Riders beat Lions to punch ticket to CFL West final
Nov 03, 2024
The Riders are back in the West final for the first time since 2021.
Despite a flurry of goals late in the second period, the Moose Jaw Warriors couldn’t overcome the host Saginaw Spirit to open up the Memorial Cup.
The Spirit, who are hosting the Canadian Hockey League tournament, defeated the Warriors 5-4 at the DOW Event Centre on Friday in the opening game of the Memorial Cup.
The Spirit got out to a lead late in the first period with Nic Sima scoring with just 33 seconds left in the opening frame.
In the second period, the Spirit extended their lead with goals from Owen Beck, Zayne Parekh and Jorian Donovan.
But the Warriors, who showed plenty of punch back in their run to the Ed Chynoweth Cup, made things interesting with three goals in 1:35 near the end of the second period. Brayden Yager scored the team’s first-ever goal at the tournament. That was followed closely by goals from Denton Mateychuk and a second from Yager.
In the third period, Josh Bloom extended the lead once again for Saginaw.
Moose Jaw got a late marker from Matthew Savoie but couldn’t find the equalizer.
Moose Jaw is off until Monday when it will take on the London Knights — the Ontario Hockey League champions.