Fans react to historic Warriors' win

History was made in front of a sold-out crowd at the Moose Jaw Events Centre Wednesday night as the Moose Jaw Warriors captured their first Ed Chynoweth Cup in their 40-year franchise history.  

The Warriors had an amazing run through the playoffs, sweeping the Brandon Wheat Kings, a battle with the Broncos of Swift Current and a grueling seven games against the Saskatoon Blades to capture their second Eastern Conference Championship. 

It all culminated last night with 4-2 win over the Portland Winterhawks, sweeping the WHL Championship series on home ice. 

“Everyone knows this is 40 years in the making and this is historic for Moose Jaw, and it means so much for everyone here,” said Chelsea Berjian. 

“It was just electric in here and it means so much to bring it home in four and on home ice as well. We're a huge hockey family. We've been here for years. We've been season ticket holders and so it means so much to finally see such a great group of guys finish it off for us,” Berjian added. 

Doug and Chelsea Berjian

“It was a great night, it was a really good game. It was end to end. Portland wasn't quitting, and the Warriors weren't quitting, and it was just a great night for sports,” noted lifelong Warriors’ fan Doug Berjian. 

Over 4,700 Warriors’ fans were on their feet as the clock wound down to zero, cheering their hearts out as history was made in Moose Jaw. 

“The feeling you get being here, it's phenomenal. It's amazing. These fans, the team, everybody has just played their heart out,” said Ryan Marky. 

“To see this just in person, live, is one hell of a feeling,” 

Ryan Marky

Captain Denton Mateychuk, who was named WHL Playoffs MVP, also accepted the Ed Chynoweth Cup on behalf of the Warriors. 

It was an emotional night for Zeb Smith, whose family has been coming to game since the inception of the team. 

 “My grandpa has been a season ticket holder and a diehard fan since 1984. My dad got season tickets after and then now we've just we've passed it on,” said Smith. 

When asked what it means for the Warriors to win the championship at home, Smith said “it’s everything.” 

While celebrations are in order – and well deserved – the attention of the Warriors will soon shift as the team represents the WHL at the Memorial Cup in Saginaw, Michigan starting on Friday, May 24. 

James Gallo, voice of the Warriors on Country 100, will the call in the final minutes of the game. 

If you have pictures or video you would like to share of the Warriors’ win, email them to news@discovermoosejaw.com