The Moose Jaw Warriors got three third-period goals to spark a comeback and win their second straight game.
Travis Brown scored the game winning goal with 4:41 to play in the third period to complete the 4-3 come from behind win over the Brandon Wheat Kings in Western Hockey League action on Friday evening.
“This was a game that we had to win. It was nice that we didn’t give up when we were down,” stated Warriors assistant coach Mike Vandenberghe.
The Wheat Kings (13-20-2-2) scored early in the opening frame on a turnover by the Warriors (14-17-3-4).
“We didn’t play very well in the second period and I thought Brandon took it to us a little in the second period,” he said. “Luckily, we were still in the game and hung around and got the two points.”
Tanner Eberle continued his strong start to the second half of the season, scoring his third goal in two goals on the man advantage. He also had two assists in the third period and now has five points in his last two games.
“I think Ebbs deserves a lot of the credit. He brought a lot of energy and he was probably the best player the last two nights,” said Vandenberghe. “He definitely deserves everything he has got these last two games. Hopefully he can keep it going and it builds confidence. It is nice to see him take that role. He is using his jump and his speed and it is really nice to see…more guys can feed off him.”
Eric Roy scored on the power play late in the second frame to retake the Wheat Kings lead heading into the third period.
Andrew Johnson scored his first goal since Nov. 4 from Eberle to spark the comeback for the Warriors. Jordan Messier potted his fifth of the season from Eberle and Bryson Gore in the third period.
Despite taking the lead, the Wheat Kings knotted the score up just 18 seconds after Messier’s goal. Taylor Cooper scored unassisted on Daniel Wapple.
Brown scored the winner on a blast that was nicely set up by Brandon Potomak. Vandenberghe was impressed with the rookie’s growing skill set.
“He played really well tonight (Friday). He has been using his speed and his shot. Just a little before Christmas he started to come around and it is good to see,” he said of Potomak. “He went in a made a good play…he went in a got the puck and through it off the bank to Travis and Travis stepped into a one-timer.”
For more on this story, read an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.
