Blades to honour Saskatchewan's Andrew Albers

Press Release

The Saskatoon Blades are extremely pleased to welcome a very special guest to town this Saturday night as they play host to the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Minnesota Twins pitcher and North Battleford, Saskatchewan product Andrew Albers will be at the game as the Blades honour him for his fantastic rookie season in major league baseball.

"We love to celebrate achievement, whether it be in hockey, another sport or in life," said Saskatoon Blades president Steve Hogle.  "Andrew's debut this past season was fantastic and obviously something special in the baseball world.  We want to recognize that and also wish him all the best as he continues to chase his dream."

Albers burst onto the scene with the Minnesota Twins this past August.  He made his Major League debut on August 6th, picking up the win after pitching 81⁄3 scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals.  The victory was also a very significant one for Canadian baseball, as it was the first win for a pitcher from Saskatchewan in 32 years in Major League Baseball.

Albers followed that up with an even better performance in his second start.  He shutout the Cleveland Indians on August 12th, pitching a complete game with a pair of strikeouts, surrendering only a pair of hits while grabbing his second career win.  He finished the season pitching 60 innings for the Twins, going 2-5 with a 4.05 ERA, 25 strikeouts and surrendering only 7 walks.

Albers will take part in a ceremonial puck drop prior to the Blades game against the Wheat Kings on Saturday night.  The left-hander will also take part in various promotions throughout the night, including showing off his arm while throwing prizes into the crowd.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)