WHL Playoffs Top Performer: April 30, 2024
As the captain of the Moose Jaw Warriors, certain roles and responsibilities fall on the shoulders of Denton Mateychuk.
Expected to make big plays in crucial times of a game, the pressure of leading a team during these moments can be overwhelming.
But, may we remind you, Mateychuk has always thrived under the pressure.
Registering two points in the Warriors’ 3-1 victory over the Blades in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Championship on Tuesday night, Mateychuk flew past the already high expectations set on him.
A force to be reckoned with on both ends of the ice, the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect spent the evening keeping the puck out of his own net while tickling the twine of his opposition.
He recorded his first point of the night — an assist — by firing a puck from the blue line, giving teammate Atley Calvert a juicy rebound to pounce on.
Following the helper, Mateychuk proceeded to lend netminder Jackson Unger a hand, as he yanked a puck destined for the back of the net off the goal line and out of harm’s way.
YOINK!@MJWARRIORS | @BlueJacketsNHL | #WHLPlayoffs | #FeedingtheFuture pic.twitter.com/n0pNmDoCfc
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 1, 2024
The captain then secured the win for his club by cashing in on a Saskatoon empty net with a 200-ft bank shot.
Mateychuk’s performance in Game 3 was just a sample size of what he’s been able to do for the duration of the 2024 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien.
The Captain seals it!#ProtectTheHangar | #WHLPlayoffs | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/2ID2zCFD8L
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) May 1, 2024
With 23 points (six goals—17 assists) in 12 postseason skates, the 2004-born defenceman is tied for the lead in points, with Jagger Firkus, at the WHL Playoffs and already boasts a +15 rating.
Now leading the Eastern Conference Championship 2-1, Mateychuk and the Warriors will take to the ice on Wednesday, May 1 for Game 4 in Saskatoon, Sask. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT
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