The Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors have clawed their way back into contention, setting up a thrilling Game 5 showdown against the Regina Pat Canadians in the Saskatchewan Male Under-18 AAA Hockey League championship series. This winner-take-all clash is slated for Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. at Regina’s Co-operators Arena.
After the first three matchups went into overtime, Game 4 saw the Warriors dominate early, netting three goals in the first period. Tyler Hudec, Ryder Gilroy, and Ryan Gibbs each found the back of the net, setting the tone for Moose Jaw.
Regina tried to mount a comeback with Nathan Gardiner scoring in the second period, but the Warriors responded with goals from Carson Deichert and Hudson Sayers, establishing a commanding 5-1 lead by the end of the second period. The third period was a defensive stalemate, with neither team able to score.
In goal, Ben Meyer made 21 saves for Regina, while Steven Wawryk, coming off an impressive 45-save performance in Game 3, added 26 more saves in Game 4 to secure his second consecutive win.
As both teams gear up for the league championship on Saturday, their aspirations extend beyond this series. Both squads are set to compete in next week’s Telus Cup Western Regional tournament in Regina. The Pat Canadians, last year’s national champions, will host the event, while Moose Jaw, who fell to Regina in last year’s league final, will represent the SMAAAHL.
The stakes are high, as the victor of this four-team tournament, which also includes the Thunder Bay Kings and Winnipeg Bruins, will advance to the Telus Cup national championship in Peterborough, Ontario, from April 20-26. It's all on the line for these young athletes, with dreams of national glory driving them forward.