IceHogs complete “controversial” season opener comeback defeating Moose 5-4 in overtime

Back in business for my eighth straight season of covering AHL hockey here in Winnipeg. Tons of Jets prospects, lots of good pros and plenty of story’s to bring to you about the Manitoba Moose.

Moose lineup:

Limoges-Lucius-Eyssimont
Malott-Stenlund-Lambert
Polei- Bongiovanni- Jones
Torgersson-Nikkanen-Reichel

Heinola -Lundmark
Chisholm-Gawanke
Saunter- Bauer

Holm
Salminen

Notable:

10 of the above players were drafted by the Jets and if you can toss in Jeff Malott and Kristian Reichel who the Moose have developed since they turned pro.

There were a trio of debuts in this game as Brad Lambert (2022 1st) made his AHL debut, Chaz Lucius (2021 1st) his pro debut as was Tyrel Bauer (2020 6th).

The Moose came flying out of the gate outshooting the IceHogs and getting rewarded with a Leon Gawanke blast from the point which gave the home side an early 1-0 lead.

At one point in the opening period Manitoba held a 10-1 shot edge.

One thing we saw throughout the game was the creativity of Chaz Lucius. He wasn’t afraid to try things as you can see here and here.

Jets 2020 2nd rounder Daniel Torgersson picked up where he left off last season as he ripped this shot home to make it 2-0 for the Moose.

Chaz Lucius also showed how he will be dangerous in the power play with this silky smooth redirect to score his first goal as a pro.

Sloppy play in the final frame allowed the visitors to overcome a 3-0 deficit to tie the game on this beauty Lukas Reichel goal however his cousin Kristian Reichel gave Manitoba the lead shortly thereafter.

The game went to OT but it likely shouldn’t have because Ville Heinola scored this goal with 1:31 left in the 3rd but the refs ruled it no goal.

The home side had control early in the extra frame but the visitors put the game away in OT.

Player media availability:

Coach media availability:

Game Highlights:

Up Next:

The Moose are back in action tomorrow for another matinee against Rockford. Puck drop at 2 PM.