Photo by Brandi Pollock
Brandon, MB (CKLQ) – The Moose Jaw Warriors doubled up the Brandon Wheat Kings 6-3 on Monday afternoon and took over sole possession of 1st place in the WHL’s East Division in the process.
The Warriors got two goals from Justin Almeida and a three point night from San Jose Sharks prospect Jayden Halbgewachs (1G-1A) as they picked up their 4th straight win over the Wheat Kings this season.
Brandon converted three times on the powerplay, including the first WHL goal from defenseman Braden Schneider but couldn’t mount a late third period comeback.
James Shearer and Connor Gutenberg added singles for the Wheat Kings who got 33 saves from Logan Thompson.
Adam Evanoff stopped 21 shots for the Warriors who scored a goal even strength, shorthanded and on the powerplay on the afternoon.
The Wheat Kings loss, combined with wins by both the Regina Pats and Saskatoon Blades adds some pressure to the playoff race for Brandon. They are now 3 points back of the Pats for 3rd place in the division and just 2 points up on the Blades for the top wildcard spot.
Brandon opens up a four game road trip on Friday in Lethbridge. (8:00 MB on QCountry Radio)
EXTRAS
-Ty Lewis left the game in the 2nd period after an open ice hit from Jett Woo. Woo was given a 5:00 major for checking to the head and a game misconduct. Lewis did not return to the game.
-Prior to the game, the Wheat Kings honoured long time defensman Kale Clague. The Lloydminster, AB product was presented a framed picture celebrating his World Junior gold medal with Team Canada.
-The Wheat Kings were still without Daniel Bukac, Chase Hartje and Linden McCorrister on Friday afternoon. All are out day to day with illness.
-16-year-old Jonathon Lambos (Winnipeg, MB) made his WHL debut. Lambos was acquired from the Victoria Royals in the Tanner Kaspick trade.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st PERIOD
MJ – Brett Howden (22) (Jeannot, Halbgewachs) 7:09
MJ – Jayden Halbgewachs (56) (Zaitsev) 9:02
MJ – Justin Almeida (32) (Peckford, Burke) 13:47
Shots: 19-8 Moose Jaw
2nd PERIOD
BWK – Connor Gutenberg (16) (Reinhardt, Mattheos) 6:28 PPG
MJ – Justin Almeida (33) (Unassisted) 7:50 SHG
MJ – Brayden Burke (29) (Brook, Halbgewachs) 13:50 PPG
Shots: 13-7 Moose Jaw
3rd PERIOD
BWK – James Shearer (2) (Wytinck) 8:47 PPG
MJ – Tristyn DeRoose (3) (Schuldhaus, Brook) 13:34
BWK – Braden Schneider (1) (Higson, Mattheos) 15:29 PPG
Final Shots: 39-24 Moose Jaw
