BY Jonathan Huntington
MOOSE JAW – And the beat goes on.
The Regina Pat Canadians are now 8-0 in the post-season and can win back-to-back SMAAAHL titles on Wednesday night at home after defeating the Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors 4-3 in OT Monday in the Band City.
Liam Pue scored a highlight-reel goal 11:35 into the first extra period at Temple Gardens Centre to put the Warriors on the ropes. “I saw that the goalie was pretty far out and I just waited,” said Pue, who dangled across the crease until Warriors net-minder Steven Wawryk couldn’t stay with him.
“I think this is almost bigger than Game 1 for us,” continued Pue. “It’s great momentum for us (for Wednesday night).”
It has been a tough series for the Warriors, so far, as they’ve had leads in both games in the third period. On Monday night, Ryder Gilroy scored midway through the third period to give the home-side a 3-2 lead – but, like in Game 1, Regina came back with Malaki Martin sending the game to OT with less than four minutes remaining in regulation.
“This one hurts,” said Moose Jaw head coach Trevor Weisgerber. “It’s obviously disappointing to give up the lead again (in the third period).
“We will have to win every shift (Wednesday night). We have the group to do it.”
FINISH LINES: A season-high attendance mark in Moose Jaw with 1,650 fans for Game 2 at the Temple Gardens Centre.
(Photo: Liam Pue celebrating game winner. Photo credit: Brittyn Lanigan.)
