Warriors Defeat Visiting Blades
By Twitter (@MJWarriorsFun) Instagram (@moosejawwarriors_history)
Your Moose Jaw Warriors were back on home ice at the Hangar on Wednesday October 5th, hosting the Saskatoon Blades squad that they defeated in the first round of last season’s playoffs.
Prior to the game, Coach Mark O’Leary had expressed some concerns that their previous games were “clunky” and that they should be “better prepared” moving forward.
Moose Jaw was the better team in the early going, gaining possession of the puck by winning face-offs. The hometown kid, Atley Calvert got the scoring started at 4:32 in the first period, taking advantage of their first Power Play opportunity. Brayden Yager rifled a shot at the net, Blades’ netminder Ethan Chadwick made the kick save but the rebound bounced directly into Calvert’s waiting stick. Calvert finished the sequence.
Atley Calvert got scoring started early- Pic: DubNetwork /Twitter
The goal seemed to light a spark in Saskatoon’s Blades; they started evening the control time out, even drawing a 4 minute Power Play. Moose Jaw’s defense, combined with a few timely saves from Connor Ungar, prevented Saskatoon from capitalizing.
The first period finished with Moose Jaw ahead 1-0.
The Warriors again got into penalty troubles to start the second period. Jagger Firkus drew one for Interference at 0:35, then shortly after the defence had killed that one, Lynden Lakovic put them right back on the Penalty Kill, this time for Hooking Jayden Wiens as he was winding his way into the slot.
Moose Jaw’s goalie, Connor Ungar wiped out Saskatoon’s momentum with a couple of dazzling saves, killing both penalties with style. Then Ungar managed to draw Left-Winger Vaughn Watterodt into the crease long enough to draw a Penalty for the Warriors’, flipping the script and putting the home town team on the Power Play.
The Blades killed the Power Play but shortly after it Riley Niven sent a dandy of a pass to Tate Schofer. Schofer, managed to keep the puck on his backhand and use his strength to fend off a Blades defenceman who was literally draped off his back, and put the puck over Chadwick’s glove and into the net.
Schofer’s goal was his first of the season, but it was his third point in six games. Last season he played 36 games and finished with 3 points. The kid is on the right track.
Tate Schofer netted his first of the season- Picture credit Western Hockey League
The second frame ended with the Warriors up 2-0. Up to that point, Connor Ungar had been the difference-maker, having made 29 saves.
Saskatoon was the stronger team in the third period, overwhelming the suddenly lackadaisical Warriors. Despite Ungar’s Herculean effort, Conner Roulette managed to get one past him in the 16th minute. The goal was reviewed, Moose Jaw believed an offside called should have been made, but the referees did not overturn it. Ungar would not be getting his first shutout in a Warriors jersey; not on this night.
Connor Ungar was fantastic, keeping Saskatoon to just one goal- Picture credit WHL
Jagger Firkus scored a late empty-netter, putting the final nail in the Blades’ coffin, putting Moose Jaw ahead 3-1.
Connor Ungar was the story of the night, playing absolutely spectacular in net. Moose Jaw was out-shot 41 to 22 and still came out with the win. He was deservedly awarded the game’s First Star.
Jagger Firkus was the Second Star and Saskatoon’s Tanner Molendyk was Third.
The Warriors are now 3 wins and 2 losses after 5 games.
Moose Jaw’s next game is against last season’s WHL champions, the Winnipeg Ice. Winnipeg eliminated them from the playoffs last time they met. Moose Jaw will be seeking to get a little payback. the game is on Saturday, Oct. 8th at the Hangar.
Notes:
Defenceman Maximus Wanner was not in the game. He was serving a Game Misconduct for slew-footing a player in Saturday’s game against the Brandon Wheat Kings.
D Cole Jordan was playing his 100th game with the Warriors.
LW Eric Alarie scored his 100th point as a Warrior in Saturday’s game against Brandon.
Moose Jaw’s Scoring Leaders After 5 Games:
