Official Blog of the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL

2012 WARRIORS SKILLS COMP SUMMARY

2012-01-29T20:19:00.001-06:00

Photo by Stephen Simon

The 2012 Moose Jaw All Star Skills Competition was a lot of fun with a lot of flash this afternoon at Mosaic. The Warrior players showcased their individual talents in a variety of skill testing events.

Team Brooks took the overall team trophy by collecting the most points throughout the events. Each player took part in at least one event. The player's skills were tested in the puck handling challenge, the accurate shot, hardest shot, fastest skater and shoot-out challenge. The highlight of the competition was the final event, the trick shot. Sam Fioretti wore a Morgan Rielly jersey and a crown on his head during the event. Tanner Eberle pulled a Corey Perry and used a mini-stick in his Trick Shot attempt.

Photo by Stephen Simon

The highlight of the afternoon's festivities had to be Dallas Ehrhardt's smoke and fire show puck in the trick shot. Ehrhardt also had the crowd buzzing when he scored his between the legs spin-around goal in the shootout. Accordingly, Ehrhardt was named the shootout winner for his impressive move. Quinton Howden posted the fastest time in the Fastest Skater event with a 13.13 time. Cody Beach won the award for his 4 targets on 6 shots in the Accurate Shooting Contest. Spencer Tremblay was named Top Goalie for his 9 saves on 10 shootout attempts. Dylan McIlrath took home the Hardest Shot trophy with his booming shot of 93mph.

The Warriors players were picked by the two captains, youngest players on the team, Braiden Doucette and Brett Brooks. Doucette was the captain of Team Black, while Brooks captained Team Red.

Photo by Stephen Simon

Sunday afternoon was fun for the players and the fans a bit of change what you usually see at Mosaic when the Warriors play. Thank you to our fans for coming out. Thank you to our celebrity judges, Dean Lang, Marc Smith and Rick McKeown, who judged our Trick Shot event. And thank you to Peter Delisle of Top Shot "An Interactive Hockey Experience".

The Warriors next game action is Friday in Saskatoon to face the Blades for the second time in a week. The game gets going at 7 p.m. All the action can be heard on Country 100FM with James Gallo.

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Photo by Stephen Simon

WARRIORS DEFEAT BRONCOS AT MOSAIC

2012-01-28T23:41:00.000-06:00

GAME SUMMARY: SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS AT MOOSE JAW WARRIORS

The Moose Jaw Warriors finished the weekend collecting all four points possible and kept the winning streak alive. A 5-2 win over Swift Current at Mosaic Place on Saturday night also gave the Warriors their 22nd win on home ice. The Warriors have six wins and an overtime loss in their last seven games. The Swift Current Broncos were the latest team to fall during the current streak, twice. The Warriors also blanked the Broncos 3-0 in Swift Current on Tuesday.

Photo by Stephen Simon

Justin Kirsch continues to put up points as a member of the Warriors. With four more tonight, Kirsch has 32 points in 28 games wearing the black, white and red. Kirsch recorded a goal and three helpers to the way on the powerplay. Cody Beach and Cam Braes also had multiple point nights tallying, two assists and a goal and an assist, respectively.

The offensive explosion in the second launched the Warriors to victory. The Warriors scored four in the second period. Three goals came on the powerplay. Cam Braes scored his 29th on the season at even strength. Kenton Miller, James Henry and then Justin Kirsch all scored while the Warriors were on the man advantage. The Warriors fired 15 shots at the Broncos Groenheyde. Luke Siemens faced one shot in the period.

After one period of play the Warriors and Broncos were tied at 1-1. The Warriors struck first. Tanner Eberle scored his 7th goal of the season. Cody Beach assisted on the goal and also got involved in a tilt. The Broncos answered the Warriors goal with less than two minutes remaining in the first period on the powerplay. Coda Gordon scored his 20th goal of the season. Luke Siemens turned away six of the seven shots, while the Broncos goaltender Joe Groenheyde stopped eight of nine shots.

Photo by Stephen Simon

The barrage in the middle frame chased the Broncos goalie Groenheyde from the net; Austin Smith came in and made six saves. Taylor Vause added his 26th to his team leading goal total to add another for the Broncos in the third.

The Warriors will get a few days off before travelling to Saskatoon for a rematch next Friday. The next home game for the Warriors is Saturday when Prince Albert comes to the Band City. All the action can be heard live on Country100 FM with James Gallo. Check out our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/mjwarriors and Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MJWARRIORS, and our website, http://www.mjwarriors.com/

Tonight's Three Stars:

1st Justin Kirsch

2nd Cody Beach

3rd Travis Brown

Hardest Working Warrior (HWW) - Carter Hansen

Scoring Summary

1. M.J. T. Eberle, (7) (C. Beach), 7:52

1. S.C. C. Gordon, (20) (R. Scarlett, R. Nedomlel), 18:04 (PP)

2. M.J. C. Braes, (29) (J. Kirsch, T. Brown), 0:41

2. M.J. K. Miller, (19) (J. Kirsch), 4:01 (PP)

2. M.J. J. Henry, (9) (J. Kirsch, C. Braes), 6:17 (PP)

2. M.J. J. Kirsch, (17) (C. Beach), 11:26 (PP)

Photo by Stephen Simon

3. S.C. T. Vause, (27) (B. Hoban), 8:58 (PP)

Saves

Luke Siemens - 20 saves on 22 shots

Jon Groenheyde - 19 saves on 24 shots

Austin Smith - 6 saves on 6 shots

BRONCOS AND WARRIORS CLASH AT MOSAIC

2012-01-28T10:49:00.000-06:00

Game Preview: Broncos at Warriors

The Warriors and Broncos meet for the second time in four days. The Warriors (30-14-5-1--66 points), clash with the Swift Current Broncos (19-25-2-3--43points) in another divisional match-up tonight. This time the Warriors are the hosts. The Warriors upset the trend between these two clubs when they won on the road on Tuesday night. The home team had dominated, prior to Tuesday; each home club had two wins in the four match-ups thus far. Tonight's game is the sixth of the eight meetings between these divisional rivals; the Warriors have won three of the five. Tuesday night the Broncos hosted the Warriors the road team spoiled the party by not only taking two points but also blanking the home team 3-0. Luke Siemens returned to guard the crease and made 32 saves. The Warriors hold a 3-2 advantage in the season series thus far in 2011-12. After tonight the Warriors will hook up again in the third week in February. Last season, the Warriors won the six game series by collecting four wins.

Last night the Warriors came away with a victory increasing their lead over the Saskatoon Blades to seven. A 2-1 win at Mosaic Place also increased the Warriors home win total to 21. Quinton Howden and Kenton Miller scored for the Warriors while Luke Siemens made 29 saves in the victory. Tuesday night the Warriors travelled west to face their division rival the Swift Current Broncos. Luke Siemens returned to the net and blanked the Broncos 3-0. Siemens made 32 saves for his third shutout of the season. For the second straight game, overtime was needed to declare a victor. The Warriors do leave Regina with a point, but lost 3-2 in overtime to the Pats Saturday night at the Brandt Centre. Moose Jaw held the lead through two periods before the Pats forced the contest into overtime.

The Warriors have five wins and one overtime loss in their last six, collecting eleven of a possible 12 points. Over that five game span, the club has scored 24 goals. Moose Jaw has the most wins on home ice with 21and a road record of 9-11-3. When leading after the first the Warriors are 18-1-2. That unblemished record was broken by the Hitmen Friday, Jan.13th. And when leading after forty minutes, they hold a record of 18-1-4. The one loss held by the Warriors when leading after 40 minutes was tarnished by the Pats on Dec. 9th, 2011. When the Warriors outshoot their opponent they have a 19-6-3 record. The Warriors have a 18-4 record in one goal games. The Warriors have the 10th ranked power play (22.0%) and the eighth best penalty killing (81.2%) in the league. The Moose Jaw Warriors have played in 12 overtime games, (tied) most in the WHL. They have collected 18 points from games in extra time. The Warriors have 7 players with 10 or more goals this season.

Who to watch tonight. For the Broncos, Taylor Vause, the 20-year-old, leads the Broncos in all scoring categories. The Broncos centre has played 250 games in his WHL career recording 163 points. Colby Cave, the Broncos rookie, was acquired in the Cody Eakin trade, could be a player to watch for the next few years. For the Warriors Justin Kirsch has enjoyed some success against the Broncos in his career. Kirsch has recorded 5 points in four games over his career against Swift Current. Luke Siemens has 2-1 record with a 2.33 GAA and a .908 save percentage. Travis Brown is one defenseman fans and others should keep their eye on. The slick skating d-man can move both on the blades and the transition the puck out the defensive zone.

The game is the last one for the Warriors before getting back into action next Friday against the Blades at the Credit Union Centre. The Warriors return home to face the Prince Albert Raiders. The Warriors have 3-1 record against Prince Albert. Two wins at home and one win, one loss at the Art Hauser Centre. After that Saturday match-up with the Raiders, the Warriors play a three game stint in Alberta. Cam Braes returns to face his old team in Lethbridge. Then the team is off to Calgary and Red Deer.

Catch all the action live on Prairie Mobile Warriors Hockey on Country 100FM with the voice of the Warriors James Gallo. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mjwarriors and Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MJWARRIORS and check out our blog, http://officialblogofthemoosejawwarriors.blogspot.com

WARRIORS WIN IN A TIGHT GAME

2012-01-27T23:07:00.000-06:00

Photo by Stephen Simon

GAME SUMMARY: BLADES @ WARRIORS
The Warriors increased their lead in the division by holding on for a 2-1 win Friday night against the Saskatoon Blades at Mosaic Place. With the two points the Warriors move seven points ahead of the Blades with the win and sit atop the East Division.

Kenton Miller has been known this season to put the game away with four insurance goals this season. This time Miller, with his 18th, put the Warriors ahead in a closely contested game. On their sixth powerplay opportunity of the evening, Miller buried a loose puck to give the Warriors a 2-1 lead.

The Blades grabbed the lead at the midway point in the second. Matej Stransky, a Dallas Stars draft pick, scored his 26th goal of the season. Quinton Howden tied the game for the Warriors later in the second. Howden picked up a pass from James Henry and flew down his off-wing and snapped home is 16th of the season. With that marker, Howden is three goals shy of the 100 career goal mark in his WHL career. Henry finished with two assists on the night, the only player to record a multi-point night.

Like the first twenty minutes, the last twenty ended up scoreless. The teams traded chances and the game came down to the wire. Both team's goalies were called upon and answered. The Warriors outshot the Blades 17-6 in the second, but were outshot 14-10 in the third. However, the Warriors did end the game with a 36-30 advantage on the shot clock.

The Warriors are right back at it tomorrow night here at Mosaic. The Swift Current Broncos pay a visit with a second match-up this week. All the action can be heard live on Country100 FM with James Gallo. Be sure to check out our Moose Jaw Warriors webpage, http://www.mjwarriors.com/, Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/mjwarriors and Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MJWARRIORS.

Tonight's Three Stars:

1st Quinton Howden

2nd Luke Siemens

3rd Matej Stransky (Blades)

Hardest Working Warrior (HWW) - Kenton Miller

Scoring Summary
2. SAS M. Stransky, (26) (J. Nicholls, B. Benson), 9:15

2. M.J Q. Howden, (16) (J. Henry, J. Edmundson), 14:15

2. M.J K. Miller, (18) (J. Henry, J. Kirsch), 19:40 (PP)

Saves
Andrey Makarov - 34 on 36 shots

Luke Siemens - 29 on 30 shots

Photo by Stephen Simon

GAME PREVIEW: BLADES AT WARRIORS

2012-01-27T14:30:00.000-06:00

Game Preview: Blades at Warriors

Looking to increase their lead atop the East Division, the Warriors will defend home ice tonight against the second place Saskatoon Blades. With 20 home wins, the Warriors have the second most victories on home ice in the WHL. Tied to those victories, the collection of 43 points at home the Warriors are tied for most points accumulated.

The Warriors (29-14-5-1,64 points), face off against the Saskatoon Blades (29-18-0-1,59 points) in a divisional match-up tonight. The Warriors hold a five point lead over the Blades in the division making the next two match-ups potential four point swings. In their previous three meetings this season, the Warriors hold a one game advantage. Their last hook-up was Friday, Dec. 16th at the Credit Union Centre, the Warriors triumphed with a 4-2 win. The Warriors scored three straight after falling behind 2-1early in the second. The two previous match-ups were decided by one goal, a 3-2 Warriors win and a 4-3 OT victory for Saskatoon, respectively. Justin Kirsch, Sam Fioretti and rookie Carter Hansen have registered 3 points against the Blades this season. Kirsch had a hat trick on Nov. 4th, 2011 in his third game as a Warrior.

The Warriors have four wins and one overtime loss in their last five, collecting nine of a possible 10 points. Over that five game span, the club has scored 22 goals. Moose Jaw has the most wins on home ice with 20-3-2 and a road record of 9-11-3. When leading after the first the Warriors are 18-1-2. That unblemished record was broken by the Hitmen Friday, Jan.13th. And when leading after forty minutes, they hold a record of 17-1-4. The one loss held by the Warriors when leading after 40 minutes was tarnished by the Pats on Dec. 9th, 2011. When the Warriors outshoot their opponent they have an 18-6-3 record. The Warriors have a 17-4 record in one goal games. The Warriors are 17-4-5 in one goal games. The Warriors have the ninth ranked power play (22.4%) and the eighth best penalty killing (80.6%) in the league. The Moose Jaw Warriors have played in 12 overtime games, (tied) most in the WHL. They have collected 18 points from games in extra time. The Warriors have 7 players with 10 or more goals this season.

Players to watch tonight:

In three games against the Blades this season, Luke Siemens has two wins and one overtime loss. Siemens has turned aside 97 of the 105 shots he has faced.

The last time Justin Kirsch faced the Blades, he had a three goal performance leading the way offensively for the Warriors.

Rookie forward Carter Hansen also has three points (1G,2A) in three games versus the Blades.

