WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Warriors Double Up ICE in Game 3; Take 2-1 Series Lead

Published on April 19, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Moose Jaw, SK - The Moose Jaw Warriors took control of their second round series against the Winnipeg ICE in Game 3 on Tuesday night.

The Warriors cruised past the ICE with an 8-4 win at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

"We definitely used the crowd to our advantage, the momentum in here was unreal and the crowd was really electric tonight," Warriors forward Lynden Lakovic said after the game.

The Warriors fell behind 2-0 early, but took a 3-2 lead in the first period, led 5-3 after the second and then sealed the win with three goals in the final frame.

Warriors assistant coach Gord Burnett said it was a gutsy performance from the team.

"The guys did a good job, getting down a little early and find our way back, our power play was big for us and it took everyone out there and I thought we did a pretty good job," he said.

Lakovic scored twice, including the eventual game-winner for the Warriors. The 16-year-old forward has three goals in seven games in the playoffs after scoring just twice in 37 games during the regular season.

Burnett said he's showing how dangerous he can be offensively.

"His puck skills are apparent for everybody that can see, the growth from the season and just being in the right spots at the right time," he said.

Lakovic said he's just taking it game by game.

"I don't have a lot of goals right now, just every shift being the best player I can and hopefully it will work out, it seems to be right now," he said.

"[The WHL Playoffs] are definitely surreal, the crowd is in our favour right now, the speed and the physicality is up from the regular season and I feel like with all that time off, I really improved myself and it's going to show."

Jagger Firkus finished with two goals and four points in the win, while Ryder Korczak picked up the opening goal for Moose Jaw and finished with three points on the night.

Brayden Yager also picked up three assists for the Warriors.

The ICE struck for two goals in 11 seconds just seven minutes into the game, but the Warriors pushed back with power play goals from Korczak and Firkus to tie the game.

With just over five minutes left in the first, Lakovic broke in and wired home his second of the playoffs to give the Warriors the lead.

Winnipeg responded before the period was out with a goal from Vladislav Shilo, tying the game at 3-3 after one.

The Warriors took control of the game in the second period when Eric Alarie scored his first of the playoffs in his first game back from injury. Only 52 seconds later, Lakovic potted his second of the night to make it 5-3 for Moose Jaw after two.

The Warriors pulled away in the third with goals from Cosmo Wilson and Martin Rysavy in the first ten minutes of the period and then Firkus' second of the night sealed the win.

"We played outstanding tonight, but we're going to reset and play the same tomorrow," Lakovic said.

The Warriors and ICE meet for Game 4 on Wednesday night at the Moose Jaw Events Centre. Puck drops at 7 p.m.

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 19, 2023


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