Lethbridge, AB — It was a night of bad bounces and missed opportunities for the Moose Jaw Warriors in Lethbridge.
The Warriors dropped a 4-1 game to the Hurricanes at the ENMAX Centre on Wednesday night.
“We had a lot of grade ‘A’ chances tonight, but you’re not going to score if you don’t hit the net,” Warriors assistant coach Gord Burnett said.
The loss opens up a three-game road trip to Alberta this week. Despite the loss, the Warriors remain only one point back of Saskatoon for third place in the Eastern Conference, while Lethbridge is four points back in fifth.
Atley Calvert had the only goal in the loss, while Connor Ungar made 29 saves in net for the Warriors.
The Warriors outshot the Hurricanes, 36-32, on the night, but were stymied by Moose Jaw product Bryan Thomson.
“We worked hard to get there and worked hard to create the chances, but you have got to hit the net and at least give yourself a chance,” Burnett said.
“Full marks to Bryan, he seems to play us really well every time we play him, he Mae some big saves.”
The Warriors trailed 2-0 after the first period as Lethbridge picked up goals from Hayden Smith and Blake Swetlikoff.
Anton Astashevich extend the Hurricanes’ lead only 5:35 into the second period.
Moose Jaw was able to answer as Calvert scored his 29th of the season, tipping home a point shot by Denton Mateychuk, to cut into the lead slightly.
The Warriors fired 11 shots on net in the third, but couldn’t cut into the lead for Lethbridge.
Joe Arntsen scored onto the empty net to seal Lethbridge’s win.
The Warriors will get Thursday off before they battle the Edmonton Oil Kings on Friday night at Rogers Place. Puck drops at 8 p.m. CST
Tune into all the action on Country 100 and WHL Live, starting with the Pre-Game Show at 7:40 p.m.