Willms Solid in Game 4 Shutout

Brody Willms was spectacular in net, shutting out the home Raiders

Photo: Marc Smith/Discover Moose Jaw

Pier-Luc Doyon

Our road Warriors were once again in Prince Albert for another tilt vs the Raiders. Game 4 began with each team winning face-offs, trying to set the tone early. The refs were calling a tight game from the get go as each team was assessed two minute minors for roughing, when Moose Jaw’s Brandon Schuldhaus and the Raiders’ Carson Miller were pushing and shoving.

A power play opportunity later for the Warriors resulted in scoring chances but they weren’t able to capitalize. Each team went end-to-end  but neither gave an inch. Warriors’ goalie Brody Willms made key saves, turning away the Raiders on a number of scoring chances in the first period. Aggressive play by Warriors’ tough guy Barrett Sheen resulted in Moose Jaw being assessed a minor penalty of their own. Moose Jaw’s penalty kill was successful in not giving up a goal. Moose Jaw’s forwards played a key role by fending off offensive opportunities by the Raiders by getting sticks in the way and back-checking. The first period ended  0-0,  both teams played well. Shots after 1 were 9-5 Prince Albert.

Prince Albert attacked the Warriors to open up the second frame. Warriors’ goalie Brody Willms was sharp to start the period. A strong opening few minutes for the Raiders hemmed the Warriors in their defensive zone but the Warriors offence turned the tables on Prince Albert, pushing up the play to the Raiders’ end. Moose Jaw picked up the pace and were peppering Raiders’ goalie Ian Scott with shots but Scott made the saves he needed to. Intensity was high early in the second period with pushing and shoving increasing. Warriors’ defenceman Jett Woo was given a two minute penalty for unsportsmanlike after one of the scrums.

Moose Jaw’s penalty killers went to work and killed the penalty. At 16:03 of the second period was when Warriors’ forward Justin Almeida put the puck past Scott to put Moose Jaw up 1-0, for his 2nd goal of the playoffs. A late penalty by Warriors’ Josh Brook at 19:17 for roughing ended the period. Shots after two period of play were 18-16 Prince Albert.

An early burst of speed by the Warriors to begin the third period gave them the first chance, shorthanded. Prince Albert responded with a drive of their own but once again, the Warriors managed to get in the shooting lanes. Moose Jaw ended up fending off the Raiders’ power play successfully once again.

After a scrum in front of Prince Albert’s net, Warriors’ Brayden Burke was called for goaltender interference. Special teams was a factor for the Warriors, killing off the penalty yet again. A drive by the Raiders’ down the right hand side after a shot on net resulted in the puck being put passed Warriors’ goalie Brody Willms. The referee immediately waved off the goal as there was contact on the goalie.

Late pressure by Prince Albert tested Warriors’ goalie Brody Willms, but he stood tall and slammed the door on any chances that came his way. Moose Jaw’s goaltender was in the zone, as he made big saves for his team. A late flurry by the Raiders would be all for naught, as Brayden Burke scored into the empty net at the other end to give the Warriors a 2-0 lead with 15 seconds left in the game.

MJI’s Game Stars: 1st - Brody Willms, 2nd - Brayden Burke, 3rd - Justin Almeida

The win gives the Warriors a 3-1 series lead coming back to home. Next action for the Warriors is Saturday night for game 5