Three Warriors are closing on career milestones; Quinton Howden needs four goals to reach the 100 goal plateau in his WHL career. James Henry is closing in on two WHL milestones in games played and points. Henry needs 10 points to reach 200 and 12 games played to hit 300 career WHL regular season game mark. Kendall McFaull will play in 200 career regular season games in 2012, he is just 25 games played shy.

On the other side, former Warriors Jesse Paradis and Connor Cox are back to play at Mosaic. Paradis played two and about a half seasons with the Warriors before joining the Blades this season. Cox also played two seasons and a hand full of games for the Warriors prior to his trade last season. In that transaction, the Warriors attained a 2nd round pick in 2011 draft. Dalton Thrower is among the league leaders in points as a defenseman and is ranked 30th among North American players for the upcoming 2012 Draft.

Upcoming games for the Warriors: The Warriors have another home game tomorrow night when Swift Current comes to the Band City. The return match with the Blades goes next Friday at the Credit Union Centre followed by a home date with Prince Albert next Saturday night.

This Sunday, the Warriors will be holding their Skills Competition at Mosaic Place. The start time is 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the two home games this weekend on the concourse, $10 general admission. Then the Pizza Hut on Main Street wants to invite all Warriors' fans down for the Grand Re-opening celebration following the Skills Competition.

GAME PREVIEW: WARRIORS AT BRONCOS

2012-01-24T11:57:00.000-06:00

In the first of two meetings, this week the Warriors travel West to do battle with the Broncos at the Credit Union i-Plex. The home-and-home series part one is tonight, followed by a Saturday night game at Mosaic. The schedule of games between the two clubs has had them playing twice a month in every month except December. In the second half, the two teams will play two in January and two more in February.

There first two meeting were in October and then twice in November. Thus far, the two teams have split the four-game head-to-head series. Ironically, the home teams have the victories. Both teams play well when on home ice. The Warriors have 20 wins on home ice, which is tied for the most in the WHL. The Broncos record at home is four games above .500 (13-9). The Warriors collected two wins in October. Both games were at Mosaic, a 7-4 and 3-2 victory. At the Credit Union, the Broncos evened the season series with 3-2 and 6-2 wins. Last season, Moose Jaw won four of six.

The Warriors (28-14-5-1, 61 points), will take on the Swift Current Broncos (18-24-2-3,41 points) in a divisional match-up tonight. The Warriors come in with three wins in their last four and collecting seven of a possible eight points. In the last five games, the Warriors are 3-2. In their last three games, the club has scored 16 goals. Moose Jaw has the most wins on home ice with 20-3-2 and a road record of 8-11-3. When leading after the first the Warriors are 17-1-2. That unblemished record was broken by the Hitmen Friday, Jan.13th. And when leading after forty minutes, they hold a record of 16-1-4. The one loss held by the Warriors when leading after 40 minutes was tarnished by the Pats on Dec. 9th, 2011. When the Warriors outshoot their opponent they have a 17-6-2 record. The Warriors are 17-4-5 in one goal games. The Warriors have the ninth ranked power play (22.1%) and the eighth best penalty killing (80.2%) in the league. The Moose Jaw Warriors have played in 12 overtime games, (tied) most in the WHL. They have collected 18 points from games in extra time. The Warriors have 7 players with 10 or more goals this season.

The last three games for the Warriors have needed extra time to decide which team will get two points in two of them. For the second straight game, overtime was needed to declare a victor. The Warriors do leave Regina with a point, but lost 3-2 in overtime to the Pats Saturday night at the Brandt Centre. Moose Jaw held the lead through two periods before the Pats forced the contest into overtime. An overtime winner by Andrew Johnson kept the winning streak alive and at three. The Warriors earned two points with a 6-5 win over the Kootenay Ice Friday night at Mosaic Place. Joel Edmundson, Kendall McFaull, Quinton Howden and Cody Beach all had two point nights against Kootenay. Moose Jaw won their second consecutive game Wednesday night by a score of 2-0 over the Victoria Royals. Spencer Tremblay recorded a shutout the first of his WHL career. The netminder stopped all 23 shots put his way. James Henry and Cam Braes scored for the Warriors.

Players to watch on both sides tonight. Cam Braes leads the Warriors in scoring with 53 points with 27 goals and 26 assists. In his six games with the club, he has 3 goals and 5 assists. For the Broncos, Taylor Vause leads the Broncos in scoring with 24 goals and 30 helpers for 54 points. The pair are playing in their 20-year-old season, similar to Braes, Vause has played for one club his entire career. Braes had played for one team during his WHL career until the trade deadline this season saw him leave Lethbridge for Moose Jaw. Another trade deadline acquisition James Henry has also contributed on the offensive side. Henry has six points in six games as a Warrior. Henry is approaching a couple of WHL milestones. Henry is 13 games short of 300 for his career and 10 points shy of 200 in the WHL.

The Warriors currently hold 1st place in the East Division, three points up on Saskatoon. The Broncos currently sit 10th in the Conference and are eight points out of a playoff spot which is being held by Brandon.

GAME SUMMARY

2012-01-23T22:41:00.000-06:00

Warriors at Pats

In their second game this weekend, the Warriors had to play in another overtime game. The Regina Pats took the extra point Saturday night with a 3-2 overtime win. Last night, the Warriors were the victors taking two points from Kootenay in an extra time game. The Warriors earned three out of a possible four points and hold top spot in the East Division with 62 points.

The Warriors held the lead after two periods. Cody Beach opened the scoring in the second with his 11th goal on the season, that goal gave him 100 career WHL points. Eric Arnold got the second Warrior goal in the second who lead 2-1 after 40 minutes. The Pats tied the game on a successful penalty shot in the third. And the Pats ended the game 30 seconds into overtime when the puck was redirected into the Warriors net.

Spencer Tremblay made 28 saves on 31 shots. Tremblay was named the third star. This was the first time the rookie Tremblay has played three games in a row this season.

The Warriors next game is Tuesday in Swift Current. Catch the game action live on Prairie Mobile Warriors Hockey on Country 100FM with James Gallo. Check out our
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Twitter page https://twitter.com/%20-%20!/MJWARRIORS

GAME PREVIEW: WARRIORS AT PATS

2012-01-21T13:57:00.000-06:00

It is the fifth meeting of the 2011-12 regular season, as the Warriors travel to Regina to face-off against their rival at the Brandt Centre. The Warriors come in winning three in a row and have outscored their opponents 16-7 over those three games.

The Warriors (28-14-4-1, 61 points), square off against the Pats (25-17-5-1,56 points) at the Brandt Centre tonight. In their previous four meetings this season, the Warriors hold three wins and an OT loss. The last two games have been split with each team earning an overtime victory with the final score registering 3-2. The Warriors OT hero on Nov. 11 was Quinton Howden. The Warriors sit atop the division with a five point lead over tonight's opponent. The Warriors built a two-goal after two periods on Dec. 9th, the two team's most recent clash. The Pats scored three to not only win, but hand the Warriors their first loss when leading after 40 minutes. The Pats and Warriors will face each other three times after tonight's match. Three of the four remaining games (including tonight) will take place at the Brandt Centre. Last season, the Warriors won seven games against the Pats, suffering only an overtime loss in eight games.

Tonight's game ends a four game week for the Warriors who a bit of a streak going. An overtime game kept the winning streak alive and currently at three. The Warriors earned two points with a win over the Kootenay Ice Friday night at Mosaic Place. Andrew Johnson scored the OT winner. Joel Edmundson, Kendall McFaull, Quinton Howden and Cody Beach all had two point nights against Kootenay. The club won their second consecutive game Wednesday night 2-0 over the Victoria Royals. Spencer Tremblay recorded a shutout the first of his WHL career. The netminder stopped all 23 shots put his way. James Henry and Cam Braes scored for the Warriors. Sunday night ended a weekend three game set Brandon was the night's opponent and the game was one-goal game until the Warriors scored five unanswered to make the final 8-2. Four Warriors registered three point nights. James Henry and Cam Braes each recorded a goal and two assists. Henry's goal was his first as a Warrior. Justin Kirsch had two goals and an assist. The fourth Warrior to register three points was Quinton Howden, he tallied three helpers.

Spencer Tremblay has been between the pipes in two of those three victories. In his start against Victoria Tremblay made 23 saves to earn his first career WHL shutout. The next outing Tremblay turned aside 25 shots to help his team defeat Kootenay. This is the first time Tremblay has played back-to-back games since November. Luke Siemens will return to the line-up, however, his status of playing is unknown. The Warriors also found out yesterday that Dylan McIlrath will not be in line-up for eight games due to a league issued suspension.

Justin Kirsch, Cam Braes, James Henry and Quinton Howden have been foremost contributors to the offense lately for the Warriors. Since coming over and taking a couple games to adjust, Cam Braes has eight points in five games (3G,5A). James Henry is also registering a point-a-game with the Warriors with five in five (2G,3A). Quinton Howden has seven assists in his last four games and has 36 points in 27 games. Justin Kirsch is also providing the offense. Since coming back off of injury on Dec. 28th, 2011, Kirsch has 11 points in 12 games (4G, 7A). As a Warrior, the 19-year-old forward has 25 points in 24 games. Cody Beach needs to record a single point to achieve 100 in his WHL career of 150 played (adding tonight`s).

On the other side, Jordan Weal continues his torrent pace. Weal is now the WHL leader in points with 79, one ahead of Ty Rattie in Portland. He is also tied for fourth in goals amongst WHL players. He is the WHL top assist leader with 50. Obviously, Weal is the catalyst behind the Pats offensive attack. The Pats made a move at the trade deadline to bring over a defenseman. Martin Marincin was acquired from the Prince George Cougars. Since coming to the Pats, the d-man has produced a point-a-game (five points in five games).

All the action can be heard on Country 100FM with the voice of the Warriors James Gallo. Be sure to check out our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mjwarriors and Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MJWARRIORS pages for stories, updates and other things Warriors.

WARRIORS WIN IN OT

2012-01-20T23:39:00.000-06:00

Game Summary - Ice at Warriors
Another one-goal game between the Ice and the Warriors, no surprise there. The final 6-5 might have you doing a double-take when reading the scoring summary. The game was closely contested and extra time was needed to decide who skated away with two points. Andrew Johnson made sure the Warriors got that extra point. Making a play on the wall to keep the puck and heading to the front of the net, Johnson stroked the puck into the yawning cage off a rebound when Edmundson put the puck at the net from the corner.

Each team scored twice in the third. Kootenay grabbed an early lead in the third period. The Warriors even the game once again when Kendall McFaull scored his fourth of the season, James Henry and Cody Beach had the assists, his second helper on the night. The Ice would break the tie with one minute and seven seconds left on the clock with the Warriors down a man. With 51 seconds on the clock the Warriors sent the game to extra time. Joel Edmundson scored his first goal of the season with a seeing-eyed point shot bulged the twine. Quinton Howden and Cam Braes assisted on the goal.

The second period the teams played a little tighter. The Ice tied the game late in the second. Tremblay faced 16 shots in the frame while the Warriors put 10 towards the Ice cage.

The Warriors had to play catch up as the Ice took the lead with a shorthanded goal. The Warriors answered a minute and a half later with a powerplay goal. Kenton Miller scored his 16th of the season tipping the point shot by Justin Kirsch. Quinton Howden also picked up an assist on the goal. The Ice took the lead again with a man advantage goal. Four seconds later, Andrew Johnson scored his 12th of the season, again, on a Warriors' powerplay to tie the game at 2-2. Rounding out the scoring in the first period, rookie Eric Arnold wristed a shot top shelf glove side to put the Warriors up 3-2. The Warriors fired 12 shots at the Ice net. Tremblay faced six shots in the period.

To finish out the first month of 2012, the Warriors play two on the road, Regina tomorrow night and Swift Current on Tuesday (Jan. 24th). The two home dates are back-to-back games next Friday when the Blades come to town and the Broncos pay a visit to Mosaic. As the Warriors have four games left in the month.

All the action can be heard on Country 100FM with the voice of the Warriors James Gallo. Be sure to check out our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mjwarriors and Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MJWARRIORS pages for stories, updates and other things Warriors.

Three Stars:
1 Andrew Johnson 2 Sam Reinhart (ICE) 3 Kenton Miller HWW Jordan Wyton

Scoring Summary
1. KTN E. Benoit, (10) (D. McKinlay), 7:29 (SH)

1. M.J K. Miller, (16) (J. Kirsch, Q. Howden), 9:00 (PP)

1. KTN S. Reinhart, (16) (J. Antilla, J. Dirk), 10:31 (PP)

1. M.J A. Johnson, (12) (D. Ehrhardt, C. Beach), 10:35 (PP)

1. M.J E. Arnold, (7) (J. Wyton), 16:43

2. KTN J. Martin, (3) (L. Cable, J. Hubic), 15:28

3. KTN J. Martin, (4) (J. Leach), 3:56

3. M.J K. McFaull, (4) (C. Beach, J. Henry), 13:48

3. KTN B. Montgomery, (14) (S. Reinhart, M. Reinhart), 18:53 (PP)

3. M.J J. Edmundson, (1) (Q. Howden, C. Braes), 19:09

OT. M.J A. Johnson, (13) (J. Edmundson, K. McFaull), 2:27

Tremblay - 25 saves on 30 shots
Lieuwen - 30 saves on 36 shots

GAME PREVIEW: ICE AT WARRIORS

2012-01-20T12:12:00.001-06:00

GAME PREVIEW: WARRIORS HUNT WINTER MAMMOTHS

The Moose Jaw Warriors kick off their two game weekend set tonight versus the Kootenay Ice at Mosaic. The Warriors are on a two-game winning streak with an 8-2 win over Brandon on Sunday night and then beating Victoria 2-0 on Wednesday.

The Warriors (27-14-4-1) with 59 points, face the Ice (26-13-2-3) who have 57 points for the final time this regular season. The Warriors hold a one game advantage in the series having won two of the three meetings thus far. Last season the two split the season series at 2-2. All three games have been decided by a goal. The last meeting was the final game of the post-Christmas road trip for the Warriors who won 3-2 on January 7th. Tanner Eberle had a big night pacing the Warriors to the win. Eberle had two goals and an assist.

