WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Warriors Aim to Take Two in Portland in WHL Championship Series

Published on May 11, 2024 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Portland, OR - The Moose Jaw Warriors secured a big win to open the 2024 WHL Championship Series, presented by Nutrien, in Game 1 on Friday.

Going on the road to open their first championship series in 18 years, the Warriors played a strong road game to take the early lead in the best-of-seven series.

"More than anything, it was just a good measuring stick," Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary said. "You can plan, prepare, pre-scouting and go over your opponent all you want, but not playing them any more than one time all year, sometimes, it's just good to go through that in game."

Both sides went back-and-forth in a high paced game to open up their first playoff series against each other.

Warriors forward Jagger Firkus said it was key for the team to get the opening win.

"The first game is a really important game to get under the belt, it gets the flow of the series going and last night was a good start for us, we had a good game, there's stuff we need to clean up, but we'll look for that tonight," he said.

Matthew Savoie scored the winning goal for the Warriors with 3:02 to go in regulation.

The Warriors forward is the only player with WHL Championship experience and O'Leary said that experience played a key part in his success in Game 1.

"He's good for our group in terms of calming the storm when things aren't going as planned, he leads by example," he said.

"He was hungry on pucks for sure, that's a big part of his game and what makes him special, he doesn't wait for somebody else to get him the puck."

The Warriors generated a lot of scoring opportunities with 37 shots, but Portland goaltender Jan Spunar was equal to the task.

"Quick shots along with traffic is what you need to do against any goaltender, we see it with Jackson [Unger] if he can see it and he has time to get set, he's going to make the save, it's when the traffic starts to get there," O'Leary said.

The Warriors and Winterhawks square off for Game 2 at 8 p.m. Saskatchewan time at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

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Western Hockey League Stories from May 11, 2024


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