It wasn’t the result the Moose Jaw WINMAR AAA Warriors wanted on Saturday afternoon, as they fell 3-1 to the Saskatoon Contacts in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series to end their season.

Liam Fitzpatrick’s second-period goal was the lone goal for the Warriors on Saturday.

The game would be tied 1-1 heading into the third period and Saskatoon would score two in the final frame to walk away with the 3-1 win.

Saskatoon will face the Regina Pat Canadians in the second round of the playoffs.

Ryan Bain would have another solid game in net for Moose Jaw making 31 saves in the loss.

Moose Jaw would start the game with a lot of energy but couldn’t put one past Contacts’ starter Logan Edmonstone.

The Warriors would hit two posts, a missed breakaway, and a couple of quality chances in front of the net.

After 20 minutes of play, the score would be tied 0-0. Saskatoon would lead in the shot department 12-8.

The game’s first goal wouldn’t come until just under 8 minutes into the period.

On a powerplay, Ronan Buckberger would find twine, throwing one on the net and it would get past a screened Bain for the 1-0 lead.

On the ensuing faceoff, Moose Jaw would transition the play into the Contacts end.

Liam Fitzpatrick would throw the puck along the goal line on the sharp angle side and somehow snuck through Edmonstone to tie the game at 1-1, 21 seconds later for his fourth of the playoffs.

Connor Miller and Dylan Duzan would grab assists on the goal.

The second period would end with the game tied 1-1 and would set up an exciting third period.

Shots would be 25-18 Saskatoon after two periods.

It wouldn’t be until the 9:08 mark of the third period that Saskatoon was able to break the 1-1 deadlock.

Off a faceoff in the offensive zone. Rhett Ewen would cut to the front of the net and fire the puck on the net, Bain would make the initial save, and Ewen would get the rebound and put it home for his third of the playoffs. His goal would be the eventual game-winner.

Just over four minutes later, Jace Rask would put the game away for the Contacts. Cohen Swan would fire one on the net and Jace Rask would tip it past Bain for the 3-1 lead.

Moose Jaw would put the pressure on but couldn’t tie the game.

Saskatoon will walk away with the 3-1 win and the 3-2 series win and will move on to the second round of the playoffs.

It was a sad night for senior players Ryder Knutson, Grady Hoffman, Ryan Hicks, Wyatt LaCoste, Austin Woodley, Connor Miller, and Liam Fitzpatrick as they played their final U18 AAA game and ended their minor hockey career.

Moose Jaw will now begin their preparations for the 2023-24 season.