The Warriors won their second consecutive game 2-0 Wednesday night against the Victoria Royals. Spencer Tremblay recorded his 1st shutout in WHL career. The netminder stopped all 23 shots sent his way. James Henry and Cam Braes scored for the Warriors. Sunday night ended a weekend three game set Brandon was the night's opponent and the game was one-goal game until the Warriors scored five unanswered to make the final 8-2. Four Warriors registered three point nights. James Henry and Cam Braes each recorded a goal and two assists. Henry's goal was his first as a Warrior. Justin Kirsch had two goals and an assist. The fourth Warriors to register three points was Quinton Howden, he tallied three helpers. The second of two matches in Alberta saw the Warriors take on the Tigers in Medicine Hat. The Warriors tied the game on three separate occasions, but fell 6-3. Cam Braes scored his first goal as a Warrior, his 100th goal of his WHL career. Hitting the road once again, the Warriors traveled west to face the Calgary Hitmen at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

In the last five games Warriors are 3-2. Moose Jaw has the second most wins on home ice with 19-3-2 and a road record of 8-11-2. When leading after the first and second period the Warriors are 16-1. That unblemished record was broken by the Hitmen Friday, Jan.13th. When the Warriors outshoot their opponent they have a 16-6-2 record. The Warriors are 16-4-4 in one goal games. The Warriors have the ninth ranked power play (22.2%) and the sixth best penalty killing (81.0%) in the league. The Warriors have played in 10 overtime games (collecting 15 points) tied for most in the WHL, only the Red Deer Rebels have played in as many.

Warriors to watch:

Tanner Eberle and Kenton Miller have put up numbers against the Ice this season each recording 3 pts in three games. (2G, 1A)

Cam Braes has been an offensive catalyst since coming over in the trade tallying seven points in seven games (3G, 4A).

Justin Kirsch is also wielding a hot piece of lumber. As a Warrior, in 24 games Kirsch is at a point-a-game clip with 12 goals and 12 helpers in 23 games.

James Henry is also chipping in offensively recording four points (2G,2A) in four games as a Warrior.

Spencer Tremblay recorded his first career shutout in the WHL Wednesday night against the Victoria Royals.

Ice Players to watch:

Max Reinhart leads the Ice with 53 pts (20G, 33A)

Drew Czerwonka has recorded three points in three games against the Warriors.

Nathan Lieuwen has the second best GAA (2.11) and save percentage (.927)

The Reinhart brothers are also players to watch, Max has 28 pts in the road games this season and Sam is tied for fifth in rookie scoring in the WHL.

To finish out the first month of 2012, the Warriors play two on the road, Regina tomorrow night and Swift Current on Tuesday (Jan. 24th). The two home dates are back-to-back games next Friday when the Blades come to town and the Broncos pay a visit to Mosaic.

All the action can be heard on Country 100FM with the voice of the Warriors James Gallo. Check out our facebook http://www.facebook.com/mjwarriors and Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MJWARRIORS pages for stories, updates and other things Warriors.

GAME PREVIEW: ROYALS AT WARRIORS

2012-01-18T12:21:00.000-06:00

Game Preview: Royals vs. Warriors

A rare mid-week game has the Warriors looking to continue the success at home they have enjoyed all season. With 18 wins on Mosaic Place ice the Warriors sit in first place in the East Division and second in the Eastern Conference. Saskatoon Blades and Regina Pats are within striking distance of the Warriors sitting two and three points back, respectively. The Pats host the Warriors on Saturday in a crucial divisional game. The Warriors will face the Blades at Mosaic next Friday. The Warriors are trying to chase down the Edmonton Oil Kings who hold a six-point lead heading in to action tonight.

The Warriors (26-14-4-1) face the Royals (14-26-2-3) for the first and only time this season. The history of this match-up is linked to the Chiliwack Bruins franchise. Last season, in their only meeting, the Warriors won 4-2 on New Year's Eve. The Warriors built a 3 goal lead in the first and captain Spencer Edwards sealed the game with an empty net goal. In the last five years, the Warriors are 4-0 versus Victoria, or Chiliwack.

The Warriors are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. Moose Jaw has the second most wins on home ice with 18-3 and a road record of 8-11-2. When leading after the first period the Warriors are now 15-1-2. That unblemished record was broken by the Hitmen Friday, Jan.13th. When the Warriors outshoot their opponent they have a 15-6-2 record. The Warriors are 16-4-4 in one goal games. The Warriors have the ninth ranked power play (22.2%) and the eighth best penalty killing (80.4%) in the league. The Warriors have played in 10 overtime games (collecting 15 points) tied for most in the WHL, only the Red Deer Rebels have played in as many.

The start of the New Year saw the Warriors play six-games away from Moose Jaw. The Warriors finally returned home after 18 days on the road. Sunday night ended a weekend three game set Brandon was the night's opponent and the game was one-goal game until the Warriors scored five unanswered to make the final 8-2. Four Warriors registered three point nights. James Henry and Cam Braes each recorded a goal and two assists. Henry's goal was his first as a Warrior. Justin Kirsch had two goals and an assist. The fourth Warriors to register three points was Quinton Howden, he tallied three helpers. The second of two matches in Alberta saw the Warriors take on the Tigers in Medicine Hat. The Warriors tied the game on three separate occasions, but fell 6-3. Cam Braes scored his first goal as a Warrior, his 100th goal of his WHL career. Hitting the road once again, the Warriors traveled west to face the Calgary Hitmen at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Warriors jumped out to a quick lead, Shayne Gwinner's point shot found the back of the net. The Hitmen answered with five straight, before Travis Brown made the game 5-2, which would be the final score.

Who to watch tonight:

Warriors Justin Kirsch has been on a tear since returning to the line-up. As a Warriors Kirsch is on a point-a-game clip, he has played 22 games and recorded 24 points. Newly acquired Cam Braes will skate on Mosaic Place ice for the second time. Since being obtained Braes has found his offensive touch as of late. He has recorded five points (2G, 3A) in three games. James Henry is also paying dividends since being acquired. Henry was one of four Warriors to register three points in the Brandon game Sunday night. On the other side, Jordan Fransoo, who was also a trade deadline acquisition from the Wheat Kings, has helped the Royals with some offense from the blueline. Fransoo is one of two NHL drafted Royals'. Fransoo is an Ottawa Senator 7th round pick in 2011 draft. The other is Tyler Stahl, he is a Carolina Hurricanes 6th round pick from the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

The Warriors after tonight play the Kootenay Ice for the final time this regular season on Friday at Mosaic Place. Then the team travels 74 kms east on the #1 to face the Pats in Regina on Saturday night. The Warriors will play another mid-week game this time on Tuesday in Swift Current before a home ice weekend set. Game times are 7 p.m. local. All games can be heard on Country100FM with James Gallo, the voice of the Moose Jaw Warriors. Check out Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mjwarriors and our Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MJWARRIORS for live updates, latest info and more stuff. To watch any of the Warriors road games check the WHL Live site http://whl.neulion.com/whl/

WARRIORS WIN BIG AT HOME

2012-01-15T23:07:00.000-06:00

Game 45 vs Brandon Game Summary

With an 8-2 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings Sunday night, the Warriors collected their 18th win of the season on home ice. The Warriors returned home for the first time since 2011, December 28th to be exact. A win against the top team in the conference was the result for the Warriors on that night. And the team returned home in a big way to start 2012 on home ice the way 2011 ended.

A five goal outburst in the third paced the Warriors to the win. The final frame started with a quick goal by Sam Fioretti just 39 seconds in. The Warriors tallied three powerplay goals and Cam Braes registered his second as a Warrior in between those man advantage markers. Justin Kirsch scored his second of the night, Cody Beach and then James Henry, notched his first goal as a Warrior, all with the man advantage to round out the scoring.

The Warriors started the second period breaking the tie when Kirsch scored his 11th goal in 22 games as a Warrior on shot from the wing. Then the Warriors extended the lead to two. Kenton Miller, scored his 12th as a Warrior, lit the lamp to make it 3-1. The Wheat Kings answered the Warriors three goal borage with a tally to make it 3-2 midway through the second period. The Warriors were outshot again, 12 to 9 in the second frame.

The first period started slow, but ended with a flurry of action. Each team had come in losing their previous game. The goal scoring happened in the last two minutes of the period. The Wheat Kings struck first on the powerplay, the Warriors would go on to kill seven straight Wheat Kings' powerplays. The Warriors answered right back. Torrin White scored his eighth of the season, Quinton Howden and James Henry with the assists. Henry registers his first point as a Warrior. The Wheat Kings outshot the Warriors 10-9 in the first.

A few Warriors had big nights for the club. Cam Braes scored a goal and added two assists, Quinton Howden registered three assists, James Henry also recorded a goal and two assists, and Justin Kirsch scored two goals.

The Warriors play the Victoria Royals for the only time this season at Mosaic on Wednesday night. It's a midweek game to help get all you Warriors' fans through the week toward the weekend and make hump-day even more meaningful. Game time is 7 p.m. Catch the action on Country 100FM and James Gallo, if you can get down to the game. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for live updates, scores, and other interesting stuff.

Three Stars: 1 J Kirsch 2 C Braes 3 Q Howden HWW K McFaull

The Warriors were 3/4 on the PP and killed 6 of the 7 Wheat Kings' man advantages.

Luke Siemens has turned aside 29 of 31 Wheat Kings' shots.

Scorers:

T. White, (8) (Q. Howden, J. Henry) 19:38

J. Kirsch, (14) (D. Ehrhardt) 0:14

K. Miller, (15) 9:43

S. Fioretti, (15) (C. Braes) 0:39

J. Kirsch, (15) (Q. Howden, T. Brown) 5:53 (PP)

C. Braes, (26) (J. Kirsch) 7:09

C. Beach, (10) (D. McIlrath, J. Henry) 10:01 (PP)

J. Henry, (7) (Q. Howden, C. Braes) 16:22 (PP)

GAME PREVIEW: WARRIORS vs WHEAT KINGS

2012-01-15T11:00:00.000-06:00

Game 45 - Brandon Wheat Kings - Preview

This will be the final meeting with the Wheat Kings in the 2011-12 regular season. The Warriors have faced the Wheat Kings on six occasions this season. The first meeting was the Mosaic Place home opener, which the Wheat Kings spoiled the celebration with a 4-1 win. The Warriors would extract some revenge taking the next two meetings with a combined 12-7 score, (4-3 and 8-4). Cody Beach had big night in the 8-4 victory collecting 4 points (2G,2A). In his first game as a Warrior Justin Kirsch notched a pair of goals. Dallas Ehrhardt recorded three helpers in that game as well for the Warriors. In the November back-to-back games, the last time these two teams faced off, Moose Jaw won 7-6 and 4-3. In first meeting, Quinton Howden registered four assists and Andrew Johnson had a pair of goals. The next night, Nov.26, rookie Eric Arnold scored the GWG just past the midway point of the third.

The Warriors are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. Moose Jaw has the second most wins on home ice with 17-3 and a road record of 8-11-2. When leading after the first period the Warriors are now 15-1-2. That unblemished record was broken by the Hitmen Friday night. When the Warriors outshoot their opponent they have a 14-6-2 record. The Warriors are 16-4-4 in one goal games. The Warriors have the 12th ranked power play (21.1%) and the nineth best penalty killing (80.2%) in the league. The Warriors have played in 10 overtime games (collecting 15 points) tied for most in the WHL, only the Red Deer Rebels have played in as many.

Cam Braes scored his first goal as a Warrior last night in Medicine Hat; he also added an assist to record a two-point night. Braes' goal was the 100th of his WHL career. James Henry, the other new addition to the Warriors is just shy of a couple WHL milestones. Henry needs just 16 points to reach 200 in his career. As well Henry needs to appear in just 17 games to have played in 300 WHL regular season games.

The second of two matches in Alberta saw the Warriors take on the Tigers in Medicine Hat. The Warriors tied the game on three separate occasions, but fell 6-3. Cam Braes scored his first goal as a Warrior, his 100th goal of his WHL career. Hitting the road once again had the Warriors travel west to face the Calgary Hitmen at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Warriors just out to a quick lead, when Shayne Gwinner's point shot found the back of the net. The Hitmen answered with five, before Travis Brown made the game 5-2. The Warriors ended of an eight game road trip with a 3-2 win over the Kootenay Ice in Cranbrook. Tanner Eberle lit the lamp twice, including the game-winner early in the third.

With six game-winning goals, Cam Braes is tied for the WHL lead. Eric Arnold’s 18, Tanner Eberle 16, and Carter Hansen's 15 points has them in amongst the league rookie scoring leaders. Kenton Miller has four insurance goals, is tied for third in the WHL. Luke Siemens has the tied for fifth best GAA (2.59) and fifth with 21 wins and eighth with a .909 save percentage in the WHL.

Tonight against Brandon is the final game of a three game set for the Warriors. The Warriors welcome the relocated WHL franchise, Victoria Royals to Mosaic for their only visit of the year. The game is a mid-week game Wednesday night puck drop is the usual 7 p.m. The Kootenay Ice roll into the Moose Jaw on Friday night to face the Warriors for the final time in the regular season. The Warriors then end the weekend on Saturday night in Regina taking on the Pats in a crucial divisional game.

Catch all of tonight`s action along with every Warriors game live on Country100 and the voice of the Warriors James Gallo. As well, our Facebook and Twitter pages will be providing live updates, scores, stats, and other stuff throughout the games. If you want to watch the games go to the WHL Live site to stream the games http://whl.neulion.com/whl/

WARRIORS LOSE A HARD FOUGHT BATTLE WITH TIGERS

2012-01-14T23:18:00.000-06:00

The second game of a two-game Alberta set. Tonight's opponent was the Medicine Hat Tigers and Tyler Bunz. The Warriors clawed back three times to even the game and played with a tenacious effort, but in the end fell 6-3 to the Tigers. Spencer Tremblay kept the game close frustrating the Tiger shooters with timely saves. Bunz also turned away plenty of quality Warriors' chances foiling any type of a comeback by the team. The Warriors fired 38 shots at the Tigers net, but were only able to beat Bunz three times.

