Time for AHL hockey as we kick off our 12th season covering the AHL club of Manitoba. There’s plenty of excitement surrounding this year’s team with new prospects Alfons Freij (2024 2nd), Kevin He (2024 4th) and Kieron Walton (2024 6th), along with second-year pros Brayden Yager (2023 1st), Colby Barlow (2023 1st) and Jacob Julien (2023 5th). In total, nine Winnipeg Jets prospects were on today’s Moose roster and 11 are on the team this year.
One of those prospects made history before the puck was even dropped, as Kevin He became the first player born in China to play in the AHL.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Lineup news:
No surprises ahead of puck drop as this configuration of the lines and D pairs was how they practiced this week. Domenic DiVincentiis gets the start.
Moose lineup:
Chibrikov – Yager – Wahlin
Gregor – Zhilkin – Ford
He – Julien – Barlow
Empey – Yoder – Burnside
Phillips – Freij
Sautner – Mayo
Gustafsson – Thrun
DiVincentiis
Milic
Notable:
The Moose were buzzing early in this one as they possessed the puck for most of the first five minutes. Shots were 5-0 in favour of the home team, which didn’t include Noah Gregor ripping this quick shot off the post.
Wolves finally started to pushback as they got a steal but Jets goalie prospect Domenic DiVincentiis came up with a big glove stop. That’s a theme that would continue throughout the game.
During the game I considered if the Jets were paying a bit more attention to this game given this is the Hurricanes farm club.
First goal of the Moose season goes to Noah Gregor who takes the time and space given to him by the Wolves before depositing the puck into the back of the net making it 1-0 on the power play.
Prospects Brayden Yager and Colby Barlow were used as a PK duo for the Moose.
I really like what Noah Gregor brings. He gets another great chance in the first to add to the Moose lead but Wolves goalies Zach Sawchenko makes a solid save.
Moose have a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes and have a 13-9 shot edge. It was a solid opening period for the home team.
Jets prospect Brayden Yager ripped this shot off the post early in the 2nd as he tried to add to the Moose lead.
Parker Ford didn’t appreciate the hit sans puck in the neutral zone and he let his fists do the talking. His buddy Tyrel Bauer would approve.
Domenic DiVincentiis was locked in this afternoon. He made his 14th save of the period as the Wolves went on a run outshooting the Moose 14-2 in the middle frame.
Jets prospect Colby Barlow with a little outside/inside move in the neutral zone to create a chance for the Moose.
DiVincentiis 21st save of the 2nd period was another excellent one as he keep his club in the lead.
Another nice play by Jets prospect Brayden Yager who created a turnover and then sets up Lucas Wahlin who was a bit handcuffed trying to put it home.
After 40 minutes here in Winnipeg the Moose hold a 1-0 lead over the Wolves. Domenic DiVincentiis had 30 saves for Manitoba to that point in the game.
Brayden Yager winds up in the neutral zone before pulling off a few moves to create his chance.
Jets prospect Kevin He with a glorious chance to get his first pro goal in his first pro game. Came that close. However He would not be denied.
Jets prospect Colby Barlow ripped home his first of the season to give the Moose a 2-0 lead in the 3rd. And Kevin He has his first pro point in his first pro game. It was another PP goal as the all-OHL PP unit (Barlow, He, Julien and Zhilkin strike).
First pro goal alert for Winnipeg Jets prospect Kevin He. He is the first player born in China to play in the AHL. Quite a game for him with a goal and an assist.
Moose win their season opener with a 3-0 victory over the Wolves and get off to a very good start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Multi-point game:
Kevin He 1G 1A
Colby Barlow 1G 1A
Highlights:
Players & Coach post-game media:
Up next:
The team is back in business tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM CT.
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