Sarauer will join DaSilva and fellow assistant coach Wacey Rabbit behind the bench for the upcoming 2024-25 Western Hockey League season.
The Saskatoon Blades’ coaching staff is now complete.
On Thursday, the Blades announced the hiring of Andrew Sarauer as the team’s new assistant coach under new head coach Daniel DaSilva.
Sarauer will join DaSilva and fellow assistant coach Wacey Rabbit behind the bench for the upcoming 2024-25 Western Hockey League season.
Just like DaSilva, Sarauer grew up as a Saskatoon Blades fan; like DaSilva, he’s a former pro hockey player.
“This has been one of the top teams in the WHL the last few years, and I couldn’t be more excited to build off what they have, and most importantly help develop our players into quality young men,” said Sarauer.
“I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to join the Blades organization, a team I grew up watching. I want to thank management for the opportunity, and look forward to working alongside Dan, Wacey and the staff.”
Sarauer, a 39-year-old native of Outlook, played for the Prince Albert AAA Mintos before going to British Columbia to play junior A hockey for the Victoria Salsa and Langley Hornets. From there, he headed to Northern Michigan University for a four-year NCAA Division One stint.
He returned home to North America last season to begin his coaching career with the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild.
“Andrew is a local guy who grew up a Blades fan,” said DaSilva. “He had an excellent playing career and has invaluable knowledge and experiences from that chapter in his life. He’s always been a true professional, a great leader, and truly cares about player development, both on and off the ice. I am sure his hard work and passion for the game will translate to our culture perfectly.”
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Sarauer played both wing and center as a forward during his career. Twice, he reached the 25-goal mark with the ECHL’s Reading Royals and he had a handful of call-ups to the American Hockey League with the Erie Lake Monsters, Norfolk Admirals, Rockford Ice Hogs and Hershey Bears.
“Andrew had a distinguished professional career and in his first year of coaching has made an impact on many of the people we spoke to about him,” commented Blades general manager Colin Priestner.
“We’re excited to add an up-and-coming local product to our bench and feel Andrew will be a great addition to Dan, Wacey, and the rest of the staff.”
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