The third period saw the Warriors claw back into the game only to fall behind again. Kendall McFaull tied the game early in the third when he floated a shot toward the net from the blueline. The Tigers grabbed the lead for good with a goal midway through the period. Then the Tigers added two empty net goals to make the final 6-3.

The second period saw both teams play fairly cautiously. The Tigers grab the lead 3-2 late in the second period. The Warriors pushed vehemently to tie the game. Howden had a fantastic chance but Tigers goalie Tyler Bunz turned him away. The Warriors continued to put pucks at Bunz with 11 more in the frame. Both Bunz and Warriors goaltender Spencer Tremblay foiled many opportunities for the opposing teams to light the lamp.

Justin Kirsch got the Warriors on the board with a powerplay goal. Kirsch wired a wrist shot from the high slot, Cam Braes and Quinton Howden set him up. Braes, with the assist, recorded his first point as a Warrior. Howden also recorded his first point since returning from the World Junior Championship on January 6th. Cam Braes got his first goal as a Warrior late in the first to tie the game at 2-2. The Warriors fired 13 shots at the Tigers net.

The Warriors will finally return home to end the weekend with a date against Brandon. Sunday night is the first of three home dates for the Warriors next week. The Warriors will welcome the Victoria Royals mid-week and then square off with the Kootenay Ice next Friday for the final time this regular season. Before ending the week in the Queen City to challenge the Pats next Saturday night, which is also Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.

Scorers tonight

Kirsch 13th, Braes and Howden

Braes 25th, T. Brown and Kirsch

McFaull 3rd, Beach and McIlrath

Tremblay made 20 saves on 24 shots

Game Preview - Tigers vs Warriors

2012-01-14T11:28:00.003-06:00

Game Day - January 14 at Medicine Hat Tigers

The Warriors (25-13-4-1) have faced the Tigers (24-16-2-2) once this season, November 19th. It was on a Saturday night at Mosaic Place, The Warriors won a one-goal game 3-2. Quinton Howden had three assists in the game. Justin Kirsch scored with the man advantage to seal the game for the Warriors about half way through the third period. Luke Siemens turned aside 25 of 27 shots, 12 in a busy third to preserve the victory. The Warriors outshot the Tigers 32-27. The Tigers and Warriors hook up two more times this season after tonight. The teams will play a home-and-home set on February 17 and 18th. The Warriors will look to get a winning streak going tonight and build upon their early season success against the Tigers.

The Warriors are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. Moose Jaw has the second most wins on home ice with 17 and a road record of 8-10-2. When leading after the first period the Warriors are 15-1-2. That unblemished record was tarnished by the Hitmen in last night's contest. And when leading after the second, they have only one loss (14-1-3). When the Warriors outshoot their opponent they have a 14-5-2 record. The Warriors have the 13th ranked power play (20.9%) and the eighth best penalty killing (80.4%) in the league. The Warriors have played in 10 overtime games (collecting 15 points) tied for most in the WHL, only the Red Deer Rebels have played in as many.

The Warriors will play their second game in the province of Alberta tonight against the Tigers. Last night in Calgary, the Warriors had a great start to the game and played a strong first period. Shayne Gwinner did the best thing a road team can do. Score first. A point shot by Gwinner found the back of the net and the Warriors held the lead after the first period. In the second, the Hitmen scored five straight, before Travis Brown, his fourth of the season, scored for the Warriors. The final score was 5-2 in favour of the home team. The game got hostile toward the end of the game, the unpleasant-res were being exchanged by both teams throughout the game. This was a carryover from the previous two meeting with the Hitmen this season.

Leading Warriors:

Scorer - Cam Braes now leads the Warriors in scoring with 45 points in 45 games (24G, 22A)

Goals - Cam Braes 24

The Warriors leading goal scorers prior to the arrival of Braes, Kenton Miller, Quinton Howden and Sam Fioretti with 14.

Assists - James Henry 35

Preceding the arrival of James Henry (35), Cody Beach was the top disher leading the Warriors with 22 helpers.

Game 43 vs Hitmen Game Summary

2012-01-13T23:03:00.000-06:00

Friday night the Warriors played the Hitmen in their first of three games in three nights. The Warriors grabbed an early lead in the first, but fell 5-2 in defeat at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

It was a fast paced first period. The period was also free-flowing in both the skating and puck moving aspects of the game. The Warriors executed an excellent road period by limiting offensive chances and creating opportunities at the other end. A tight defensive shell and an aggressive offensive attack is what helped give the Warriors an early lead in the game. Shayne Gwinner scored his second goal of the season at the five minute mark of the period, Eric Arnold and Andrew Johnson were tabbed with the helpers. The Warriors put eight shots at the Hitmen net during the first frame.

The second period saw the Hitmen score five unanswered goals to grab a 5-1 lead. Moose Jaw Warriors defenseman Travis Brown scored a late goal in the third to make the score 5-2. The Warriors had two powerplay chances which generated chances, but were unable to capitalize. Moose Jaw put 29 shots at the Hitmen net in the game.

Up next for the Warriors are the Medicine Hat Tigers. Moose Jaw will travel east on the Trans Canada Highway to hook up the Tigers tomorrow night. Game time is set for 8:30 p.m. CST. Catch all the action live with James Gallo on Country 100FM or the WHL Live or on your smart phone with live updates on the Moose Jaw Warriors Facebook and Twitter page.

The Warriors return home to face the Brandon Wheat Kings Sunday night at 7 p.m. Get your tickets tomorrow box office opens at 11 a.m.

Scorers

Shayne Gwinner (2nd), assists to Eric Arnold and Andrew Johnson

Travis Brown (4th) assists to Joel Edmundson and Jordan Wyton

Luke Siemens made 23 saves on 28 shots

GAME PREVIEW #43 AT CALGARY HITMEN

2012-01-13T12:22:00.000-06:00

The Warriors travel to Calgary after five days off from game action. The Warriors just finished a six game, 10 day road trip through the Western U.S. Division before finishing up in Kootenay. The Warriors earned five points on the road trip with wins in Everett, and Kootenay and a draw in Portland. Having played a majority of the first half of the 2011-12 season at home, the Warriors will be travelling a lot as the push to the playoffs continues.

The Warriors coming in having faced the Hitmen twice this season, both contests were in November and both were on Mosaic Place ice. The two games were completely different games. The first game the Warriors and Hitmen scored all four goals in the first period in a five minute span, then nothing until Quinton Howden ended the game about a minute and a half into the extra frame resulting in a 3-2 win. The Hitmen grabbed a two goal lead, but former Hitmen Cody Beach cut the lead to one on the powerplay. The Warriors tied the game when Sam Fioretti lit the lamp. The return match saw the teams score seven goals, with the Hitmen scoring four goals in the first two periods put the Warriors down early. Giving the Hitmen a split in the season series with a 5-2 win.

Tonight's contest is the first of two trips to Calgary for the Warriors. The Warriors are first in the East Division with a 25-12-4-1 record and 55 points. The Warriors sit in second place in Eastern Conference trailing the Oil Kings by six points. The Hitmen hold a 22-16-2-1 record and are fourth in the Central Division and seventh in the Conference. Both teams come into tonight`s contest having won their last game. The Warriors earned two points against the Ice last Saturday, while the Hitmen defeated the Hurricanes 6-3 on Sunday. In the last five years, the Hitmen hold a 13-5-1 record over the Warriors along with five home wins in eight games played. The Warriors parsimoniousness defense has given up 126 goals third lowest in the conference (and in the top ten overall) and will look to continue shutting down opposing teams' offensive attack.

Quinton Howden has recorded a pair of goals and added two assists for four points in two games versus the Hitmen thus far to be the leading scorer against Calgary. Former Hitmen Justin Kirsch likes playing his old team tallying three points (1G,2A) in two games against his old mates.

The Warriors are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. Moose Jaw has the second most wins on home ice with 17 and a road record of 8-9-2. When leading after the first period the Warriors are 15-0-2. And when leading after the second, they have only one loss (14-1-3). When the Warriors outshoot their opponent they have a 14-4-2 record. The Warriors have the 12th ranked power play (21.1%) and the ninth best penalty killing (80.4%) in the league. The Warriors have played in 10 overtime games (collecting 15 points) tied for most in the WHL, only the Red Deer Rebels have played in as many.

The Warriors play two games in the province of Alberta before returning home to face the Wheat Kings on Sunday night. The second stop in Rocky Mountain province is Medicine Hat where they will face Emerson Etem and the Tigers. Sunday night is the first of three home dates for the Warriors next week. The Warriors will welcome the Victoria Royals mid-week and then square off with the Kootenay Ice next Friday for the final time this regular season. Before ending the week in the Queen City to challenge the Pats next Saturday night which is also Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.

Leading Warriors:

Scorer - Cam Braes now leads the Warriors in scoring with 45 points in 44 games (24G, 22A)

Goals - Cam Braes 24

The Warriors leading goal scorers prior to the arrival of Braes, were former Hitmen Kenton Miller, Quinton Howden and Sam Fioretti with 14.

Assists - James Henry 35

Preceding the arrival of James Henry (35), Cody Beach was the top disher leading the Warriors with 22 helpers.

WARRIORS RANKED BY NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING

2012-01-12T13:01:00.000-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors want to congratulate the three Warriors' skaters listed by NHL Central Scouting in their mid-season rankings for the upcoming June Draft in Pittsburgh.

All three ranked Warriors are defenseman. Morgan Rielly tops the Warriors nominees ranked in the number five spot. Travis Brown and Shayne Gwinner are ranked 79th and 158th respectively.

Morgan Rielly, the smooth skating defenseman, is ranked in the top 5 of North American skaters. The 6'0 197 pounder from Vancouver, B.C. played 18 games this season before injuring his knee. Before the injury, Rielly was a point a game pace with 18 points in 17 games. This is Rielly's second campaign with the Warriors last season, he played 65 games amassing 28 points (6G, 22A).

Travis Brown is in his rookie season with the Warriors. The 6'1" 170 lbs defenseman from Winnipeg, MB, has 12 points in 35 games (3G,9A) this season. Brown played three games in 2010-11 season.

Shayne Gwinner, also a 94, is in his first full campaign with the WHL club. The Drumheller native, has appeared in 30 games this season recording 7 points (1G,6A). Last season, Gwinner like Brown played three games with the club.

The Warriors head out on the road again. They tangle with the Hitmen on Friday at the Scotiabank Saddledome, game time is 8 p.m. CST. Then they travel east on the #1 Highway to Medicine Hat to play the Tigers at 8:30 p.m. CST. The club finally returns home after an 18 day absence from Mosaic Place to play the Brandon Wheat Kings on Sunday to finish up a three games in three nights set. Puck drop at Mosaic is 7 p.m.

Warriors Trade Deadline Recap

2012-01-10T19:47:00.000-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors made a few moves prior to the deadline and had to say good-bye to a few players as well. The first acquisition came the day before the deadline.

Cam Braes came over from the Lethbridge Hurricanes for a pair of Bantam draft picks. The second addition in a trade that came on Tuesday was James Henry joining the Warriors. The acquisitions were solid players of both character and leadership for their former teams. Both were captains. Both are point a game players. Both had played for one franchise in the WHL career prior to the moves. And both are very welcomed additions to this team. Going the other way to in the transactions to Lethbridge and Vancouver, respectively, were a first in this year's draft and a second in next year's. The Giants received a second round pick in 2012 and a third round pick in 2014.

Leaving the Warriors were two players who were solid contributors to the hockey club. Tyler Vanscourt was sent to the Vancouver Giants for a fifth round pick. Vanscourt joined the club this season in a trade with Prince Albert on Nov. 29, 2011. Brett Lyon, who came over in a deadline on January 5th, 2011 in a trade for Nathan Smith with the Giants, is going to the Kelowna Rockets. A seventh round pick in 2013 and a fifth round pick in 2014 is what the Warriors receive in the deal.

With the passing of the deadline the Warriors now have the next couple months of hockey in clear focus and it starts this Friday at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary against the Hitmen. Game time is 8 p.m. CST. The next night and the second of three in a row, the team travels to Medicine Hat to face the Tigers. Puck drop is 8:30 p.m. CST. The Warriors finally return, after 17 days of their last home game, to play on Mosaic Ice and tangle with the Brandon Wheat Kings. You can watch the recent additions in their new Warriors colours at 7 p.m. from your seat in Mosaic. You can also catch all the live action of the three game set on Country 100FM and the voice of the Warriors, James Gallo or watch on the WHL Live website.

Warriors Make Trip to Bridge City

2011-12-16T05:45:00.002-06:00

The long wait between Moose Jaw Warrior games ends tonight as the tribe heads up to Saskatoon to take on the Blades.

The Warriors haven't played since last Saturday's win over Kelowna and forward Brett Lyon says they've been busy preparing for this weekend.

"We had a great hard work practice Monday, we did a lot of skating and battling drills. The other day we were doing a lot of defensive zone things because we know Saskatoon likes to take the puck to the net and we're just trying our best to defend that and play in their zone."

Moose Jaw and Saskatoon have had two tight games so far this season, both of which were decided by one goal, Lyon says they're expecting another battle.

"They're a good hockey team and against any team in this league you have to have a good battle and compete level. As long as you can outwork the other team you've got a good chance at winning."

"You play the game to win, they have a lot of guys over there who don't like losing and we've got a lot of guys who hate losing. It's just who's going to come out and play the hardest," added Lyon.

The Warriors sit three points up on Saskatoon for top spot in the East Division and Lyon says there's area's in the Blades game that they need to be cautious of.

"They're really good at getting the puck to the net from all areas on the ice. It's mostly being aware and being ready for those pucks being thrown out there, those blind passes just knocking them away."

