The Moose Jaw Warriors (32-6-1-2) have carved their way through there Central division swing and make their way to Edmonton to face the Oil Kings (10-23-4-2). Edmonton has struggled lately but have strung together some strong performances as of late. Brody Wilms got the start for Moose Jaw, while Josh Dechaine made another start for Edmonton with Travis Child out.
Moose Jaw came out strong in the opening few minutes, taking a two goal lead early. Starting with a Tanner Jeannot pass that deflected off the skate of affiliate Logan Dowhaniuk and in. They added to their scoring shorting after with Jayden Halbgewachs 43rd of the season, a beautiful back door feed from Burke found Halbgewachs wide open for the tap in on the power play. Edmonton climbed back however late with their power play opportunities. Davis Koch gets Edmonton on the board, a shot from around the net that finds its way through. Edmonton tied the game late in the first with a Trey Fix-Wolansky shot that deflects off a skate in front and past Wilm. The game headed to the second 2-2, shots 14-9 in favour of Moose Jaw.
Moose Jaw regained their two goal lead in the second however. Luka Burzan gets his 6th of the season around the midway point of the frame, a Jett Woo shot that deflects in front of a few guys and finds Luka Burzan at the back door. Moose Jaw would once again score, Justin Almeida gets his 23rd of the season on a beautiful pass from Brayden Burke deep in the offensive zone. Score would be 4-2 heading into the third, shots 22-11 in favour of Moose Jaw.
The Warriors ran away with the game in the third period, scoring three times. Justin Almeida started the scoring early in the third, a skilled play in front of the net and puts the puck over the blocker of Dechaine. They then capitalized short-handed, Jayden Halbgewachs scored his second of the night, a breakaway on the penalty kill that he slides by Dechaine. Tate Popple scored another late. The final score in the game 7-2 for Moose Jaw with shots ending up being 32-18 in favour of the Warriors.
Game Notes:
Edmonton had two affiliates in the line-up for the game. Both selected in the 2017 bantam draft. 2nd round pick Logan Dowhaniuk slotted in with Will Warm as a pairing. 3rd round select Raphael Pelletier slotted in on the forward group.
The twenty year old group in Moose Jaw was too strong for the Oil Kings. Brayden Burke, Jayden Halbgewachs, Tanner Jeannot all play the game with speed and consistently create offense for that Moose Jaw Warriors group. All have the ability to really tear a defense core up.
Edmonton scored twice in the first on a 5 on 3 and 5 on 4 power play opportunity. The Oil Kings have struggled on special teams this year, but looked strong today on the power play.
Draft Eligibles:
Jett Woo – Thought Jett Woo played a pretty simple two way game, managed an assist in the game and played big minutes for the Warriors. Loved how he would step up to break up passing lanes or get physical on opponents. Poised under pressure and can make simple transitional plays. A first round selection in the upcoming draft for me.
Luka Burzan – One of my personal favourite eligible in the draft, feel he is under-rated rate now due to lack of productions. A real high pace forward who is explosive, finds soft spots in the offensive zone, protects the puck at high speeds. Scored a goal in today’s game and really flashed some skill at times.
Tate Popple – Played a little bit less then when I had last seen him play. A two-way forward who competes physical and plays with high work ethic. Love his ability to create offense down low. Potential late rounder.
Brett Kemp – Kemp has been solid this season for the Oil Kings. One of the highlights to their season and someone who has a bright future. Flash a real possessive game and at times could grab the puck and flash some puck handling abilities. Had numerous chances in the game that he missed on but a guy who could be a later round pick.
