BenX2: Saskatoon Blades pair commits to NCAA schools

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Two Bens are prepared to join the NCAA den.

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A pair of Saskatoon Blades — defenceman Ben Saunderson and forward Ben Riche — have committed to play NCAA Division One hockey once they leave the Western Hockey League major junior ranks.

Saunderson and Riche are headed to Quinnipiac University to play for the Bobcats upon completing their WHL eligibility.

The NCAA Division I Council voted on Nov. 7 that players who have skated in one of the three Canadian Hockey Leagues (CHL) — Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the WHL — will be permitted to play NCAA hockey effective Aug. 1, 2025.

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Previously, CHL players were considered professionals and barred because of the NCAA’s amateurism rules, in part because some CHL players have signed NHL entry-level contracts.

Heading into Tuesday’s WHL game against the Medicine Hat Tigers, the Blades captain Saunderson had two goals and 15 assists for 17 points in 27 games with a plus-minus rating of +6 with the Eastern Conference-leading Blades.

“No one deserves this opportunity more than Ben,” said Blades general manager Colin Priestner. “He’s been the model for Blades hockey and development on and off the ice since he was drafted in 2019. He’s been a workhorse on our blue line and we couldn’t be more excited for Ben to showcase his talents at the NCAA level.”

The 20-year-old D-man — who was named the 63rd captain in Blades history on Oct. 1 — sits tied for third in assists among all Blades skaters and second in points for Blades defencemen behind only Tanner Molendyk.

The 6-foot-1, 189-pound blueliner has played parts of five seasons with the Blades after being drafted by Saskatoon in the fifth round of the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft.

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He’s amassed eight goals and 60 assists for 68 points and a +48 rating over 219 career regular-season games.

The Carberry, Man. product helped Saskatoon complete its first 50-win season since 2010-11 and clinch the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as the 2023-24 regular-season champions.

Riche headed into action Tuesday night with a team-leading 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points and a +15 rating through 26 games.

Riche, who turns 20 in March, is slated to complete his final season of WHL eligibility in 2025-26 before joining the Bobcats for the 2026-27 campaign.

“He’s been one of the most electric offensive players in the league this year and a big reason we are first place in the conference,” said Priestner. “We’re thrilled to partner with Quinnipiac in aiding his development over the next season and a half to prepare him for NCAA hockey.”

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound centre, who hails from Bethune, has recorded 11 multi-point performances this season.

Riche was originally drafted by the Moose Jaw Warriors in the second round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. He played parts of three seasons with the Warriors before being traded to the Victoria Royals. He joined the Blades as an off-season acquisition.

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BLADES BITS: The Blades take on Gavin McKenna and the Central Division-leading Medicine Hat Tigers on Tuesday before heading to Lethbridge to play the Hurricanes on Wednesday. They’ll host the Brandon Wheat Kings in a Sunday matinee game at SaskTel Centre. Game-time is 4 p.m.

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