Saskatoon’s W-H-L team celebrated the new month of April with a one-day only name change, matching uniforms and an all-important victory, downing the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors 4-1 Friday in front of 3,743 fans at SaskTel Centre.

The Blue and Gold changed their name from “Blades” to “Bananas” as part of an April Fools Day promotion, then overcame the odds and stingy Moose Jaw goaltender Carl Tetachuk to move within one point of the Warriors for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Despite being without seven regular skaters due to injury and icing a line-up that was a half-year younger per player, on average, than what Moose Jaw dressed, the Bananas dominated for most of the 60 minutes, but didn’t take control until scoring three unanswered goals in the third period. Egor Sidorov (pictured) broke a 1-1 tie at 8:04 of the final frame, thanks in large part to an ill-timed Warriors’ line change that led to a 3-on-0h break for Sidorov and Saskatoon. The 17-year-old rookie from Belarus added a second goal, his 21st of the season, with 5:24 left in the third and Kyle Crnkovic potted extra insurance 22 seconds later. Tristen Robins scored on a second period power play to open the scoring, only to have Eric Alarie match it on a breakaway. After two periods, the Bridge City Bunch were out-shooting Moose Jaw 27-9, but Tetachuk was throwing up a wall in front of his net, similar to his 31-save shutout last Saturday in sparking the Warriors to a 7-0 triumph. Included was five saves during a 5-on-3 Blue and Gold power play chance later in the second stanza. In all, the Blades out-shot the Warriors 40-19. Nolan Maier made 18 saves for his 28th win of the season and the 119th of his W-H-L career, tied for third place on the all-time list with Jordan Papirny and one back of the record jointly held by Tyson Sexsmith and Corey Hirsch. Robins’ goal ended a 0-for-22 streak on the power play for the Bananas. Saskatoon upped their record to 35-24-4 for 74 points, one back of 35-23-5 Moose Jaw. Fourth spot in the Eastern Conference provides home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Each team has five games remaining. The Bridge City Bunch hosts Brandon Saturday at 7 at SaskTel Centre while the Warriors go home to host Winnipeg. CJWW’s broadcast of the Blades/Bananas and Wheat Kings starts at 6:30. Following is the official game summary courtesy the W-H-L, plus Les Lazaruk’s Post-Game Show interviews with head coach Brennan Sonne plus Sidorov and defenceman Ben Saunderson…..

Moose Jaw Warriors 1 at Saskatoon Blades 4 – Status: Final
Friday, April 1, 2022 – SaskTel Centre – Saskatoon, SK

Moose Jaw 0 1 0 – 1
Saskatoon 0 1 3 – 4

1st Period- No Scoring.Penalties-No Penalties

2nd Period-1, Saskatoon, Robins 33 (Wright, Crnkovic), 8:26 (PP). 2, Moose Jaw, Alarie 21   12:09. Penalties-served by Firkus Mj (too many men), 7:15; Firkus Mj (holding), 16:53; Yager Mj (high sticking), 17:18.

3rd Period-3, Saskatoon, Sidorov 20 (Saunderson), 8:04. 4, Saskatoon, Sidorov 21 (Watterodt, Pillar), 14:36. 5, Saskatoon, Crnkovic 37 (Robins), 14:58. Penalties-Watterodt Sas (inter. on goaltender), 8:04; Gallant Mj (high sticking), 10:38; Anderson Mj (cross checking), 16:27; Jordan Mj (cross checking), 18:03; Sidorov Sas (slashing), 18:03.

Shots on Goal-Moose Jaw 5-4-10-19. Saskatoon 8-19-13-40.
Power Play Opportunities-Moose Jaw 0 / 1; Saskatoon 1 / 5.
Goalies-Moose Jaw, Tetachuk 28-14-3-2 (40 shots-36 saves). Saskatoon, Maier 28-21-3-1 (19 shots-18 saves).
A-3,743
Referees-Brett Iverson (24), Troy Murray (34).
Linesmen-Riley Carriere (72), Devan Thiessen (94).