Beach Named WHL Player of the Week

Before the Moose Jaw Warriors took the ice Monday for practice, the guys learned that forward Cody Beach had been the WHL's Player of the Week.

Beach had four goals and eight points in the tribe's wins over Prince Albert, Brandon, and Regina last week.

Against the Raiders, Beach had two goals and three points and was named the game's second star. In Brandon, he had two goals and four points and was named the game's first star. Against the Pats, he had an assist and was named the game's third star.

"There's lot's of good talented guys (across the WHL). (Kevin) Sundher put up four goals and one assist in one game, so you never really know. It's up to them (the WHL) and it's an honor to be picked.

Beach is the first Warriors to receive the award this season, and he says it's one that he shares with his linemates Quinton Howden and Carter Hansen.

"They're fun guys to play with, they're both smart hockey players, I have to contribute this to them. Every shift they're working hard and it seems that we can find where each other is on the ice."

Beach is fifth in Warrior scoring with four goals and nine points in eight games this season. He missed seven games due to suspension earlier in the year, and he says his current success show's how he's adjusted.

"One big thing for me this year is going to be using my discipline to my advantage instead of the other team, and controlling when something needs to be done. It'll be done, but when it doesn't, I'll be the one walking away."

"My linemates, especially Howden, he's all over me what I can do talent wise and putting the puck in the back of the net. That definitely keeps my head on straight," Beach added.

Beach says it's an honour to receive the award, but admits the most important stat from last week was "3", which is the wins over PA, Brandon, and Regina.

"We had three tough games on our road trip (two weeks ago) where we came out with no points. We were really disappointed with the outcome but I think the effort was there, and the effort continued into last week. It showed big time, we put the puck in the back of the net and came out with six points."

Last week the WHL announced the majority of the roster for the upcoming Subway Super Series coming up later this month. There still good be some additions to the rosters, and Beach says he's hoping his strong play as of late could translate into an appearance into one of the two games against Russia.

"It was a little tough to swallow not being named to that list. I think it only gave me more motivation to want one of those spots, and show Hockey Canada that I can play at that level and I want to play and I'll do whatever it takes. Hopefully this week got their attention, and from here on I just hope to convince them even more."

The Warriors are back at Mosaic Place this afternoon as they continue to practice in preparation for a pair of games coming up on the weekend at Mosaic Place. Friday night they take on Saskatoon and then Sunday they hook up with Calgary for the first time this season.

Sunday's game against the Hitmen will be the first time that forwards Justin Kirsch and Kenton Miller will square off against their former team. The duo was acquired last week in a trade that saw Collin Bowman and Joey Kornelsen land in Calgary.