draft, taken 84th overall in the fourth round out of the Yale Academy. He joins fellow forwards Zachery Olsen and Cooper Williams, goaltender Ryley Budd and defenceman Nathan Guenther as signed 2023 picks…all from the first four rounds. Following is the news release from the Blades…..

Jun. 21: Blades sign 2008-born forward Dowdall

Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades announced the signing of 2008-born forward Matthew Dowdall to a Western Hockey League (WHL) Scholarship and Development Agreement.

The Coquitlam, BC product was drafted by the Blades in the fourth-round (84th overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospect Draft in early May.

“It’s a great facility and great organization, I can’t wait to get started,” said Dowdall.

The 6-foot, right-handed shot scored six goals and 12 points in 24 games through the 2022-23 season with Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep, tacking on 66 penalty minutes. Dowdall also added 12 penalty minutes and three points in three playoff games.

“Matthew is just starting to scratch the surface of where he’ll be in a few years,” said Blades director of scouting Dan Tencer, “He’s a big and rangy player who gets around the ice well, competes at an exceptional level and has a real knack for putting the puck in the net. With his quality shot and skill coordination for a player with his length, we’re big believers in the offensive upside here. He’s a great teammate who everyone wants to be at the rink with and go into battle with and it’s not nearly as fun to line up as an opponent against him.”

The Blades are happy to welcome the Dowdall family to the organization and community of Saskatoon, and look forward to working with Matthew on achieving his goals under Brennan Sonne’s coaching staff.