WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Early Deficit Too Much to Overcome for Warriors in Loss to Regina

Published on December 18, 2021 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Despite a four-goal deficit, the Moose Jaw Warriors fought hard and made a game of it, but a rough first period was too much to overcome on Friday night at the Brandt Centre.

Moose Jaw lost 6-5 to the Pats in Regina to open up the weekend home-and-home set between the Trans-Canada rivals.

"We were great in the second and the third, there's no argument to that, but at the end of the day, the game was lost in the first period," Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary said after the game.

"We don't stop, we don't quit, that's admirable, but at the same time, you can't start a game the way we did tonight."

The Pats built up a 4-0 lead in the first period and led 5-1 early in the second period before the Warriors cut the lead down to one twice.

Moose Jaw scored three straight goals to end the second period and make it a 5-4 game heading into the third, despite trailing by four early in the frame.

"You can't expect to win after that first period," Warriors forward Jagger Firkus, who had a goal and two points in the loss, said after the game.

"We put ourselves into too deep of a hole and we've got to come out stronger."

The Warriors didn't get off to the start that they were hoping for in the first period as Tanner Howe scored just 1:03 into the game to get the Pats rolling.

Regina would pick up a shorthanded goal from Cole Dubinsky just before the midway point of the frame.

Goals from Cole Carrier and Logan Nijhoff less than two minutes apart made it 4-0.

Moose Jaw picked up some momentum late in the period when Cade Hayes banged in a rebound on top of the crease for his fifth of the season to make it 4-1 after one.

Warriors defenceman Max Wanner was sent off for a four-minute penalty in the opening minute of the second period and the Pats capitalized when Layton Feist scored 3:32 into the frame.

The Warriors didn't quit though and Brayden Yager started to swing the momentum in Moose Jaw's favour when he snapped a shot past Pats goalie Drew Sim for his 13th of the season.

Just over two minutes later, Nathan Pilling tipped in a shot in front on the power play for his first Western Hockey League goal to cut Regina's lead to two.

"That was special for sure, that was a moment that I'll never forget," Pilling said.

"Ever since I got here, I've gotten better and better as a hockey player and lately, I felt that a lot of chances were coming my way, so it's definitely rewarding to finally get one."

Moose Jaw picked up three straight power plays late in the second and capitalized on the final one when Atley Calvert redirected in a great feed from Firkus to make it a one-goal game after 40.

The Warriors put a ton of pressure on the Pats in the third period, but couldn't put the puck past Sim.

With just over three minutes left in regulation, Howe scored his second of the night to restore Regina's two-goal lead.

Moose Jaw again didn't quit and with their goalie pulled, Firkus roofed his team-leading 14th of the season to cut the lead back down to one with 2:21 to play.

"It was way too easy for them to get to the front of our net and when the puck was loose, they were ready to go and we weren't," O'Leary said.

"There's no question that we're able to do it, you saw it in the second and third, so it's a mental hurdle that we need to get over."

Jackson Unger made 21 saves in the Warriors' net in the loss, while Moose Jaw fired 37 shots in total on Sim.

After being outshot 16-9 in the first period, the Warriors outshot Regina 28-11 the rest of the way.

"Obviously, we've got to make sure we're focused," Firkus said. "You got to make sure you're into the game, make sure you're ready to win battles and get shots when you can.

"I'm sure we'll bounce back and we'll be good tomorrow night."

The Warriors will host the Pats for their final home game before the Christmas break on Saturday.

Tickets for the game are available at mjwarriors.ca or the Mosaic Place Box Office.

The first 700 kids through the door will receive a free mini-stick and a lucky fan will win free food for a year.

Check out the Moose Jaw Warriors Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from December 18, 2021


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