There was a time not that long ago where a Moose Jaw Warrior scoring 100 points in a season was a rarity, a once in a decade occurrence, if that.
Now it’s just another day, usually coming in early March.
Warriors forward Tristin Langan was the most recent member of the Tribe to crack the century mark as he scored a pair of third-period goals – his 46th and 47th of the season – as the Warriors took a 4-2 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders on Saturday night at Mosaic Place.
Langan now has 47 goals and 100 points as his wildly impressive overage campaign continues.
“It’s definitely special, especially to do it at home in front of our fans,” Langan said shortly before joining his teammates signing jerseys as part of Snowbirds Night. “I definitely couldn’t have done it without my teammates and especially my linemates, that’s a special couple of guys on my wing and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Those linemates – Justin Almeida and Brayden Tracey -- have had incredible seasons of their own. Almeida is next on the 100-point watch as after his goal and three assists Saturday he now has 26 goals and 93 points. Tracey, the reigning Western Hockey League player of the month, has 32 goals and 75 points to lead all WHL rookies.
Langan had shown signs of brilliance in past campaigns, specifically just before Christmas last season when he went on a scoring tear while playing on the top line. As it turns out, that was just a sign of things to come.
“It’s just about working hard both on the ice and in the off season and not getting down on yourself,” Langan said. “I was down on the third line and fourth line a couple of years back, but you just have to stay positive and keep working… I’m glad they gave me a chance to stick around as a 20-year-old and that I was able to have the kind of season I’ve had.”
Langan’s output had an impact on the game as well – his two goals in the final period were key to the Warriors’ win over the WHL-leading Raiders.
“Against Red Deer and Lethbridge we didn’t play as well as was wanted and we knew P.A. was going to come in and play hard so it was great to respond and come out with the win,” Langan said.
Almeida scored the Warriors’ first goal in the first period, Tracey scored their final marker with 6:24 left in the game.
Dante Hannoun and Justin Nachbaur scored for Prince Albert.
Brodan Salmond had an outstanding game in goal, turning aside 27 shots, many from in close and of the exceptional variety. Ian Scott got the start for the Raiders and made 25 saves before giving way to Boston Bilous for the final six minutes of the game.
The Warriors improved to 35-18-6-2 and remain in third place in the East Division, 10 points back of Saskatoon and 12 up on Brandon with seven games remaining in the regular season.
Next action for the Warriors is Tuesday when they host the Saskatoon Blades (7 p.m., Mosaic Place).
