Long-time Saskatoon Blades’ fans will fondly remember the talent and production of the Lambert brothers…Ross and Lane…between 1981 and 83.

The Bridge City Bunch is hopeful that Ross’ son Brad finds his way into a Blue and Gold jersey after making the 16-year-old forward the 33rd overall pick in Tuesday’s C-H-L Import Draft. For that to happen, it would be a massive coup for the Blades as Brad Lambert was born in Finland and has played most of his hockey to this point in the Eastern European nation…although he did suit up for the Under-15 Double-A Saskatoon Generals in 2015-16. Plus, Saskatoon already has 20-year-old Slovak forward Martin Fasko-Rudas and 19-year-old Czech defenceman Radek Kucerik committed to return whenever this coming season finally begins. But, Lambert is a highly-touted prospect for the 2022 N-H-L Draft. His father Ross posted 106 points, including 78 assists, in his lone Bridge City Bunch season of 1982-83. Uncle Lane Lambert notched 233 points, including 104 goals, in two seasons spread over 1981 through 83. Following is the news release from the Blue and Gold…..

SASKATOON, SK – Brad Lambert could be returning to a familiar place.

Lambert was born and raised in Saskatoon, where he began his minor hockey career, before moving to Finland with his family for the start of the 2017-18 season.

Lambert is one of the most talked-about prospects eligible for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, with the potential to go first overall. Playing for HIFK Helsinki-U20 in Finland last season, the speedy centerman scored 18 goals and added 20 assists for 38 points in 42 games. This, despite playing against opponents several years older and more experienced.

The product of Lahti, Finland has also gained praise on the international stage, wearing Finnish colours at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. At the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, Lambert notched three goals in five games, and later increased his output with one goal and five assists for six points at the World U17’s.

The Lambert name also has a familiar ring to the Blades organization. Brad’s father, Ross, wore the Pacman logo for one star-studded season, piling up 106 points in 71 games in 1982-83. Blades fans may also recognize the name Lane Lambert – Brad’s uncle – who played two seasons for the Blades in the early ’80s collecting 233 points.

Brad also has a cousin with roots in Saskatoon. Jimmy Lambert, who just finished his second season at the University of Michigan, played three seasons for the Saskatoon Contacts U18 AAA squad before venturing into the BCHL.

This is only the second time since the Blades have selected a Finnish-born player since the CHL Import Draft was introduced in 2000. Lambert follows Jyri Niemi, who was picked 13th overall in 2007.

The Saskatoon Blades would like to welcome Brad and his family back to Blade City, and look forward to helping him progress his hockey career further in the future.