“I genuinely hate the Raiders”: Blades goalie ignites heated rivalry ahead of Game 1

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Raiders fans on social media didn’t hesitate to respond:

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"I genuinely hate the Raiders": Blades goalie ignites heated rivalry ahead of Game 1

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“Buddy is about to get absolutely peppered! Hope you’re rested and hydrated, big fella. The Raiders will be coming at you in waves…” said Mike Horn on Facebook.

“It’s going to be a rough series for him and the rest of the Blades,” said user Hunter_91_ on X.

“Sections 19-20, 1-3 let’s get that chant ripping right after O Canada! Get the rest of the building joining in! Don’t let up!” said Jeramiah Morrison on Facebook.

Ahead of Game 1, Raiders Head Coach Ryan McDonald was asked about Gardner’s comments, but the bench boss wasn’t biting.

“This is a group in our dressing room that has done a great job all year of going about our business and sticking to our process and sticking to our plan and our details and habits. That’s a real motivated group in there. I’m looking forward to tonight,” said McDonald.

Despite the shots fired, in the same media availability, Gardner did give credit to Raider fans for both the noise they bring in their own rink, and their commitment to travelling down Hwy 11 to support their team.

“It’s so fun every time. Obviously, the fans love it, there’s a lot more buzz in the arenas…even playing in P.A., it gets rowdy in there, it gets loud, and then when they make their way here for the next game, it’s buzzing in here too. Our fans are loud, they usually bring a bus here with their fans, so it’s always fun and we’re just that much more ramped up just being rivals, and there’s usually a good tilt to start the games too to get the fans into it, so they’re always good games,” Gardner said.

Playoff action can be heard live on Brandt Raider Radio 900 CKBI with Nick Nielsen and Marty Ring, who is joining the broadcast crew on the road for the entire second round. All games are scheduled for 7 p.m. with the pregame shows starting at 6:30 p.m.

The lone exception is Game 6 scheduled for Sunday, April 19 in Saskatoon at 4 p.m.

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nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com