The Calgary Wranglers wrapped up their four-game series against the Manitoba Moose with a noon showdown on Sunday. Entering the game with a 2-1 series lead after a decisive 7-2 victory on Friday, the Wranglers were looking to seal the series. However, despite keeping it close, Calgary couldn’t pull ahead, and the Moose clinched a 4-2 win, splitting both the weekend and season series.
Wranglers Lineup
- Forwards: Dryden Hunt - Justin Kirkland - Martin Frk Brennan Othmann - Sam Morton - William Stromgren Carter King - Clark Bishop - Aydar Suniev Alex Gallant - David Silye - Carter Wilkie
- Defense: Artem Grushnikov - Daniil Miromanov Nick Cicek - Gavin White Etienne Morin - Simon Mack
- Goalie: Arsenii Sergeev
Game Overview
Calgary stuck with the same lineup that found success on Friday, with Arsenii Sergeev back in net. The Moose opted for a change, starting Thomas Milic.
The Wranglers showed early energy, controlling the puck and setting the pace. The game turned physical quickly, with Nick Cicek and Brayden Yager exchanging words but avoiding penalties.
The first penalty came at 9:09 when Alex Gallant was called for charging. Calgary’s penalty kill unit held strong, but almost immediately, Cicek was sent off for high sticking. The Wranglers killed off both penalties and nearly capitalized with a breakaway chance that ended with Nick Cicek hitting the crossbar.
Manitoba struck first at 14:57 with a shot from Isaak Phillips that found its way past Sergeev. Tensions flared shortly after, leading to a fight between Brennan Othmann and Phillips, sending both players to the locker room with just over four minutes left in the period. The Wranglers responded quickly on a power play, with Justin Kirkland scoring just five seconds into the man advantage, assisted by Daniil Miromanov and Dryden Hunt.
The first period ended tied 1-1, with both teams recording 13 shots. The second period saw Artem Grushnikov take a stick to the face, but he returned to the ice without missing a shift.
The Moose regained the lead at 11:11 when Jaret Anderson-Dolan scored on a backdoor play. Despite limited high-danger chances, the Moose held a 2-1 lead after two periods.
Early in the third, Calgary had a power play opportunity but couldn’t convert. Carter Wilkie, however, tied the game at 4:59 with a deflection, initially credited to Alex Gallant. The Wranglers kept pressing, surpassing 40 shots on goal, but couldn’t break through.
The Moose regained the lead at 14:23 with a goal from Dylan Anhorn. Calgary pulled Sergeev for an extra attacker at 17:47, but Manitoba sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 18:57. A late-game scrum led to Dryden Hunt receiving a roughing penalty and a misconduct, with Martin Frk serving the penalty.
Despite outshooting the Moose 46-37, the Wranglers fell 4-2. Alex Gallant earned the third star of the game, a testament to his impactful play.
Post-Game Thoughts
Carter Wilkie reflected on the game, acknowledging the team’s ups and downs. “I thought we had a good game.
There were stretches where they put it on us, and we didn't stick to our systems. It cost us, giving them momentum.
We had some good stretches too, so we just need to clean those up.”
Scoring Summary
- Dryden Hunt: 1 Assist
- Carter Wilkie: 1 Goal
- Alex Gallant: 1 Assist
- Justin Kirkland: 1 Goal
- Daniil Miromanov: 1 Assist
- Nick Cicek: 1 Assist
Looking Ahead
The Wranglers continue their homestand with a critical series against the Henderson Silver Knights, a team ahead of them in the playoff race. Securing points in this mid-week series could be pivotal for Calgary’s postseason hopes.
Games are set for Tuesday and Thursday, both with a 7:00 p.m. MT puck drop.