When the Warriors take on the Blades they'll be without three key players. Quinton Howden's at the World Juniors, Justin Kirsch is still nursing an injury, and Cody Beach is suspended after accumulating his fourth embellishment penalty last weekend.

Lyon says with those guys out of the lineup, he'll be looking to fill any role he has to. "There's going to be a ton of ice out there and a lot of opportunity for people. I'm going to hope to contribute offensively and play my game up and down the ice, keep things simple and try to pitch in."

Tonight is the first of two games this weekend for Moose Jaw, afterwards they'll go their separate ways for the Christmas break. Lyon says the team isn't looking forward to the time off, they're 100% focused on the weekend.

"We're definitely not looking past these two games. Christmas is a great time to relax and spend time with your family, but we're not thinking about that quit yet. We have two games to win and that's our goal right now."

Catch the Warriors and Blades from Saskatoon's Credit Union Centre tonight on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca, coverage begins with the PreGame Show with James Gallo at 6:40pm.

Tomorrow night they close out their pre-Christmas schedule at home against former coach Dave Hunchak and the Kamloops Blazers.

Friday WHL schedule;
Moose Jaw v Saskatoon
Kelowna v Prince Albert
Kamloops v Brandon
Swift Current v Kootenay
Victoria v Lethbridge
Regina v Calgary
Vancouver v Prince George
Seattle v Tri City
Spokane v Everett

WHL Players Named to CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

2011-12-16T05:44:00.002-06:00

10 WHL players were announced to the rosters for the 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects game in Kelowna.

The event showcases the top 40 players from the CHL who are eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and will be played February 12th.

Listed below is the WHL players selected to take part;
Team Bobby Orr
Derrick Pouliot, Portland ** former AAA Warrior **
Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton
Colton Sissons, Kelowna
Chandler Stephenson, Regina
Lukas Sutter, Saskatoon

Team Don Cherry
Mathew Dumba, Red Deer
Ryan Murray, Everett ** former AAA Warrior **
Damon Severson, Kelowna
Coda Gordon, Swift Current
Dominik Volek, Regina

1 More Sleep Till More Warriors Hockey

2011-12-15T06:02:00.004-06:00

The six day layover between Moose Jaw Warrior games continues today as the guys head back Mosaic Place for practice to get ready for a pair of weekend games.

Rookie forward Tanner Eberle says they've been working hard at staying sharp. "We have a full week here and have to be going every day. We know that these four points here are big going into Christmas. We have a couple of road trips coming up so we have to get these two wins."

Moose Jaw's up in Saskatoon tomorrow and then closes out their pre-Christmas schedule Saturday at home against the Kamloops Blazers.

Focusing on Friday's game in the Bridge City, Eberle says this is a game that he's been looking forward too. "I like to go up there and bang the bodies, and try and mix it up with their top guys like (Josh) Nicholls and (Duncan) Siemens."

The Warriors go into the weekend in top spot in the WHL's East Division, two points up on Brandon and three up on Saskatoon.

Moose Jaw and Saskatoon have had some tight games over the last two years which has gone a long way in building their rivalry. Eberle says these division physical games are always exciting.

"I like to hit out there so I use my game against the bigger guys, hopefully against the smaller teams I can use my skill. With a couple of game against bigger teams coming up, I'm going to have the use the body."

With the Christmas break looming, Eberle says the rookies have done a good job adjusting to the busy WHL schedule and will be ready to go for the second half.

"Our young guys aren't all that big, we're just trying to stay fit out there and hopefully no one doesn't pull anything, that's one thing you don't want. We just have to stay fit, we've been working out so it (the hectic schedule) shouldn't be a problem."

The Warriors return from the Christmas break they'll be down three bodies, Quinton Howden is at the World Juniors, and Torrin White and Carter Hansen will take part in the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.

Although it's going to be hard without those players in the lineup, Eberle says that mean's extra ice time for himself and other players.

"I've been looking forward to the road trips coming up. I know we're missing a whole line, so hopefully I'll get a lot more ice, get on the penalty kill and show off my talent."

Moose Jaw has a pair of games to go thru before the Christmas break, tomorrow night they head up to Saskatoon, Saturday night they're back home to take on Kamloops.

Both games can be heard on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca, coverage begins with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm both nights.

Wednesday WHL Schedule;
Kelowna 3 v 2 Regina, OT
Kamloops 6 v 3 Saskatoon
Victoria 3 v 6 Edmonton
Calgary 5 v 6 Lethbridge, OT
Red Deer 2 v 5 Medicine Hat
Everett 2 v 3 Spokane, OT

MJ Connections On World Juniors

2011-12-15T06:02:00.002-06:00

The roster is set, and now it's time to get down to work.

Canada unveiled it's 22 man roster for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships yesterday, and it includes six WHL players.

Moose Jaw's Quinton Howden is one of four returning players who made this year's team, and even though there's a lot of fresh faces, he says they've already started to come together.

"Over the camp you start to get close with guys you've never played with or met before. Everyone's excited, you can see the way the guys are coming together. It's an exciting time and I can't wait to get practices started."

Among the six WHLers' who made the team is Everett's Ryan Murray, who's from White City and is a former AAA Warrior.

Murray had 12 goals and 38 points in 41 games with Moose Jaw in 2008-09, and says it's an honor to pull on the Canada jersey. "The past couple of days we've all been fighting for spots and it's been pretty nerve wracking. It's quit a relief to be on the team finally."

"Tomorrow (Wednesday) we're going to start practicing and getting ready for the tournament and getting back to work, but today we can enjoy it and celebrate a little bit," added Murray.

Murray has played with Canada before at Under 18 tournaments, he was cut from last year's World Junior team, this time around he's hoping to fill a specific role on Canada's defence.

"I want to be a shutout down guy. We have a lot of skilled players out here, I'd be real happy just going out there and playing defensively and making sure I don't get scored on and shutting down the other team's lines."

Other current WHL players who made the roster are Mark Stone (Brandon), Brendan Gallagher (Vancouver), and Mark Pysyk (Edmonton). Brett Connolly is a former Prince George Cougar who was loaned to Canada by the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning.

Canada get's back to work today with their first practice as a team, they'll get themselves ready for their first exhibition game which is Monday against Finland. On the 22nd they'll play Switzerland, they close out their pre-competition schedule on the 23rd against Sweden.

Canada's opens the World Junior Hockey Championships on Boxing Day against Finland, catch all the action on Country 100, as we'll broadcast all of Canada's games in their journey back to capturing the gold medal.

Howden Makes Team Canada

2011-12-14T09:32:00.000-06:00

Moose Jaw Warrior Quinton Howden will get another chance to live his dream of singing our national anthem at the World Juniors.

Despite suffering what was called "concussion like symptoms" in an intrasquad game Monday, Howden was one of several WHL players to crack Canada's final roster for this year's World Junior Hockey Championships.

Howden is one of four returning players from last year's team that took home silver after a crushing loss to Russia in the gold medal game.

Two other players have tight connections to southern Saskatchewan. Defenceman Ryan Murray who plays for the Everett Silvertips is a former AAA Warrior, and Wilcox's Jaden Schwartz also made the team. This is Murray's first time at the tournament, while Schwartz is making his second trip.

Other WHL players to make team Canada are Edmonton's Mark Pysyk, Vancouver's Brendan Gallagher, and Brandon's Mark Stone. Former Prince George Cougar Brett Connolly, who's on loan from the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, also made the team.

WHL players who were cut are Tyler Bunz (Medicine Hat), Alex Petrovic (Red Deer), Brett Bulmer (Kelowna), Joe Morrow (Portland), Ty Rattie (Portland), and Brad Ross (Portland).

The team will be officially introduced to the nation later today, they'll now get ready for three exhibition games, the first coming on the 19th against Finland.

Canada and Finland will battle again on Boxing Day in the tournament opener. Follow Howden and team Canada throughout the World Junior Hockey Championships on Country 100, as we'll broadcast their games as they climb back to the top of the World Junior mountain.

Listed below is team Canada's roster, along with their current teams.

Goalies
Mark Visentin, Niagara (OHL) ** returning player **
Scott Wedgewood, Plymouth (OHL)

Defence
Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John (QMJHL)
Brandon Gormley, Moncton (QMJHL)
Dougie Hamilton, Niagra (OHL)
Scott Harrington, London (OHL)
Ryan Murray, Everett (WHL)
Jamie Oleksiak, Saginaw (OHL)
Mark Pysyk, Edmonton (WHL)

Forwards
Michael Bournival, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
Brett Connolly, Tampa Bay (NHL) ** returning player **
Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver (WHL)
Freddie Hamilton, Niagara (OHL)
Quinton Howden, Moose Jaw (WHL) ** returning player **
Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John (QMJHL)
Boone Jenner, Oshawa (OHL)
Tanner Pearson, Barrie (OHL)
Mark Scheifele, Barrie (OHL)
Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College (WCHA) ** returning player **
Devante Smith-Pelly, Anaheim (NHL)
Mark Stone, Brandon (WHL)
Ryan Strome, Niagara (OHL)

Wait For Warrior Action Continues

2011-12-14T05:46:00.002-06:00

As the layover between Moose Jaw Warrior games continues, the guys have been busy at Mosaic Place getting ready for the days ahead.

The tribe had some fun on the ice Tuesday with an intrasquad game, Dylan McIlrath says the old vets scored late to pull off the win.

"We came out to an early lead then the youngsters had the energy in the end. We got it back in the shootout with a couple of our skilled defencemen making the moves."

After having some fun yesterday, McIlrath says they'll put the smiles away today and get back to work as the prepare for the weekend.

"We have to put the work in, we've had a long week off. We did our lines Monday, but hockey is about fun and it just shows that we can do that and now get ready for the weekend."

Moose Jaw has points in four out of their last five games and are coming off of a 4-1 win over Kelowna last Saturday. McIlrath says the win was great for the team, and was good for himself as he was strong along the blueline and had a great tilt with the Rocket's Mitchell Chapman.

"It's been an up and down season so far with injuries, but that's the game I need to play to help the team be successful. That's the role I'll keep playing moving forward."

The Warriors go into their final games before the Christmas break in top spot in the WHL's East Division, two points up on Brandon and three up on Saskatoon.

Their weekend starts Friday night on the road with a battle against the Blades, McIlrath says they're not looking towards the break as they realize the importance of picking up points on the weekend.

"These points are so crucial in division games, they're (Blades) are right on our tails. It's the first time I've been in first place in a while, so I'd like to stay there for a while."

Catch the Warriors and Blades from Credit Union Centre Friday night on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca, coverage begins with the PreGame Show at 6:45pm.

Moose Jaw closes out their pre-Christmas schedule Saturday night with their only meeting of the season against former coach Dave Hunchak and the Kamloops Blazers.

Tuesday WHL scores;
Kelowna 3 v 5 Brandon
Kamloops 2 v 5 Prince Albert
Red Deer 4 v 2 Kootenay
Vancouver 0 v 3 Seattle

Wednesday WHL schedule;
Kelowna v Regina
Kamloops v Saskatoon
Victoria v Edmonton
Calgary v Lethbridge
Red Deer v Medicine Hat
Everett v Spokane

Howden Listed As "Day to Day"

2011-12-14T05:45:00.002-06:00

Moose Jaw Warrior Quinton Howden is being treated for concussion like symptoms after being hit into the boards by Brett Connolly during Monday's intrasquad game at Canada's World Junior Selection camp in Calgary.

Howden is said to be feeling a lot better, and is as listed day to day.

Canada closed out it's camp with a 7-4 win over a CIS All-Star team last night. Portland's Brad Ross had two assists, former Warrior Dylan Hood was pointless for the All-Stars.

The World Junior hopefuls are now anxiously waiting to see whether or not their efforts over the last couple of days has paid off. Canada will make it's final cuts and then announce their roster this morning.

Yesterday seven players let go, five of them from the WHL. Matt Dumba (Red Deer), Brenden Kichton (Spokane), Max Reinhart (Kootenay), Michael Ferland (Brandon), and Mark McNeill (Prince Albert) were sent back to their junior clubs.

Canada will play it's first pre-competition game on the 19th, they open the World Junior Hockey Championships Boxing Day against Finland.

Follow Canada's journey back to the gold medal on Country 100, all games will be broadcast throughout southern Saskatchewan, and online at DiscoverMooseJaw.com.

Howden Suffers Injury At World Jr Camp

2011-12-13T05:10:00.002-06:00

A hit on Moose Jaw Warrior Quinton Howden at Canada's World Junior Selection Camp last night in Calgary has everyone talking.

The incident happened in the second period of Canada's second intrasquad game of the camp. Howden was along the boards with the puck between his feet, Brett Connolly hit Howden in the chest and knocked him into the boards, Howden then struggled to get off the ice on his own.

"I thought Connolly was finishing his check, it might have been a little bit late," said Canada Head Coach Don Hay. "We asked him to play a little more physical tonight and he did that."

"Well it's a tough play, just trying to finish my check and he's kind of in a vulnerable position," said Connolly, who's on loan to Canada from the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning.

"If I were to go back maybe would have held up a little bit. I'm just trying to be intense and finish my check's, and obviously feel bad now. Hopefully he's not hurt to bad, but definitely could have held up a little bit," added Connolly.

"His upper body injury will be re-evaluated tomorrow (Tuesday), he's going to be looked at and see how he's doing," said Hay on the status of Howden.

Coming into today, Hay says that there's obvious concern about the Moose Jaw Warrior going forward. "You're always worried about it, especially a guy that played last year and has experience. We hope everything will be OK."

Team Red beat team White 2-0 in the intrasquad game, Brandon Wheat King Mark Stone scored the game winner five minutes into the third period.

Hockey Canada is expected to announce it's first round of cuts today, the remaining players will take on a group of CIS All Stars tonight, the final roster announcement will be made tomorrow.

Canada's first pre-competition game is December 19th, they open the World Junior Hockey Championships Boxing Day against Finland.

