Firkus and Mateychuk star in 2022 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game
In a game that featured the top draft-eligible players from across the Canadian Hockey League, two Moose Jaw Warriors shined the brightest on Wednesday night.
Jagger Firkus had a goal and two points, while Denton Mateychuk picked up one helper as they led Team White to a 3-1 win over Team Red in the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Kitchener, ONT.
“It’s a great experience coming here,” Firkus told CHL.ca after the game. “I just wanted to come here and show what I can do and I did that tonight, so it was a good game and even better to get the win.”
Firkus scored a highlight reel goal to tie the game in the first period, breaking into Team Red’s zone one-on-one, cutting across the slot and wiring a shot top shelf.
JAGGER FIRKUS WITH AN ABSOLUTE BULLET!
The Warriors forward ties up the Top Prospects Game.#AllInTogether | @firkusjagger pic.twitter.com/cpNVApBdIk
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) March 24, 2022
“It was just super fun,” Firkus said. “The whole time, it was just a really enjoyable experience the whole three days here, it was super fun to get to know some new people and to win it.”
The Warriors’ leading scorer continued to show off his skills in the second period when he sent a pass out of the zone onto the tape of Guelph Storm forward Jake Karabela, who scored on the breakaway.
Make it ✌️ points for Jagger Firkus!#AllInTogether | @firkusjagger pic.twitter.com/d5qbEMYwKv
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) March 24, 2022
Mateychuk, who was serving as the captain for Team White, got into the offensive party when he forced a turnover in the neutral zone and started a tic-tac-toe that ended with Quebec Remparts forward Nathan Gaucher making it 3-1 for Team White.
Denton Mateychuk gets in on the fun with a great play and feed to set up Team White's third goal!#AllInTogether | #TopProspectsGame pic.twitter.com/AswCjITY8n
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) March 24, 2022
Mateychuk earned high praise for his play by the TSN panel during the second intermission.
A look at what makes Denton Mateychuk so special #AllInTogether pic.twitter.com/hqLeQXiCkU
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) March 24, 2022
Team White finished off the win in the third period and outshot Team Red, 39-20 on the night.
Firkus was named Player of the Game for Team White and no doubt helped his draft stock heading into the 2022 NHL Draft later this year.
“I just wanted to show [the scouts] my game and I played my game tonight and I’m happy to prove that and happy to show that I can do it on a big stage,” Firkus said.
Congratulations to Jagger Firkus on being named the Player of the Game for Team White in the 2022 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game!
Firkus posted a goal and two points in the 3-1 win.#AllInTogether | @firkusjagger pic.twitter.com/10ddhmYKc9
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) March 24, 2022
The Warriors duo will be back in Moose Jaw for this Saturday’s game against the Saskatoon Blades. Tickets are available at mjwarriors.ca.
