Triton
03-26-2005, 10:18 AM
The Eastern Division Champion Brandon Wheat Kings have drawn first blood in their best of seven Western Hockey League Eastern Division semi-final series with the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Jeff Topilko scored three goals, Lance Monych added a pair and veteran center Ryan Stone set up four goals as the Wheat Kings blew open a close game with three unanswered third period goals to beat the visiting Warriors 7-3.
A six goal scorer during the regular season, Topilko had two career assists in 23 WHL playoff games entering Friday's series opener. His 3-goal outburst also represented his first ever hat trick since joining the Wheat Kings as a first round bantam draft choice in 2002.
WHL scoring leader Eric Fehr and 19-year old defenceman Jon Webb, with his first goal since October 2002, also scored for the Wheat Kings.
Jordan Henry, Riley Holzapfel and Carberry product Stuart Kerr replied for the Warriors, who trailed 2-1 and 4-3 at the period breaks.
17-year old Tyler Plante, making his WHL playoff debut, stopped twenty shots in posting the victory for the Wheat Kings, who were 8-0-1 against Moose Jaw during regular season play. Josh Lepp had 32 saves for the Warriors.
Jeff Topilko scored three goals, Lance Monych added a pair and veteran center Ryan Stone set up four goals as the Wheat Kings blew open a close game with three unanswered third period goals to beat the visiting Warriors 7-3.
A six goal scorer during the regular season, Topilko had two career assists in 23 WHL playoff games entering Friday's series opener. His 3-goal outburst also represented his first ever hat trick since joining the Wheat Kings as a first round bantam draft choice in 2002.
WHL scoring leader Eric Fehr and 19-year old defenceman Jon Webb, with his first goal since October 2002, also scored for the Wheat Kings.
Jordan Henry, Riley Holzapfel and Carberry product Stuart Kerr replied for the Warriors, who trailed 2-1 and 4-3 at the period breaks.
17-year old Tyler Plante, making his WHL playoff debut, stopped twenty shots in posting the victory for the Wheat Kings, who were 8-0-1 against Moose Jaw during regular season play. Josh Lepp had 32 saves for the Warriors.