Photo Credit: CFJC Today

By Anthony Corea

BLAZERS WEEKEND

Blazers look to improve on defensive woes after high-scoring weekend

Oct 28, 2025 | 5:18 PM

KAMLOOPS – It was an action-packed weekend for the Kamloops Blazers — three games in three nights, with Friday a high point for the team — a 5-4 comeback win in overtime versus the Medicine Hat Tigers.

“Obviously, all year we’ve kind of been a team that will come back from being down a few goals,” says forward Josh Evaschesen, who has had a stellar start to his WHL career. “You know, just never giving up and believing in the team and keep working hard.”

Kayd Ruedig played a big part in that game. The defenceman acquired from the Portland Winterhawks was given significant minutes early in his Blazers career. He also recorded his first tally with the team. Ruedig says he is still adjusting to his new teammates, but is glad he is being trusted by the coaching staff.

“I think there’s definitely a little bit of change. Just more minutes. But I think, for the most part, it helps me out just playing with more confidence. Knowing that they want me out there gives me a lot more confidence to play my game, play offense, and help the team out. “

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Preventing goals has been a troublesome area for Kamloops this season. The team has allowed 59 goals against, the second-worst in the Western Conference. Head Coach Shaun Clouston knows his team has to be better all around in that area.

“We’ve got to give up a goal or two less and it’s everybody. It’s [goaltending consultant Dan DePalma] working with the goalies; we need a save. That’s not personal. It’s just a fact,” says Clouston. “There are five guys on the ice that are all responsible to doing a better job defending. I think there’s just some room for improvement there.”

A positive for the Blazers is that 20-year-old defenseman Rhett Ravindahl skated with the team Tuesday (Oct. 28) in a non-contact jersey. He is not expected to be available when the team takes on the Everett Silvertips on Wednesday at the Sandman Centre.