Country 100 is once again the home of Canada in southern Saskatchewan, catch all of their games on the radio as they battle back to the top of the World Junior mountain.

Story Behind the Mask

2011-12-13T05:09:00.001-06:00

Since coming to Moose Jaw via the Everett Silvertips, Luke Siemens has stood out, not only for his stellar play on the ice, but with his green and white pads and helmet from his days in the Western Conference.

Well not any more, Siemens debuted new white and sliver pads last month and at the end of the month in Prince Albert showed off his new mask.

Siemens helped design the helmet and said he wanted it to be similar to the one Tim Thomas sported on the Boston Bruins run to the Stanley Cup last season.

“No colour in it, but black, white and silver,” described Siemens. “I like that idea of going no colour and thought it would go well with my pads. I got a little crest onWarriors-Siemens-Mask4 the top for (the Snowbirds Air Demonstration Team) and then the Warriors logo and some planes on the side and the name on the chin is Iceman, from Top Gun, everyone knows Ice Man.

“I was just looking around for neat things to do in Moose Jaw. Lots of goalies just get team logos and keep it pretty simple, but I wanted to look for something special and being a big Air Force base here, I thought it would be a good idea to dedicate something to them.”

Siemens says he had hoped to have the helmet ready in time for the Remembrance Game against the Regina Pats, when a lot of the service members would be in attendance, but hoped they could come out to a game and see the tribute now that it's finished.

The Warriors netminder added a more personal tribute to the back of the helmet, “Got some things for my dad on the back, his initials and a quote, and a little dedicated thing to my goalie coach back home Jordan Sigalet, who has MS.”

Siemens says he hopes the addition of the Sigalet’s logo will help to raise awareness and lead to possibly raising funds later in the season.

The 19-year-old from Delta, BC has been a steady force for the Warriors since being traded from the Silvertips on October 6th, going 17-6-3-1 with two shutouts. He sits fifth in goals-against-average at 2.49 and seventh in save percentage at .913.

Siemens did suffered his first loss in the new mask on Friday though, when the Regina Pats came back for a 3-2 overtime win.

The Warriors play their final two games before the Christmas break starting on Friday in Saskatoon. The tribe returns home to face off with the BC Division leading Kamloops Blazers on Saturday.

Recapping The Warriors Weekend

2011-12-12T05:07:00.002-06:00

By capturing three out of four points on the weekend, the Moose Jaw Warriors start the week still in first place in the WHL East Division.

The tribe couldn't hold onto a two goal third period lead on Friday and lost 3-2 in overtime to the Regina Pats, they were able to rebound with a 4-1 win over Kelowna Saturday.

Assistant coach Trevor Weisgerber says they were happy with the way they came out Saturday after suffering a tough loss the night before.

"We played a pretty simple 60 minutes of hockey, we did things the right way. We kept things out of the middle of the ice, and we generated plenty of offense off little plays like chips, and defensively we did a good job of keeping them to the outside."

Special teams played a huge impact in Saturday game, as the Warriors were able to score all four of their goals on the power play. Andrew Johnson had one of the goals and says everything was clicking the way it's supposed too.

"We were keeping it simple. We were finishing our routes simple on the power play and most importantly we were outworking them. The power play's not going to success if you're not outworking them and that's what we did."

Shane McColgan scored a nice shorthanded goals for the Rockets, and says throughout the game they had a tough time handling the size of the Warriors.

"They have some big bodies, I think they were hitting us pretty well and closing us off the wall and not giving us much time in the neutral zone to make plays. They trapped us pretty well, they're just a good solid two way team."

Johnson says in the win Saturday they stuck to their game plan, which included the strong physical game that McColgan referred to. "That's part of our identity. When team's come in here we want to make it as hard as we can, we stuck to it and it paid off."

Moose Jaw's record is 20-9-3-1, and they sit three points up on the Saskatoon Blades for top spot in the division. The tribe will practice throughout the week as they prepare for Friday's game against the Blades in the Bridge City.

The two division rivals have had some great games throughout the year, and Weisgerber says they're expecting another hard fought game on the weekend.

"It's actually been pretty exciting playing those guys this year, and last year when I was around. It's always a great hockey game and the atmosphere is always good," said Weisgerber. "I can't see anything being different on Friday, those games that we play those teams we want to go out and make a statement."

The tribe also has a four point edge on Brandon in the division, they trail the Edmonton Oil Kings by one point for top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Sunday WHL scores...
Brandon 3 v 4 Calgary
Kamloops 4 v 8 Regina
Prince Albert 5 v 0 Red Deer
Portland 0 v 3 Tri City

Canada Opens World Jr Camp

2011-12-12T05:06:00.002-06:00

Quinton Howden and team Red fell 3-2 to team White in the first intrasquad game at Canada's World Junior Selection Camp in Calgary Sunday night.

Brandon Wheat King Michael Ferland scored a third period goal for team White, while Kelowna's Brett Bulmer and Prince Albert's Mark McNeill had an assist each in the win.

Coaches are giving players this morning off to rest up for another intrasquad game. The first round of cuts are expected after the game.

Tuesday the guys will take on a group of area CIS All Stars, the final roster announcement is expected Wednesday morning.

Canada plays their first pre-competition game on the 19th, they open the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships Boxing Day against Finland.

Country 100 is the home of the World Juniors in southern Saskatchewan, catch all of Canada's game's throughout the tournament as they look to capture gold and snap their streak of two silver medals.

Warriors Open Weekend v Pats

2011-12-09T05:58:00.002-06:00

Points in six out of their last seven games has put the Moose Jaw Warriors on top of the East Division standings going into the weekend.

Their latest win was a thrilling last second 6-5 decision over Red Deer Tuesday, forward Andrew Johnson had three assists that night and says that game was exciting for the fans, but it exposed some issues that they needed to address.

"By both teams I think it was a pretty sloppy game. We had a lot of work to do this week and practice and hopefully cleaned it up, and I think this weekend will be a lot better."

Moose Jaw's winning ways as of late vaulted them up the division and conference standings, and Johnson says some of the success can be attributed to the character in the locker room.

"Overcoming adversity is huge too, and we've done quit a bit of that in the last month or so, I'm 100% sure that the guys can keep this rolling."

The second year Warrior out of Saskatoon has been on a tear as of late, racking up six goals and 17 points in the Warriors last 13 games. Despite playing so well as of late, he says he's still looking to be better.

"It's definitely a big confidence booster (for me), and I thank the coaches for that," said Johnson. "(Quinton) Howden is making this a lot easier in the transition (to playing bigger minutes), he's easy to talk to and helped me along the way. It's nice to have a guy like that especially with his experience."

The Warriors weekend home stand starts tonight against the Regina Pats, the sophomore forward says there's ways that the forwards can help out the defence as they try to contain Regina leading scorer Jordan Weal.

"I think we just have to play in their zone, if we have the puck it means that he doesn't, puck possession is going to be a huge thing especially against a guy like him. Just don't allow him to get the puck, and if he does finish the checks and play hard against him."

For Johnson, he says that he'll have to play within his skills and get away away from the team's game plan if they want to come away with the win.

"I'm not the biggest guy out there but I have to know what I can and can't do, I just have to chip pucks by them," he said. "I think I have to use my speed, get on them quick and force them to make turnovers, don't give them a lot of time to make decisions coming out of their zone. I think if me and the rest of the boys do that then we'll have success."

Catch the Warriors and Regina Pats on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca starting with the PreGame Show with James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith.

Coming up on Saturday the Warriors close out their weekend with their only meeting of the season against the Kelowna Rockets, coverage starts with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

Two things to keep in mind when heading to the rink tonight....

1. It's Teddy Bear Toss Night... fans are encouraged to bring a plush toy to the game, when the Warriors score you throw them on the ice where they'll be collected and then given to the Salvation Army for children in Moose Jaw and surrounding area.

2. Scotiabank's "Celebration of Hockey" makes a stop at Mosaic Place, and the honoured guest is the Stanley Cup. Canada's most iconic trophy will be on display from 5:30pm to 9am.

Thursday WHL scores;
Brandon 3 v 7 Edmonton... this was the Oil Kings 8th straight win, it moves them two points up on Moose Jaw for top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Friday WHL schedule;
Regina v Moose Jaw
Kelowna v Swift Current
Prince Albert v Calgary
Medicine Hat v Kootenay
Brandon v Red Deer
Portland v Vancouver
Lethbridge v Victoria
Spokane v Everett
Prince George v Seattle

Howden Ready for World Jr Camp

2011-12-09T05:56:00.002-06:00

Tonight could be the final game for Moose Jaw Warriors Quinton Howden for who knows how long.

Howden leaves Saturday for Calgary, and will join 40 other players on the ice at Hockey Canada's World Junior Selection Camp.

"I have the experience for last year and it's kind of a revenge year, Canada wants the gold back. I'm excited to get to camp and prove that I deserve a spot and again and go for gold."

Howden is one of three returning players from last year's team who will be looking erase the memories of last year's third period melt down to Russia in the championship game.

"Obviously it was heartbreaking last year from what they did to us," said Howden. "It's exciting, it's a new year, only three returnees so it'll be a whole new team. It'll be exciting and something I can't wait to come, I'm excited for Christmas time to roll around."

The Oakbank, Manitoba product cracked the roster last year as an 18 year old, and this time around he feels being a veteran and a versatile player will help his chances.

"I can play any position. I can play a physical checking role if need be, or I can play an offensive role," Howden said. "Whatever they need out of me, whatever I have to do, I want to win gold and that's my goal."

The four year Warrior worked his way up Canada's depth chart last year at the tournament, and this time around he says he wants to work towards playing a bigger role if he makes the team.

"As a kid you lay in bed dreaming of those big goals and assists. You can go back and ask any alumni, you'll do whatever it takes. For me, I want to prove that I deserve to be there again. If I get the chance to make the team I don't care where they put me, I'll play as hard as I can and do whatever I can to help the team be successful."

In total the WHL is sending 16 players to the selection camp this week, notable among them include former AAA Warrior Ryan Murray, Brandon's Mark Stone and Michael Ferland, and Prince Albert's Mark McNeill. Vancouver Giants coach Don Hay is the teams Head Coach, he lead Canada to a gold medal back in 1995 when the tournament was held in Alberta.

Players will arrive in Calgary Saturday and skate later in the day. Sunday and Monday they'll practice in the morning and then have an intrasquad game at night, on Tuesday they'll take on a team of CIS All Stars from the area.

Hockey Canada is expected to announce their roster the morning of the 14th. Pre competition games start for Canada on the 19th, they'll open the tournament Boxing Day against Finland.

Country 100 is once again the home of the World Junior Hockey Championships in southern Saskatchewan. Catch all of Canada's games as they look to return to the top of the World Junior mountain and end their streak of two straight silvers.

Camp starts tomorrow in Calgary, the roster announcement is expected on the 14th.

Country 100's coverage of the World Junior Hockey Championships starts Boxing Day when Canada takes on Finland.

Country 100's World Junior broadcast schedule, all times local;
Monday December 26th - 2:00 p.m. vs. Finland
* Wednesday December 28th - 6:30 p.m. vs. Czech Republic
Thursday December 29th - 6:30 p.m. vs. Denmark
Saturday December 31st - 6:30 p.m. vs. USA
** Quarter Finals - Monday January 2nd - 7:30 p.m.
*** Semi-Finals - Tuesday January 3rd - 3:30 p.m. AND 7:30 p.m.
Bronze Medal Game - Thursday January 5th - 23:00 p.m.
Gold Medal Game - Thursday January 5th - 6:30 p.m.

* December 28th game will not be heard due to a conflict with a Warrior broadcast

** Quarter finals will not be broadcast unless Canada is playing

*** If Canada makes the semi final's, they will be the late game

Hay Looking Forward To World Jr Camp

2011-12-08T05:43:00.001-06:00

World Junior hopeful's are on their way to Calgary in the coming days for Canada's selection camp which starts on the weekend.

We had a chance last week to sit down with Vancouver Giants head coach Don Hay, who is the man in charge on Canada's bench this year

"I want to be a team that's good at both end's of the rink on both sides of the puck. I'm looking for guys with hockey sense because it's a quick tournament, you don't have time to be patient with players and to do a lot of teaching, you need them to pick up different concepts as quick as possible."

"There's an old saying with team Canada, we don't pick the best 22 players, we pick the 22 players that our going to make the best team," said Hay. "That's our goal, to try and find players that can fill certain holes within the lineup and then use them to best of their ability and the best of our ability."

Hay is a three time Memorial Cup championship coach, he guided Canada to a 7-0 record and a gold medal at the 1995 World Juniors, and says this is an opportunity of a lifetime for the players.

"They all have been watching it since they've grown up. They've all grown up with the tradition of Hockey Canada and team Canada playing at Christmas time," said Hay.

"It's been a big dream of their's and all Canadian kids to play in that group of 22 players and stand on that blueline and sing the anthem. That's a pretty breathtaking experience when you get the opportunity to do it."

Hockey Canada extended 41 invitations to players from across the country last week, among them is Moose Jaw Warrior Quinton Howden.

Howden is one of three returning players from last year's team that suffered a heartbreaking loss to Russia in the gold medal game. Hay says Howden has the tools to play a big role on this year's team.

"With his confidence and with his style, his a big man that can skate. There's all kind of things I like about Quinton, the test is to be able to do that, whether he's a top two line player or bottom two line player."

"He's got to be able to fit into the role we want. His skating ability, his confidence, and his experience is really going to help him," added Hay on Howden.

Players will report to camp on Saturday and then practice later in the evening. They'll have intrasquad games on the 11th and 12th, on the 13th they'll play a team featuring area CIS All Stars, the roster announcement is expected on the morning of the 14th.

Canada opens the World Junior Hockey Championships in Alberta on Boxing Day, Country 100 will once again be your source for the tournament as we'll broadcast all of Canada's game on their journey back to the gold medal.

