Warriors Force a Shootout with League’s Best

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A pair of future stats battling for divisional supremacy - photo credit Twitter

Your Moose Jaw Warriors were in tough this weekend. Back-to-back battles, on enemy ice, with the league’s best team, The Winnipeg Ice.

They’re coming off a pair of wins over a daunting division rival in the Saskatoon Blades; a successful weekend in Winnipeg could affect real change in the playoff picture.

Winnipeg came out swinging, showing Moose Jaw exactly why they win so many hockey games. Owen Pederson scored first for them, 14 minutes into the opening period.

Owen Pederson scored first - photo credit Twitter

Both defences were stingy in regards to giving up scoring opportunities and the first frame ended with just the one goal.

The second frame started no differently, both teams playing highly focused, intelligent hockey. Connor Ungar was sharp between the pipes but Ice keeper Daniel Hauser was even better. Goals don’t come easy at the Wayne Fleming Arena.

The Wayne Fleming Arena, by the way, hardly has better seating than the Red Knight here in Moose Jaw.

Wayne Fleming Arena

Later in the second, Winnipeg ramped up the pressure, throwing a lot of shots Ungar’s way.

One of them happened to go in in the last minute. Zach Benson’s 25th put the Ice up by a pair heading into the locker room.

Moose Jaw battled back righteously. Atley Calvert kept his scoring streak alive, netting his 26th, early into the third.

Eric Alarie ripped a shot off Hauser’s pads and Calvert was there to bat the rebound in.

Atley Calvert scored number 26 - photo credit Twitter

Then, in the waning minutes of the final period, Martin Rysavy scored a similar one, knocking in a Jagger Firkus rebound. The game was tied.

Martin Rysavy tied the game - photo credit Twitter

Ultimately the game went to overtime, then was settled by a penalty shootout.

Winnipeg’s Matthew Savoie was the only scorer in that contest and Winnipeg won the game.

It was an impressive finish for the Warriors as they showed a lot of resolve and fought their way back late, despite being down multiple goals.

They would not get any closer to a division championship but on a positive note, they did come away with a win and the Saskatoon Blades lost so they crept a point closer to surpassing them.

Currently they’re at 59 points and the Blades are at 60, so second place is a tight battle.

Matthew Savoie, Ben Zloty and Atley Calvert were the game’s 3 Stars, in that order.

They will be back on the Winnipeg ice vs the The Winnipeg Ice on Sunday night for a chance at redemption.