He’s one of those underrated players in the Western Hockey League, perhaps overshadowed on his own Saskatoon Blades team over the years.
Published Mar 28, 2024 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 5 minute read
Charlie Wright likely hasn’t gotten all the recognition he deserved in the past.
He’s one of those underrated players in the Western Hockey League, perhaps overshadowed on his own Saskatoon Blades team over the years.
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Yet, Wright continued his development into a top-notch two-way defenceman in his own right, finally receiving some acknowledgement this week as a WHL East Division second-team all-star.
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He has watched his game evolve right before his eyes.
“I think, when I first came into this league, I was really focused on offence,” recalled Wright, whose Blades begin their WHL best-of-seven Eastern Conference playoff series with the Prince Albert Raiders on Thursday night (7 p.m. start) at SaskTel Centre.
“I wanted points — that was kind of the player I was, growing up. I was the power play guy and all that. When I first came into the league, obviously that’s not what they needed me to be. They needed me to be really solid defensively, to be able to make that first pass on the breakout. I think that’s something I really hemmed on in and got good at, my defensive side of my game in those first three years. And then, in these last two, I’ve been able to bring that offence back a little bit.
“I think, back then, I wanted to be the offensive guy, but now my game has turned into a really strong defensive game and I think it helps our team win, so I’m happy with my development.”
Indeed, Wright has developed into a vital two-way D-man and the Blades have been winning and two-pointing their way all season. They finished first overall in the WHL during the regular season with 50 wins and 105 points, capturing the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy.
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Wright recorded five goals and 30 assists for 35 points as one of only four Blades to play in all 68 games this season. Over a five-year WHL career, he has racked up 15 goals and 89 assists for 104 points and plus-43 rating in 256 regular-season games.
He’s added two goals and six assists in 23 playoff games.
“He’s a foundational pillar for us,” praised Blades head coach Brennan Sonne. “He’s done everything right. He’s one of the most underrated players in the league, honestly. He’s a pro, through and through. He’s meant the world to the team, as being so steady that whole time. His growth as a player, I just think it’s incredible the way he’s been able to produce offensively while still bringing what he’s great at, which is skating and his ability to shut players down.”
The hockey world seems to focus on points and not always the bigger picture.
“As while Charlie does produce — you can look at his points the last couple of years — his strength is skating, his ability to shut down and winning battles,” stressed Sonne. “Those are things that are crucial if you want to win hockey games. He makes great breakout plays. He does the little things that don’t get the kind of cash-grabby attention, but man, is he effective.
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“I just think he’s evolved as a player.”
PLAYOFF SAVVY
The Blades lasted three rounds in the WHL playoffs a year ago, twice coming back from series deficits.
“Last year gave me and a lot of guys a lot of experience and I think that’s something that’ll definitely help us out in those pressure moments,” said Wright.
“Obviously last year, we didn’t start a series the way we wanted to, so we’re just going to focus on that first game (Thursday) and having a real good start.”
The Blades will start, and finish, with home-ice advantage this year. They’ll be the No. 1 seed throughout the WHL playoffs for as long as they’re still playing.
“We have a lot of confidence, which is good, but we definitely can’t look too far ahead,” noted Wright. “We just need to take it one shift at a time and I think that’s what we’re really focused on.”
FIVE SEASONS WITH BLADES
Wright, a 20-year-old from Olds, Alta., is winding down his fifth and final WHL season, all with the Blades.
It’s been the Blades’ best season thus far and Wright is enjoying the ride.
“This year, we have a ton of talent, maybe the most talented team I’ve been on in my career here,” he noted, “but then again, we’re so tight and really close, so it makes it easy to come to the rink every day and have fun. And I think that’s why we were able to be so consistent during the regular season.”
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The 6-foot-1, 182-pound Wright expects a hard-fought battle against the rival — and sometimes bitter rival — Raiders.
“They’re a good team; they always play us hard,” he said. “It’s a rivalry game every time we play them, whether it’s here or there. So it’s going to be a tough series, definitely not a team that you’re going to take lightly. I didn’t think they’d end up in that eighth spot, but they did and they’re going to be a tough opponent so we can’t let our foot off the gas at all.”
The Blades can bring the best out of the Raiders and “they bring out the best in us, too,” agreed Wright. “It’s that big-time rivalry that we have. It’s going to be intense.
“We played them 10 times already, so the sooner we can get out of it, the better. That just starts Thursday with a good start.”
As much as the Blades and Raiders have played each other, including 10 times during the regular season, this will be the first time Wright gets to see P.A. in the playoffs.
“So it’s kind of cool to get that opportunity to play against the No. 1 rival, a team I’ve competed against really hard the last five years,” he said. “It’s exciting.
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“I’m ready to empty the tank, give it my all. I’m going to do whatever I can to help this team go as far as we can.”
dzary@postmedia.com
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