Strong second period powers Warriors to series tie with Broncos
![Moose Jaw Warriors The Moose Jaw Warriors struck back in game two of their series against the Swift Current Broncos. (Courtesy: Nick Pettigrew/Moose Jaw Warriors)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/4/14/moose-jaw-warriors-1-6846486-1713111909215.jpg)
One night after suffering a 7-2 loss at the hands of the Swift Current Broncos in game one of their second round WHL playoff series, the Moose Jaw Warriors responded in kind.
“We did a great job. You could tell right from when they walked in the building this morning,” Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary said post game. “Bad things happen and it’s all about what you do next. We get up quick and we punch back.”
The Warriors did most of their punching in the middle frame. Moose Jaw’s offence exploded for six second period goals to take a 7-1 lead after 40 minutes.
“I loved our response tonight, that’s huge, especially in a series like this. They took it to us yesterday and we brought a different kind of energy tonight,” said Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk.
“Their best players made some really high end plays, picking some spots. They’re a team that we know can score and has really good offensive abilities. They just got on us in the second period and built that momentum and I don’t think we did a good enough job killing that momentum,” Broncos head coach Taras McEwen said.
The Warriors came flying out of the gates dominating play for the first ten minutes before the Broncos pushed back hard. Josh Filmon opened the scoring on a well placed one-timer over the glove of Warriors goaltender Jackson Unger.
The lead was short lived, however. The Broncos employed a five forward power play that created some chances but gave up a single turnover, that resulted in a two-on-one, and a Brayden Yager goal.
The Warriors seemingly could not miss in the second period. Matthew Savoie took a slash to the hands on a partial break from Tyson Galloway, leading to a man-advantage.
It took the Warriors power play unit all of 11 seconds to capitalize when Savoie fed Yager behind the net and he jammed home a wraparound attempt to give the Warriors a 3-1 lead.
“We knew we had a good [first] period. We knew we could do better and we took it to them in the second period,” said Mateychuk of the effort.
Mateychuk scored what would be the game winner just 39 seconds later when he picked up the puck at the opposing blue line and drove down the left side, firing a shot over the outstretched glove of Reid Dyck in the Broncos goal.
Jagger Firkus, the WHL’s regular season scoring champion, added the insurance goal just over two minutes later on a one timer set up by Yager. Martin Rysavy and Kalem Parker each added singles to make it 7-1 after 40 minutes.
Reid Dyck was replaced in goal for Swift Current by back-up Joey Rocha who was marvellous in relief, stopping 14 of the 15 shots he faced, several of them were high percentage chances.
“Really good for him to get in the net and gives us confidence in him. Really happy for him to get in and play the way he did,” said McEwen of the relief effort.
Caleb Wyrostek scored the third period’s lone goal with just over five minutes to play.
The Broncos coaching staff says there was plenty to learn from game two. Both teams say they’ll take advantage of the rest between games two and three to recharge.
“There are still things we can do better. We feel good about a lot of our game right now, we just need to emulate,” said O’Leary of his Warriors.
The series now shifts to Swift Current for games three and four beginning Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6949994.1720031014!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'I am running': Biden scrambles as pressure grows to abandon his campaign
U.S. President Joe Biden vowed to stay in the 2024 presidential race during a call with campaign staff on Wednesday and sought to reassure top Democrats on Capitol Hill that he is fit for reelection despite his shaky debate performance last week.
Is Greece's six-day work week an option in Canada? An expert weighs in
As some Canadian companies explore offering staff a four-day work week, experts are watching Greece's move closely and suggest it could work in Canada.
Ontario man suffers cardiac arrest in Florida. This is why insurance won't cover his $620,000 hospital bill
An Ontario man who wanted to spend time with his family in Florida was hospitalized after suffering a cardiac arrest at the airport as he was about to fly back to Canada.
Irish prime minister 'appalled' by Montrealer's death after alleged assault
Ireland's prime minister says he's "absolutely appalled" by an assault in the country's capital that resulted in the death of a tourist from Montreal.
'Not my finest moment:' Police called to dispute between Ottawa city councillor and daycare owner
Ottawa city councillor Clarke Kelly says he is not apologizing after a Kinburn daycare owner alleged he screamed and swore in front of children during a dispute that saw police called to the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
Hudson's Bay Co. to purchase U.S. department store Neiman Marcus: reports
Hudson's Bay Co. has reached a deal to buy luxury department store chain Neiman Marcus, according to media reports.
Trudeau focused on governing, fighting right-wing populism following byelection loss
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been taking calls from different members of his Liberal caucus following the party's historic byelection loss in a Toronto riding last week, but the prime minister said his focus remains on governing.
Canadian feels 'abandoned' in Mexico after WestJet strike
More than 1,100 WestJet flights and counting have been cancelled since last Thursday, when a strike by the airlines mechanics union grounded travel plans for more than 100,000 customers.
DEVELOPING Hurricane Beryl roars by Jamaica after killing at least 6 people in the southeast Caribbean
Hurricane Beryl was roaring by Jamaica Wednesday, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain after the powerful Category 4 storm earlier killed at least six people and caused significant damage in the southeast Caribbean.