Warriors Win Wild Game v. Rebels

2011-12-07T05:34:00.001-06:00

Quinton Howden was the hero for the Moose Jaw Warriors Tuesday night, scoring the game tying and game winning goal in the third period to lift the tribe to an exciting 6-5 win over Red Deer at Mosaic Place.

The tribe opened the game strong, goals from Travis Brown and Carter Hansen put them into the lead going into the first intermission.

Red Deer made strong adjustments to open the second and took the fight to the Warriors. Joel Hamilton scored a shorthanded breakaway goal at 4:34 to put the visitors on the board, less than three minutes later Marc McCoy tied the game with his third of the year.

The Rebels took the lead with less than nine minutes to go in the second on a goal from Justin Weller, but the Warriors were quick to respond as Dallas Ehrhardt found the back of the net for his second of the year.

Tied at three to open the third, highly touted NHL prospect Mathew Dumba put Red Deer back in the drivers seat at 5:46. Moose Jaw battled back to tie the game on a wrist shot from the blueline from captain Kendall McFaull.

The see saw game continued four minutes later when Tyson Ness put the Rebels back in the lead, but Howden ripped his 13th of the year 22 seconds later to the game at five. The Warriors came hard in the final minute and with 4.8 seconds left Howden scored his second of the game to hand the Warriors the win.

Howden says it was a wild and crazy night out on the ice. "It's a weird game, bounces are going your way sometimes and aren't going your way sometimes."

"Obviously it's a game the fans love with a lot of goals, but there's a lot of stuff we need to clean up to get ready for Friday," added Howden.

The Warriors had a strong first period, but Red Deer took control of the game in the second. Heading into the third, Howden says the leaders stepped up to rally the troops.

"We were doing good in the first period then slipped away in the second, we needed to get back to our game and basically just play simple. Obviously our leadership group will lead the way and we tried to do that the best we could."

Howden had two goals on the night; Andrew Johnson had three assists; Ehrhardt and McFaull finished with a goal and two points each; Sam Fioretti and Tanner Eberle had two assists each.

Last night was the first time that Rebels rookie and former AAA General Cory Millette played in front of family and friends. Millette had two assists in the loss, and says it was nice to be back in Moose Jaw.

"Playing in front of my old team was pretty exciting. Some friends, my billets, some old friends, my family made the trip in, it was good to see."

The win improves the Warriors record to 19-9-2-1 and gives them sole possession of first place in the WHL East Division, two points up on Saskatoon and three points ahead of Brandon. They also pull into a tie with Edmonton and Kootenay for top spot in the Eastern Conference.

The guys will take today off and then get back on the ice Thursday to prepare for weekend home games against Regina Friday and Kelowna Saturday.

Tuesday WHL scores;
Red Deer 5 v 6 Moose Jaw
Regina 3 v 6 Prince Albert
Calgary 2 v 6 Edmonton
Portland 5 v 3 Prince George
Tri City 6 v 2 Victoria

Wednesday WHL schedule;
Red Deer v Swift Current
Everett v Kamloops
Portland v Prince George
Lethbridge v Kelowna
Tri City v Victoria

Warriors Ready For Rebels

2011-12-06T05:21:00.004-06:00

After suffering a disappointing loss in Prince Albert Sunday, the Moose Jaw Warrior are back in front of their hometown fans tonight for their second meeting of the season against the Red Deer Rebels.

In the 3-1 loss to the Raiders the Warriors gave up 49 shots, and Captain Kendall McFaull says that's something that can't happen. "Leaders have to leave by example and the young guys have to follow. We didn't do that, we strayed from our game plan and there's no way we should be giving up that many shots against."

The tribe starts the week tied with Saskatoon for top spot in the East Division, and with the Blades off tonight, the Warriors will use the one game they have in hand to try and take sole possession of first.

McFaull says it's important for the team to come out and erase the memories of their last game. "I have great confidence in the guys that we're going to come out hard. We have to find consistency in our game and play hard Warrior hockey all the time."

The tribe has points in six out of their last eight games, the Rebels on the other hand are winless in their last nine (0-7-0-2). Even though Red Deer has struggled as of late, McFaull says they will not be taking them lightly.

"They always have a good team and we haven't had the best success against them over the last two years. They come hard all the time, they finish their checks, we've had some good games with them."

Kendall McFaull says they need to have a focus on the little details that can add up to big success. "We've had success lot's when we're chipping pucks and getting pucks deep and getting them on net. We have to limit turnovers because that's what's been hurting us."

Moose Jaw's special teams will also be looking for a rebound performance, they were 1-for-7 on the power play Sunday and their penalty kill gave up three to the Raiders.

"Special teams can win or lose you games and that's what happened two night ago," said McFaull. "Our power play hasn't been great but our penalty kill hasn't stepped it up either. When you're power play is struggling your penalty kill has to be going, so we need to be a lot better."

Catch all the action between the Warriors and Red Deer Rebels on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca, coverage begins from Mosaic Place with the PreGame Show with James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith at 6:40pm.

Tuesday WHL schedule;
Red Deer v Moose Jaw
Regina v Prince Albert
Calgary v Edmonton
Portland v Prince George
Tri City v Victoria

Changes On The Way For NHL

2011-12-06T05:21:00.001-06:00

Dramatic changes are on the way for the NHL, officials approved a realignment plan Monday that will see four conferences instead of six divisions and guarantee more home and home series.

The new plan puts more teams in the same time zone, and will see Eastern Conferences teams go West more, while cut down on travel for some Western Conference teams.

Realignment was necessary after the Atlanta Thrashers moved to Winnipeg in the summer, and will be implemented next season.

The playoff format will also undergo changes, and will be similar to the divisional format last played in 1992-93. The top four teams in each conference will make the post season, the first seed plays the fourth and second takes on third. From there, the four conference champions will meet in the third round and then the final two square off in the Stanley Cup final.

Listed below is the "new conferences";
Conference A
Anaheim, Calgary, Colorado, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Jose, Vancouver

Conference B
Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis, Winnipeg

Conference C
Boston, Buffalo, Florida, Montreal, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Toronto

Conference D
Carolina, New Jersey, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington

Raiders Sink Warriors 3-1

2011-12-05T04:36:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors didn't have their "A" game while Prince Albert was sharp Sunday night, handing the tribe a 3-1 loss up at the Art Hauser Centre.

Prince Albert peppered Warrior rookie goalie Spencer Tremblay for 19 shots in the first period, but Tremblay was solid, keeping it a scoreless game going into the second.

The Warriors landed into some penalty problems in the middle frame and the Raiders jumped on them, Josh Morrissey and Michal Hlinka scored power play goals less than a minute apart to put Prince Albert up by a pair after two periods.

The Warriors had a better third, shooting Prince Albert 12-7, but Eric Williams turned them away early holding the tribe scoreless. The Raiders scored another power play goal to go up by three, Kenton Miller scored for Moose Jaw to break up the shutout bid.

Warriors Assistant coach Mike Vandenberghe says they weren't able to get rolling, largely due to how well the Raiders played. "They came out hard and played aggressive, worked the pucks deep, were physical and did all the little things right."

Rookie Spencer Tremblay made 45 saves, Vandenberghe says he was Moose Jaw's best player. "He had to make close to 50 saves and that's not a good night, hat's off, he should up to play and kept us in the game. In the first period he made some big saves, Spencer deserves to be a star of the game."

Tremblay was named the third star and says after playing well the loss is a tough pill to swallow. "I played good but I'd rather get the win." The performance was a confidence booster for the rookie. "It really helps after coming off that game in Brandon where I didn't play as well as I should have, this picks me up off the ground."

Moose Jaw was 1-for-7 on the power play, while the penalty kill gave up three goals on seven Raider man advantages. "Our special teams were junk tonight," said assistant coach Mike Vandenberghe. "We didn't play well on the penalty kill, we didn't play well on the power play. We didn't really put the effort in that was needed to win tonight."

The tribe returns to Mosaic Place later today for practice and will get ready for Tuesday's clash with the Red Deer Rebels. Vandenberghe says that after such a rough outing Sunday, the guys will need to respond better Tuesday.

"To put an effort out like this after a big game Saturday night, it's disappointing, and now we have to get ready. Red Deer is always a god game for us, we have to make sure we come to the rink focused on what we have to do. We have to come with energy and come to win hockey games."

Tuesday's game will be the second meeting of the season between the Warriors and Rebels, and their first at Mosaic Place. Looking towards the weekend, Moose Jaw has home games against Regina Friday and Kelowna Saturday.

Sunday WHL scores...
Moose Jaw 1 v 3 Prince Albert
Medicine Hat 2 v 1 Calgary
Regina 2 v 0 Brandon
Saskatoon 3 v 8 Edmonton
Spokane 0 v 1 Lethbridge
Kootenay 1 v 2 Swift Current

Quiznos Quick Pick Contest

2011-12-02T08:38:00.001-06:00

We're looking for your "Quiznos Quick Pick"

Here's what we're looking for......

Send in a picture of you at a Warriors game or with a Warrior player around time.

You'll be entered to win a large sub combo courtesy of Quiznos Subs in Moose Jaw.

Send your pictures via facebook or twitter. The winning pictures will be posted here every two weeks.

Keep the clean and have some fun.

Warriors Working For the Weekend

2011-12-02T06:17:00.002-06:00

They may be kicked out of Mosaic Place because of the "Holiday Festival on Ice", but that’s not stopping the Moose Jaw Warriors from getting ready for a pair of weekend games.

The guys practiced at the Bert Hunt yesterday, they're coming off of a 3-0 win over Prince Albert Wednesday and have points in five out of their last six.

Quinton Howden says even though they've found success as of late, they're still working hard at becoming better

"We've had some breakdown's here and there, and some costly turnovers that have hurt us. We've got the coaches behind us doing video every day helping us out fixing our mistakes. In the end we're making ourselves better each day."

The Florida Panthers 2010 first round draft pick has been on fire since returning from an early season injury, notching 11 goals and 25 points in 16 games.

Howden says muscling out a couple of close games as of late and throughout the year has helped them to build the teams character.

"That game in Brandon where we came back in the third period, other games where we're down a couple games and coming back to win, those are the character wins that we need to be pulling out. We're getting the job done and getting wins and that's all that matters."

The tribe has a pair of games on the weekend, the first being Saturday night at Mosaic Place against the Kootenay Ice. Howden says they've been anxiously awaiting this game against the Eastern Conference leaders.

"I remember last time we played them I was sitting out (due to injury) and got to watch, it was a good game. They're obviously the champs from last year and beat us out of the playoffs, it's kind of a bit of revenge game. They're having a good start to their season so it'll be a good test for us."

Howden says fans heading to the game tomorrow will see them and Kootenay go toe-to-toe and blow-for-blow. "They've got a lot of skilled guys over there, they're a good team."

"You saw them come together as a team last year and that's what helped them win a championship. Obviously their coaches making them do that again this year, and we're doing the same type of thing. It'll be a grind it out type of game and we're looking forward to it."

Catch the Warriors and Kootenay Ice Saturday night on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca. James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith get you ready for the opening draw with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

On Sunday the tribe heads back to Prince Albert for a rematch with the Raiders, coverage begins that night at 6:40pm.

In other WHL news...
Edmonton smashed Calgary 6-1 Thursday night. Tyler Maxwell scored two goals, Mark Pysyk had three assists, Dylan Wruck, Cody Corbett, and Martin Gernat had two assists each.

The win pulls the Oil Kings into a tie for third with the Warriors in the Eastern Conference.

Friday WHL schedule;
Kootenay v Prince Albert
Vancouver v Regina
Red Deer v Brandon
Spokane v Calgary
Saskatoon v Medicine Hat
Prince George v Kamloops
Everett v Portland
Victoria v Kelowna
Tri City v Seattle

Warriors Blank Raiders 3-0

2011-12-01T05:27:00.000-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors picked up their third win in the last four games and have points in five out of their last six games after a 3-0 win last night in Prince Albert.

Warrior rookie Travis Brown opened the scoring with a first period power play goal at 12:15, they added to their lead just over three minutes later on Quinton Howden’s 11th of the year.

The Raiders adjusted well in the second period and came with a lot more fight on the Warriors, but Moose Jaw held their ground and kept their quality chances down, keeping it a 2-0 game going into the third.

The score would hold up until 11:02 when Sam Fioretti would score his 9th of the year. Fioretti drove down the right Raider well then cut to the net, he jammed the puck past the goal line at the same time he was crossed checked into the cross bar.

Warrior goalie Luke Siemens made 18 saves to record his second shutout the year; Moose Jaw was 1-for-7 on the power play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.

Assistant coach Mike Vandenberghe says they were tested a day after falling to Vancouver in a shootout. "You travel up today and have to play a team right now is struggling a little bit and that plays into your mind."

"They played well, they blocked a lot of shots, but it's always in the back of your mind that you don't want them hanging around and that's what we did," added Vandenberghe.

Dylan McIlrath was back in the lineup after serving a three game suspension, he says it was a good defensive game for them as they limited the Raiders opportunities.

"We had our forwards coming back which really helped picking up their late guys. They were stretching the zone later in the game, I felt we did a good job keeping them to the outside and limiting their shots."

Vandenberghe says the team defensive was great in front of Siemens, helping him to earn the shutout. "We collapsed well and cleared away second and third opportunities."

"I can't remember a lot of second and third opportunities that they got. They got the initial shot and Luke made the save and then we were there. There wasn't a lot of net front scrambles tonight, which helps quit a bit when you're on the road and don't have to battle as hard in front of the net."

The Moose Jaw win combined with the Saskatoon Blades loss to Kootenay, pulls the Warriors into a tie for top spot in the East Division with the Blades with 37 points.

The guys will get the next two days off to rest before getting back on the ice Saturday for a clash against the Eastern Conference leading Kootenay Ice. Sunday night the Warriors will head back up to Prince Albert for a rematch with the Raiders.

