When Brayden Schuurman scored just 2:20 into overtime in game three, the Moose Jaw Warriors moved to within one game of the franchise's first-ever Western Hockey League (WHL) title.
Less than 24 hours after Shuurman put the Warriors within a win of a championship, Moose Jaw was back on home ice at the sold-out Moose Jaw Events Centre for game four. Aiden Ziprick and the crew were feeling great. They had previously come off a dramatic seven-game series win against Saskatoon and now, they were up three games to nothing.
The two teams went back and forth in game four as it was tied after 40 minutes. That's when the hero from game three once again played the hero role in game four as Shuurman's seventh of the playoffs with just more than five minutes left gave the Warriors a 3-2 lead. They would never look back from there as Martin Rysavy scored into an empty net late and for the first time in franchise history, the Warriors are champions of the WHL.
Ziprick, who had one shot in the game, was filled with emotions after the game.
"This has to be an all-time high, I don't think I have ever been so happy playing hockey and winning games," said Ziprick. "That feeling when the time is running out and then you get to throw your sticks and gloves on the ice, it's just incredible. What a special feeling."
As they had been the entire time, Ziprick's family was in the stands and the second they had the chance, they joined Aiden on the ice as the celebration was in full force at the Events Centre.
"That was one of the best parts, they have been with me the whole way," said Ziprick. "To have them there was very special, they mean the world to me."
The team will now get a well-deserved rest for a few days before they begin preparing for the Memorial Cup which opens next Friday in Saginaw. Moose Jaw will play their first game against the hosts next Friday at 6:30 before playing the Ontario Hockey League champion London Nights on May 27 and the Quebec Maritime Hockey League champion Drummondville on May 28.
If need be, a tiebreaker game will be played on May 30, the semi-final will be on May 31 and the Memorial Cup final is slated for June 2.
This will be Ziprick's first chance to play in a Memorial Cup and riding high off a WHL title, the young star from Russell is ready for the challenge.
"This is what you play for all year long, it's pretty exciting to be one of the four teams there," commented Ziprick. "We haven't really thought about it yet, we're enjoying winning the championship. We will enjoy this and then get ready to play in Saginaw."
Aiden also had some great words about Ryder Thompson, who came up short as a member of the Winterhawks.
"Nothing but the best for Ryder, we're great friends, and I wish all the best for him." ended Ziprick.
All games at the Memorial Cup will be broadcast on Sportsnet
Ziprick's Schedule:
May 24 - Moose Jaw vs Saginaw - 6:30 p.m.
May 27 - Moose Jaw vs London - 6:30 p.m.
May 28 - Moose Jaw vs Drummondville - 6:30 p.m.
