Moose Jaw Warriors Secure Semi-Final Spot Thanks To Historic Win At The 2024 Memorial Cup
The Moose Jaw Warriors defeated the Drummondville Voltigeurs 5-3 in their final round-robin game at the 2024 Memorial Cup.
Photo by Eric Young, CHL - Moose Jaw Warriors Secure Semi-Final Spot Thanks To Historic Win At The 2024 Memorial CupFor the first time in franchise history, the Moose Jaw Warriors have won a game at the Memorial Cup. In an instant classic, the Warriors defeated the Drummondville Voltigeurs 5-3, punching their ticket to the semi-final. The win also ends the QMJHL's run at the Memorial Cup, as teams from that league have won the last four championships.
Moose Jaw was able to establish a three-goal lead midway through the second period. The Warriors got goals from Vojtch Port, Jagger Firkus, and Denton Mateychuk, with Firkus's goal being the first power play goal scored by Moose Jaw in the entire tournament. Drummondville would fight back, eventually tying the game at three in the third before Aiden Ziprick created a moment Warriors fans will remember for the rest of their lives.
With 1:34 remaining and Moose Jaw on the penalty kill, Ziprick received a pass from Mateychuk and beat Riley Mercer for the game-winner. This goal was special for Ziprick as it was only the second goal of his over 100 game regular and postseason WHL career. Brayden Yager would then put the game away with ten seconds remaining as the Warriors took down the Voltigeurs 5-3.
While there were many standouts, Moose Jaw's best player was easily goaltender Jackson Unger. In what could have been his final game of the season, Unger stood on his head, stopping 49 of the 53 shots he faced. His best test came in the third, where he made 25 saves, keeping the Warriors in the game. Unger currently leads the tournament in saves with 103, which is 35 more than any other goaltender at this year's Memorial Cup.
Moose Jaw will now have a few days to relax before their semi-final. The game will take place on May 31, with the Warriors facing the loser of the Saginaw Spirit vs London Knights game. Puck drop is set for 5:30 ST and can be viewed on TSN.
Moose Jaw Warriors Schedule:
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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