Moose Jaw’s Memorial Cup quest ends with semifinal loss

The Moose Jaw Warriors’ run for a Memorial Cup came to an end Friday night.

Moose Jaw, the WHL champions, were defeated 7-1 by the host Saginaw Spirit. The loss eliminates the Warriors from the tournament while Saginaw moves on to meet the OHL champion London Knights in the final on Sunday.

Moose Jaw advanced to the semifinal showdown after defeating the QMJHL champion Drummondville Voltigeurs 5-3.

The Spirit and the Warriors met on the opening game of the Canadian Hockey League championship tournament, with Saginaw winning 5-4.

Ethan Hay got Saginaw on the board first with a goal just 3:03 into the game.

But Jagger Firkus, the WHL’s most outstanding player, got Moose Jaw into the game with a goal 4:05 later.

However, that was all the offence Moose Jaw would muster the rest of the way.

Saginaw got second-period goals from Braden Hache, Owen Beck, Lincoln Moore, Hay for his second of the game, and Sebastien Gervais.

Rodwin Dionicio scored in the third to add to Saginaw’s lead.

The loss marks the end of the first time the Warriors ever competed at the tournament.

Warriors fans gather for a watch party

Around 100 of the Warriors faithful gathered at the Moose Jaw Events Centre to watch the team’s final game. Similar watch parties had been held for the team’s previous games at the tournament.

While the season ended with a loss, the fans were proud of what the team did this season, capturing its first-ever Ed Chynoweth Cup.

“It’s been a great season and, to be honest, other than coming up short one game, this is the best I’ve ever seen,” Justin Blyan said. “The best hockey I’ve seen in this league and age level. I wouldn’t change anything other than making it to the Memorial Cup championship game on Sunday.

“I’m proud of the Moose Jaw Warriors for all they’ve done and all the players have just done really great this year.”

Arden Tangjerd said it was a great season.

“All of our team has been unreal. All of the fans have been great,” Arden Tangjerd said.

Toby O’Brien was excited to see how much everyone embraced the team this season.

“Watching this city just rally around and people getting things painted on their business and seeing all the ‘Go Warriors Go’ things, it’s just amazing for the city,” O’Brien said.