Bowman Excited To Be Back

20 year old Warriors defenceman Collin Bowman was back on the Mosaic Place ice yesterday for the first time since coming back from the AHL's Connecticut Whale.

Bowman attended New York Rangers rookie camp and skated at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament in mid September. He then went to Rangers main camp, and afterwards was assigned to the Whale.

The team and their fans found out Wednesday that the veteran blueliner was returning to Moose Jaw. For Bowman, he says he was expecting the reassignment.

"I think I was pretty prepared for it. You kind of get a feel for the team and where you fit on the team. There was quit a few defenceman at AHL camp, a bunch of older guys under contract," said Bowman. "I was expecting it and kind of waiting for it to happen. It was something that I knew was going to come, and I'm happy now to be back and playing in games that matter."

Bowman was the last Warrior to be sent back from the pros, and says he gained valuable experience during his time with the Rangers and Whale.

"It helps to know where you're at and know what you're striving to be. It definitely shows some deficiencies in your game that you have to work on coming back to juniors."

"At the same time, when you're competing out there and you know you can compete with the guys, you come back with a little bit of confidence knowing you can play at a higher level. Ultimately that's what you want to do," Bowman added.

The veteran skated with the Warriors Thursday at Mosaic Place, and says he's looking forward to making an impact tonight against Edmonton. "I definitely want to move the puck out of my own end and make sure we're out of problem, then maybe try and lay a big hit in the neutral zone."

With the Warriors heading back onto the ice against Edmonton, once again Joel Edmundson will be forced to watch from the sidelines.

He's been out since September with an injury he suffered while with the St. Louis Blues.

Watching the guys during their current four game winning streak, Edmundson says he's seen them do the simple things right.

"No one's trying to over do things. I think the rookies are still a little scared out there, but I think the vets are doing a good job by helping them out and telling them to slow down the game. I think our patience and pace of the game is helping us out a lot."

Even though the Blues second round pick hasn't skated for quit some time, he's remaining positive and fit. "I got to the rink every morning just like the other guys do for workouts, I go hop on the bike to try and stay in shape."

"It's hard to stay positive but I'm a pretty happy guy usually, so I've been handling it pretty good," Edmundson added.

The Warriors and Edmonton Oil Kings take over Mosaic Place tonight, join James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith for all the action. Coverage begins with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

After tonight, the team will take Saturday and Sunday off before returning to action Monday and Tuesday. Thanksgiving Monday they battle the Prince George Cougars, 12pm at Mosaic Place, Tuesday they head up to Saskatoon.