Two local sisters are facing off for a championship as the Prairie Blaze and Western Predators battle in the Manitoba Junior Women’s Hockey League final.
Taylor Morden, playing in her final MJWHL season with the Blaze, is squaring off against her younger sister Kaelyn Morden, a rookie with the Predators, in the league’s championship series.
“It’s been really fun and special,” Taylor said. “Growing up we spent so much time playing hockey together, so to now be facing each other in a championship series is pretty surreal. Obviously once the puck drops we’re competitors and want to win, but there’s also a lot of pride in seeing each other get to this stage.”
For Kaelyn, her first season in the MJWHL has been a memorable introduction to the league.
“My first year in the MJWHL has been really fun and exciting,” she said. “Meeting new people and creating a new team while also going far into the playoffs has been very thrilling.”
Game 1 of the final provided plenty of drama as the Blaze edged the Predators 2–1 in overtime on March 14 at the Hockey for All Centre in Winnipeg.
The Predators controlled much of the play through regulation, outshooting the Blaze 31–22 and appearing poised to force overtime late in the game. However, a too-many-players penalty with just seven seconds remaining gave the Blaze a crucial power-play opportunity heading into the extra frame.
Lundar product Kenady Christensen scored the overtime winner less than a minute into overtime to give the Blaze the opening victory in the series. Christensen finished the night with a goal and an assist.
Phoenix Freis also scored for the Blaze, while Annika Russell, Sienna Eliasson and Emily Foster each recorded assists.
Reese Farmer replied for the Predators, with assists going to Kirsten Masters and Maisie Breckon.
Blaze forward Taylor Morden briefly left the game late in the second period due to injury but returned to the lineup to start the third period.
Blaze goaltender Abegael Glass was outstanding between the pipes, stopping 30 of 31 shots for a .968 save percentage, while Predators netminder Rhyan Beardy turned aside 20 of 22 shots.
For Kaelyn, facing her sister in the championship series did not change her usual preparation heading into Game 1.
“Stepping onto the ice against my sister was kind of like any other game,” she said. “I just did my normal routine and focused on the game.”
The teams were back on the ice the following day for Game 2, where the Blaze secured another narrow victory with a 2–1 decision on March 15.
After a scoreless opening period, the Predators opened the scoring in the second when Sydney Shead found the back of the net, assisted by Kali Bain and Maisie Breckon. Prairie responded later in the period to tie the game before adding the go-ahead goal in the third to secure the win.
Predators goaltender Lauren Cherkas turned aside 32 of 34 shots in a strong performance in net.
Morden said the Predators are focused on making adjustments as the series continues.
“We just have to try to get more shots on net and play our game how we have all year,” Kaelyn said.
Several players from the Interlake region are featured on both sides of the championship matchup.
Kaelyn said seeing familiar players and supporters from the region involved in the final has added to the experience.
Christensen and Taylor Morden suit up for the Blaze, while Kaelyn Morden, Reese Farmer and Jadyn Baldwin are part of the Predators roster.
“It’s really cool,” Taylor said of the local presence in the final. “It shows how strong hockey is in our area and how much talent comes out of the local programs. It also makes the series even more exciting because there are a lot of friends and family watching and supporting.”
Adding another local connection to the series, the Blaze are coached by Jamie Johnson of Arborg.
The championship matchup has also created a unique situation for the Morden family, with sisters competing against one another for the league title.
“Very competitive,” Taylor said of their upbringing. “We pushed each other a lot growing up. Whether it was shooting pucks in the driveway or playing mini-sticks, neither of us ever wanted to lose. I think that competitiveness helped both of us improve and get to where we are today.”
The sisters have tried to keep things normal away from the rink during the series.
“We try to keep it pretty light and not talk too much about the games during the series,” Taylor said. “Once we’re at the rink it’s business, but at home we’re still sisters so we try to keep things normal.”
For Taylor, the series carries extra meaning as she prepares to wrap up her junior women’s career.
“It means a lot,” she said. “You always hope to finish your last season with a chance to compete for a championship, so getting to the final with this group is really special. It’s something I’m really grateful for.”
Sharing the experience with her younger sister has added another memorable element to the series.
“It definitely adds a really unique element,” she said. “We’re both competitive and want to win, but it’s also pretty amazing to share an experience like this with your sister. I’m really proud of her and everything she has done in her first year in this league.”
Taylor also credited the Blaze organization for helping shape her development.
“My teammates and my coaches have all been a big part of my development as a player and as a person,” she said. “I’ve made some great memories and lifelong friendships here.”
From the Predators’ perspective, Kaelyn said the playoff experience has been intense but rewarding.
“It’s very intense and competitive, especially since all the teams in the MJWHL are very skilled,” she said. “It makes every game a challenge, and you never know which way the games will go.”
Looking ahead, she said the Predators will focus on sticking to their game.
“We just have to try to get more shots on net and play our game how we have all year,” Kaelyn said.
With the Game 2 victory, the Blaze now hold a 2–0 lead in the championship series as both teams continue their pursuit of the MJWHL title.
“It’s going to come down to sticking to our game plan, working hard for each other, and staying disciplined,” Taylor said. “If we play the way we know we can, we’ll give ourselves a good chance to win.”
Upcoming Games:
Game 3 of the MJWHL final is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. Game 4, if necessary, will be played Wednesday, March 18 with puck drop at 7:30 p.m., while Game 5, if required, is set for Monday, March 23 with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.
