The chances were there for the Moose Jaw Bantam AA Warriors, but they just couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. However, a lot of things went right for the Prairie Storm as they shutout the Warriors 7-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Kinsmen Sportsplex during Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League action.
“Our power play didn’t do anything. Our penalty kill was not very good and it was just the opposite for them,” stated Warriors assistant coach Duane Arndt. “Their power play was good, their penalty kill was good and they have a lot of talent.”
The Storm scored three goals in the first period before adding two in the middle frame and two more in the third. They had five different goal scorers, including two from Tanner Manz and Jared Legien. Eamon Milligan added three assists as well.
The two teams were handed close to 50 minutes in penalties, but it was the Warriors that had trouble on both sides of the special teams.
“Discipline was a problem for both teams and there were a lot of penalties called, some of which were really…I don’t know. It just seems like the kids are still having trouble adjusting to the fact that a lot of hits are being called penalties,” explained Arndt. “A lot of what used to be considered a clean body check is now a penalty. It is really tough for the kids to figure out, but they have to figure it out.”
The Warriors had some chances late in the third period, but Paul Stewart hit the crossbar and couldn’t beat goaltender Talen King.
“We worked pretty hard at times, especially in the third period, but we just couldn’t get the puck in the net. We hit the crossbar two or three times, but we just couldn’t capitalize on power play opportunities,” he said. “The score could have been worse, but we have a good goalie in Thomas (Martineau). He tried to keep us in there as best he could.”
Both teams were trying to break a two-game losing streak, but it was the Warriors that are now left looking for answers as their record drops to 4-12-1-0 on the season.
“We might have to mix up the lines a little bit…move some guys around. Maybe things have gone a little stagnant…we have kept the same lines and haven’t really varied it,” stated Arndt. “Maybe it is time to move some guys around and that might make them feel more refreshed too. That might help get the guys excited about coming to the rink to play with some different guys.”
The Warriors return to action on Saturday against the Regina Pat Blues, who sit in first place in the South Division standings.
