Mateychuk’s Moose Jaw Warriors sweep Wheat Kings out of WHL playoffs

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/04/2024 (437 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It took just four quick games for the Moose Jaw Warriors to take care of business in the first round of the Western Hockey League (WHL) playoffs. Now a date with the Swift Current Broncos in the second round awaits, as the region’s two WHL captains are set to face off in the post-season

The Warriors made quick work of the Brandon Wheat Kings, winning game four in decisive fashion 5-2 in Brandon April 4. Moose Jaw is captained by Dominion City’s Denton Mateychuk, who was tied for the league lead in playoff points by a defensemen after the series had finished.

Despite the lopsided result in terms of games won, Mateychuk said after game four Brandon was a strong opponent.

“They brought it to us at home for two games for sure those first two games,” Mateychuk said.

“It was a good series, they played hard. As a hockey player and as a fan of the game it was a lot of fun.”

Mateychuk himself provided the dagger. After a back-and-forth start to the period which saw Moose Jaw jump out to an early lead, the Warriors took control.

Mateychuk’s goal came after a long shift inside the offensive zone. Sensing weakness, the Columbus Blue Jacket first rounder took possession of the puck, spun back to the blue-line and rifled a wrist shot that beat Carson Bjarnson to the blocker side.

“It was a bit of a weird play,” Mateychuk said.

“I kinda just turned and looked at the net, and saw there was a bit of screen and tried to get it through and it just went in.”

The Warriors looked to cruise after taking a 4-1 lead in the first period, and never looked under much pressure from Brandon.

“If we were up 3-0, or if it’s the first game of the series or we’re down, it doesn’t matter, we’re playing the same way,” Mateychuk said when asked about Moose Jaw’s game four mentality.

“I think we came out there and did that tonight.”

Mateychuk said the key for the Warriors is to remain consistent as the playoffs wear on.

“Everybody (is) buying into the fact that we want to win,” Mateychuk said.

“Everybody knows that in the dressing room, our staff knows it. When everybody buys in we’re going to win hockey games and have a good shot at this thing.”

Bragging rights for who the better cousin is on the ice will be on the line when Mateychuk and St Adolphe’s Owen Pickering face off in the second round. Pickering captains the Swift Current Broncos, which also feature Steinbach’s Luke Mistelbacher.

“They’re a hard, heavy team and that’s going to be another good series,” Mateychuk said on the match-up.

Game one is in Moose Jaw April 12.