The announcement of the 63rd captain in Saskatoon Blades’ franchise history wasn’t supposed to be made until Noonish Tuesday.

However, Ben Saunderson (pictured) found out before practice Tuesday when he received a congratulatory text from Nashville prospect and long-time defence partner Tanner Molendyk. So, the Bridge City Bunch has let it be known that the 20-year-old Carberry, Manitoba, product Saunderson will wear the “C” in the 2024-25 season. The alternates are 19-year-old forwards Tyler Parr and Rowan Calvert plus Molendyk and 20-year-old left winger Brandon Lisowsky – if and when those two return from pro camps with the Predators and A-H-L Toronto Marlies, respectively. The Blue and Gold depart Tuesday for Calgary where they’ll visit the Hitmen Wednesday night. CJWW’s broadcast starts at 6:45 and the play-by-play at 7 p.m.