PREVIEW | Warriors head into Swift Current for Game 3
Swift Current, SK – The Moose Jaw Warriors will be heading into hostile territory for the next few games.
The Warriors have made their way to Swift Current to battle the Broncos in Game 3 of their second round series on Tuesday.
Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk said the key for the Warriors is just to stay calm.
“There’s going to be setbacks, there’s going to be ups and downs, but you’ve just got to keep your cool and be ready to go when Game 3 starts,” he said.
Moose Jaw and Swift Current split the first two games at the Hangar last weekend with each side winning in commanding fashion, 7-2.
Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary said the team found its game in Game 2 after falling in the series opener.
“We were real quick with getting two guys around the puck in both zones and it helped with our exits and it helped generate offensive opportunities,” he said. “We respect their skill and we know that they can score goals and I just thought that we did a better job not giving them opportunities.”
Mateychuk led the way for the Warriors in Saturday’s Game 2 response, finishing with a goal and six points, which is the most by a Warrior in a playoff game since 1996.
Heading into Game 3 on Tuesday night, Mateychuk said the Warriors know the task in front of them going into a hostile environment in Swift Current.
“You’ve got to take at least one game in their rink, so you’ve got to go in there and be the villain,” he said. “Their fans are going to be loud and we’re coming in there to win two hockey games.”
O’Leary said he wants his players to embrace the experience.
“I think they’re looking forward to it, I think they’re in for a treat,” he said. “It’s a fun building to play in… it’s loud, it’s exciting, it’s playoff hockey, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The Warriors and Broncos meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night for Game 3 and then square on Wednesday night for Game 4 at the InnovationPlex.