PR - Saints

SASKATOON SAINTS LOOKING TO TAKE 2ND PLACE IN EASTERN CONFERENCE

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix

August 26, 2005

With four games remaing for each the Owls, Aces and Saints, the race for the three remaining home ice playoff spots will be decided likely on the final day of regular season action. GM Young of the Saskatoon Saints held a Press Conference today and spoke of the recent surge in the standings. "Probably the most instrumental change is the fact that for the first time this season our team is completely healthy and well rested. But success in this second half of the season has a lot to do with the acquisition of former Vezina winner Roberto Luongo." As well, Young listed the numerous mid-season improvements with the addition of Christopher Higgins (51,14,42,56pts), Ryan Getzlaf (70,29,45,74pts) the call-up of the Saints 6th overall draft choice from the offseason Devin Setogouchi (46,18,28,46pts) and the improved play of rookie defenseman Keith Ballard (84,11,44,55pts). Higgins, Getzlaf, Setogouchi, Ballard and roughly 90% of the Saints roster is 20 years and younger so the future looks bright in the organization.

"This season was part of a rebuilding process, but as the season draws to an end, I think we realized that we can compete with any team in this league and therefore could be the darkhorse for our conference." The Saints have never made it past the 2nd round of the playoffs. Last seasons' 7th game win over the Hurricanes was a proud moment for GM Young but the celebrations were short-lived when the Saints lost in 6 games to the Rednexs in the 2nd round. Right now, the Saints have a very good chance of finishing 2nd place in the Eastern Conference Standings, right behind their arch-rival Hurricanes. There a few reasons why this is so important to the Saints. Firstly, it would be the best season finish since the Modern TFHL was formed. As well as home ice advantage, it would mean that if both the Saints and Hurricanes win their first two rounds, there could be a great conference final match-up between the uber enemies.

Joe Sakic commented on the prospect of facing the Hurricanes in the playoffs for the 3rd time in franchise history: "We just hate those guys, and there is nothing more inspiring for this team then to face them in the offseason. We've played them twice before in our history and both times we have won the close, gritty battle in a 7th game nailbitter. It would be great for the fans, great for the city, and most importantly, I would love to win a cup with the Saints after these past four seasons with the club." Sakic, who has played the most total games with the Saints has been traded on numerous occasions but seems to always return to the Bridge City. As Captain, he led the Saints last year to a win over the high flying Hurricanes but this year he wants to bring the cup home, in what might be his last season in a Saints uniform. Sakic's 1 year 15 million dollar deal is up at season end and once again he will be a UFA. GM Young has hinted that he will likely not attempt to resign Joe for a 5th season with the team for financial reasons.