Pioneers Sweep Moose in Back-to-Back Wins

The Pioneers had another shutout weekend against the St. Stephen County Moose. Saturday night began on home ice, where the first period was nearly scoreless for both teams until #16 Adams found his line partner, #8 G. Matushak, who then hit his twin, #7 K. Matushak. Kellen lined it up and buried it at 18:54. But they didn’t stop there.

The team came into the second period eager for more. Just 42 seconds in, on the power play, #13 Ward connected with #11 Elkins, who then got it to #7 K. Matushak for another goal. Elkins and Ward weren’t finished. Minutes later, at 30:43, #11 Elkins connected with #13 Ward again, who this time found the other twin, #8 G. Matushak, for another power-play goal. The second period ended 3–0, with tensions building between the two teams.

The Moose came out of the second intermission hungry and put one in the back of the net early in the period, cutting the lead. But the Pioneers didn’t fold. #9 Heron found #24 Hughes, who secured the 4–1 win. #35 Kolari was in net Saturday night, making an incredible 52 saves with a .981 save percentage. The three stars of the night were Kellen Matushak, Grant Matushak, and Julius Kolari.

After Saturday night’s win, the boys headed down to St. Stephen to take on the Moose on their home ice. Five minutes into the game, the twins struck again, #7 K. Matushak connected with his brother, #8 G. Matushak, for a great opening goal. The Moose answered shortly after, sending the teams into the first intermission tied 1–1.

Right out of the locker room, the Pioneers were ready to take control. #11 Elkins connected with his center, #13 Ward, who put it away to regain the lead. Moments later, the Moose managed to get one back, tying the game again. At 36:51, #9 Heron found #8 G. Matushak, who then fed his twin, #7 K. Matushak, for a power-play goal, sending the Pioneers into the second intermission up 3–2.

Early in the third, #34 Gough connected with #11 Elkins, who once again found his center, #13 Ward, lined up perfectly to secure the 4–2 win for the Pioneers.

The Matushak twins are a duo you simply can’t separate, their chemistry on the ice is unmatched.

The Pioneers now begin a five-day road trip to Vermont, Quebec, Lewiston, and Woodstock starting Wednesday.