Late Comeback Falls Short As Moose Jaw Warriors Drop Memorial Cup Opener To The Saginaw Spirit
The Moose Jaw Warriors fell 5-4 to the Saginaw Spirit at the 2024 Memorial Cup.
Photo by Eric Young/CHL - Late Comeback Falls Short As Moose Jaw Warriors Drop Memorial Cup Opener To The Saginaw SpiritDespite a late comeback attempt, the Moose Jaw Warriors dropped their Memorial Cup opener 5-4 to the Saginaw Spirit. Not only was this the tournament opener for the Warriors, but it was also the first-ever Memorial Cup game in franchise history. As for Moose Jaw's top player of the game, that would be goaltender Jackson Unger, who stopped 31 of the 36 shots he faced against the Spirit.
After falling behind 4-0 midway through the second period, the Warriors' offence started going to work. Moose Jaw got two goals from Brayden Yager and one from Denton Mateychuk in just under two minutes as Moose Jaw entered the second intermission down by a goal.
After allowing to make it 5-3 early in the third, the Warriors once again made a late push in the period as Jagger Firkus would score to make it a one-goal game, but unfortunately, the goal was called back due to an offside. Moose Jaw would eventually find the back of the net again thanks to Matthew Savoie, who scored with under three minutes to go, but that was as close as they would come, falling 5-4.
Overall, there are a few areas in the defensive zone where the Warriors can be better. According to CHL's analytics, Moose Jaw gave up 25 scoring chances and 37 slot shot attempts. If the Warriors can be more assertive in the defensive zone and put forth a better effort in the first, it should lead to more success in Game 2 against the London Knights.
Moose Jaw Warriors Schedule:
Monday, May 27 – London vs. Moose Jaw (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Tuesday, May 28 – Drummondville vs. Moose Jaw (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Tie-Breaker (*if necessary) – Thursday, May 30 (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Semi-Final – Friday, May 31 (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Championship Final – Sunday, June 2 (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)
All games available on TSN
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