Wednesday WHL scores;
Moose jaw 3 v 0 Prince Albert
Vancouver 4 v 5 Brandon
Kootenay 6 v 1 Saskatoon
Lethbridge 4 v 3 Medicine Hat
Spokane 5 v 2 Red Deer
Tri City 2 v 6 Kelowna
Kamloops 6 v 5 Victoria, overtime

Thursday WHL schedule;
Calgary v Edmonton

Giants Down Warriors In Shootout

2011-11-30T05:24:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors couldn't complete the comeback Tuesday night at Mosaic Place, falling 4-3 in a shootout to the Vancouver Giants.

The Giants, featuring Team Canada head coach Don Hay and World Junior hopeful Brendan Gallagher, posted a 3-1 lead on the Warriors early in the second period.

Two unanswered for the tribe from Eric Arnold and Cody Beach tied things up for Moose Jaw, but they couldn't solve Adam Morrison in the shootout and Matt Bellerive finally ended the game in round five.

Luke Siemens made 22 saves in the Warriors net, while Adam Morrison stopped 31-of-34 Moose Jaw shots.

Gallagher had a goal and two points for the Giants and was named the game's first star, he says they came into town and played a smart road game. "When we're checking, we're staying above guys, and we're not taking to many chances when we don't need to."

"There was a little bit in the second period when we got away from that and they were taking it to us a little bit. We got back to it (our game plan) in the third and killed some big penalties, guys were blocking shots and that's always good to see," added Gallagher.

Newly acquired Warriors defenceman Tyler Vanscourt says they had to make adjustments on the fly to try and contain the speed of the Giants.

"They were definitely fast tonight but I think we were patient with the puck and smart with our decisions for the most part, just had to deal with some bad bounces."

Vanscourt was picked up from Prince Albert earlier in the day in exchange for a 4th and 5th round pick in 2013.

Going into the first intermission the Warriors trailed 2-1, after giving up an early goal in the second they clawed back with two goals to tie the game at three.

Assistant coach Trevor Weisgerber says that success was due to adjustments made during the intermission. "We had quit a few turnovers early, just not getting pucks out, our communication wasn't great."

"That was the biggest thing we talked about and we thought we adjusted well in the second and third. It definitely helped out, obviously we got a lot more shots, spending more time in the other end chipping pucks as well," added Weisgerber.

With the one point for the shootout loss, Moose Jaw moves into a three way tie for third in the Eastern Conference with Edmonton and Medicine Hat.

There’s no rest for the tribe as they head up to Prince Albert tonight for the first time this season. Coverage begins from "Hockeytown North" with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca.

Tuesday WHL scores;
Vancouver 4 v 3 Moose Jaw, shootout
Spokane 1 v 4 Edmonton
Red Deer 1 v 3 Lethbridge
Swift Current 2 v 4 Seattle
Kamloops 4 v 3 Victoria

Wednesday WHL schedule;
Moose Jaw v Prince Albert
Vancouver v Brandon
Kootenay v Saskatoon
Lethbridge v Medicine Hat
Spokane v Red Deer
Tri City v Kelowna
Kamloops v Victoria

Warriors Look To Chop Down Giants

2011-11-29T05:56:00.004-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors and Vancouver Giants lock horns tonight at Mosaic Place in their only meeting of the season.

The tribe is 3-1-1 against the Giants over the last five years, posting a 2-0 record in Moose Jaw during that time.

Brett Lyon came to the Warriors from Vancouver last year while they were travelling thru the BC Division. The gritty forward says he’s been anxiously awaiting his only chance to battle his former team.

"It's going to be good to be able to play against some old friends out there, and it should be a good game."

Lyon says Moose Jaw's depth will be key as they try to slow down the Giants who are making their way thru the East Division. "It's very important. Obviously you want to see everyone doing well and playing well, especially against a team like Vancouver."

Lyon says that they have to battle hard to slow down Giants leading scorer Brendan Gallagher, who received an invite to Canada's World Junior Selection camp Monday.

"He's got a lot of drive, he pushes himself everyday. On the ice he'll always go hard to the net, he's a smaller guy but he doesn't let that phase him, he's a pretty gritty kid."

Lyon says going into tonight they have to be the team to set the tone of the game. "It's going to be huge setting the tone early and playing not our game, not allowing them to dictate the pace."

"Could be a little bit of everything, could be anything from a hit to playing inside the offensive zone. If we get a couple lines running in the offensive zone and nothing's happening in your zone, things are feeling pretty good on the bench."

The Warriors are coming off of back to back wins over Brandon last weekend and have points in three out of their last four games. Catch all the action on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca. James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith are live from Mosaic Place with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

Coming up tomorrow the Warriors midweek schedule continues with their first trip of the season north to Prince Albert.

Tuesday WHL schedule;
Vancouver v Moose Jaw
Spokane v Edmonton
Red Deer v Lethbridge
Swift Current v Seattle
Kamloops v Victoria

Howden Gets World Jr Invite

2011-11-29T05:56:00.001-06:00

16 WHL players got the phone call of a lifetime yesterday as they received invitations by Hockey Canada to attend their upcoming World Junior Selection Camp.

Warrior Quinton Howden was in Calgary yesterday for the unveiling of the invites. This is his second selection camp with the World Juniors and says it feels just a special as the first time. "Not many kids get the opportunity to go thru something like this and for me to get named to the selection camp again it's a real honour for me."

The Warriors 19 year old and Florida Panthers 2010 first round pick explains what World Junior head coach Don Hay told him when he called with the good news.

"He called and let me know that I got the invite to camp. I was there last year so he wants me to hopefully lead the way, help some of the younger guys, and try to contribute in a leadership way."

Howden is the only player from the WHL who played with Canada last year at the World Juniors, and is just one three returning players coming to camp.

Even though he has last year's experience under his belt, Howden says that doesn't guarantee him a spot on this year's roster. "Whether you were on the team last year or not, everybody has to go there and prove themselves and prove that they deserve a spot on that team."

"I'm hoping that I can prove that I deserve to be there again and contribute in any way again," added Howden.

The Oakbank, Manitoba product doesn't have to wait long to try and impress Canada Head Coach Don Hay, Howden and the Warriors battle Hay's Vancouver Giants tonight at Mosaic Place

"It's going to be a bit weird, but it's going to be an exciting game. I'll have to definitely step up and prove myself that I can play and deserve a spot, hopefully I can prove myself to Don tonight."

The other two returning players from last year's silver medal team is Wilcox's Jaden Schwartz and OHL goalie Mark Visentin.

The selection camp is December 10-14 in Calgary, Canada opens the tournament Boxing Day. Golden West Radio is proud to announce that once again Country 100 will be the home of the World Juniors in Southern Saskatchewan, they'll carry all of Canada's games in their journey back to the gold medal.

Recapping Warriors Two Win Weekend

2011-11-28T05:40:00.001-06:00

All is well as Mosaic Place to start the week after the Moose Jaw Warriors swept Brandon in a home and home series on the weekend.

The tribe came from behind Friday night in Brandon to hand the Wheat Kings a 7-6 loss. Andrew Johnson scored two goals, while Quinton Howden had four assists including one on Cody Beach's game winning goal late in the third.

Saturday night the Warriors and Wheat Kings played a little more defence, and it was Moose Jaw who came out on top winning 4-3. Eric Arnold scored two goals, and was the games first star.

Looking back at Saturday's win, Brandon forward Brenden Walker says the Warriors did a good job taking away their transition game. "They were on us right away, they were taking away our space and speed. I thought we were doing the same thing, we were on them the whole time. They just got the pucks deep and came out hard.

The two goals by Arnold doubled his season total, and were his first goals since September 30th against Prince Albert. The import rookie has had a number of chances to light the lamp this season, and says it felt good to shake the monkey off his back.

"I was up and down and was in a long down right now. It feels good right now, two goals and the first star, that feels good."

Warriors assistant coach Mike Vandenberghe says it was a weekend where the offence came from everyone. "We need more depth there definitely and it's going to happen like that some nights. It's a team game, when you're goal scorer isn't scoring then he has to be good defensively. We all have to be good defensively, and when our top line isn't scoring the other guys have to score."

Vandenberghe adds that the wins were great, but they still have room to improve. "We want to be getting to our peek and our best heading into the playoffs and have a long run in the playoffs. They're coming off of a top month, we've played a lot of hockey. They're mentally tired but we have to push them thru that and get them stronger heading into the break."

The Warriors will practice later today as they get ready for a pair of mid week games. Tomorrow night Don Hay and the Vancouver Giants are in town, Wednesday the tribe will make their first trip to Prince Albert.

In other Warrior news...
The tribe will be without Justin Kirsch after he sustained a wrist injury Friday night in Brandon, he's expected to be out any where from two to six weeks depending on the severity of the injury.

The team is still waiting to hear from the league office on the status of defenceman Dylan McIlrath. He picked up a charging major and game misconduct last Wednesday against Calgary and sat out the weekend waiting to hear about his suspension. As of Monday morning the WHL.ca still lists McIlrath's situation as "To Be Determined".

Import 20 year old forward Sebastian Svendsen has also left the team and headed back home to Denmark.

Warriors Look To Get Back On Track

2011-11-25T06:03:00.002-06:00

With one win in their last five games, the Moose Jaw Warriors are east in Brandon tonight to open a home and home series against the Wheat Kings.

The tribe lost 5-2 Wednesday night to Calgary and 16 year old rookie Torrin White says with December right around the corner, this is there chance to get back on track.

"It'll be a real test for us coming into the Christmas break. I think if we get four points this weekend, we'll have a good run heading into next month."

After having a seven game winning streak earlier this month, the team has suffered two losses to Swift Current, one to Calgary, and one to Brandon in the last week.

White says despite the recent tough times the guys remain positive. "I think that's a key thing right now. All they guys are staying positive, all the veterans are handling it well for helping out us young guys because we're getting frustrated battling the puck. They're doing a great job helping us out and staying positive."

The last time the Warriors and Wheat Kings collided was last Sunday, Brandon erased a third period three goal deficit and went on to beat Moose Jaw 7-6 in overtime. White says they go into this weekend's home and home series well aware of the Wheat Kings fire power.

"Obviously they've got a really good first line that's really hard to play against. They battle hard every night and hang in there in the close games so you have to try and put them away early."

No doubt the tribe will be leaning on their veterans, but White says there are ways for the rookies to impact the game. "I'm kind of up and down in the lineup and all over the place. I think if I play with confidence and I can be a threat in the lineup."

"When we're on the bench we're talking all the time, we're keeping the guys positive, letting them know they're doing stuff right. Even though we're rookies we can still help them out like that," said White on how the rookies can supply a spark.

The Warriors and Wheat Kings open their weekend home and home series tonight in Brandon. Join James Gallo for all the action on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca, coverage begins with the PreGame Show at 7:10pm.

Saturday night the series shifts to Moose Jaw, the PreGame Show is on the air at 6:40pm from Mosaic Place.

WHL Friday night schedule;
Moose Jaw v Brandon
Spokane v Portland
Vancouver v Prince Albert
Calgary v Saskatoon
Medicine Hat v Edmonton
Lethbridge v Red Deer
Victoria v Kamloops
Kootenay v Kelowna
Swift Current v Tri City
Regina v Everett
Prince George v Seattle

Hitmen Silence Warriors

2011-11-24T06:28:00.002-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors scored two goals in the third period, but couldn't erase a four goal deficit as they went on to fall 5-2 to the Calgary Hitmen.

The visitors opened the scoring at 12:58 on the first period on a goal from rookie import Victor Rask.

In the second, former Warrior Danny Gayle burned the tribe with a shorthanded goal at 4:42. Just over two minutes later Cody Sylvester made it 3-0, and then late in the frame a power play goal from Alex Gogolev made it 4-0.

The tribe had some jump in third, Quinton Howden scored a shorthanded goal at 3:36 to put them on the board. Justin Kirsch scored on a 5-on-3 power play to pull them to within one. However an empty net goal from Sylvester spoiled the comeback, as the tribe went on to lose their second straight at home.

Calgary forward Jimmy Bubnick had two assists and was named the game's first star, and says they executed their game plan perfectly. "We came in here and did what we wanted. We had a good start and put pucks behind their defence, ultimately we got the two points and that's huge."

Warriors defenceman Dallas Ehrhardt says they stumbled out of the gates and weren't able to recover until late in the game. "That's something that we have to eliminate from our habits. We just need to have better starts to games."

The teams combined for 14 power plays and over 100 penalty minutes, Assistant Coach Mike Vandenberghe says the overwhelming amount of 4-on-4 action was a rhythm killer.

"It's just like killing a bunch of penalties in a row because only four guys are going and the fifth guy is sitting. Not everyone plays 4-on-4, it's an offensive guy's game," said Vandenberghe. "It can definitely kill the rhythm, it's probably the most I've seen in years. I don't know the exact numbers but it was a lot."

Moose Jaw pulled starting goalie Luke Siemens to start the third, putting rookie Spencer Tremblay between the pipes. Vandenberghe says Tremblay played well and it was good for his development.

"For him to go in there and play very well in a tough situation where the team's flat and you're down by four goals to start with and you're facing a power play. You have to give the young man a lot of credit for standing in there, giving us energy making those saves, being aggressive, battling, and giving us a chance. He gave us a chance to comeback in the third period to try and tie or win the game.

The Warriors practice this afternoon at Mosaic Place as their attention now turns to a weekend series against Brandon.

Ehrhardt says as they look towards the weekend, they have to work harder to find consistency and achieve the 60 minute game. "We just have to relax out here. We have good moments and bad moments, it's just our consistency that's hurting us at the end of games."

The Warriors head east to Brandon tomorrow night and then the weekend series shifts to Moose Jaw Saturday night.

Wednesday WHL scores
Calgary 5 v 2 Moose Jaw
Medicine Hat 6 v 1 Prince Albert
Edmonton 10 v 3 Lethbridge
Kootenay 7 v 3 Kamloops
Prince George 3 v 7 Kelowna
Regina 2 v 5 Seattle
Swift Current 2 v 3 Spokane
Portland 6 v 7 Tri City

Warriors Open 3-in-4 v Calgary

2011-11-23T05:43:00.002-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors were back at the rink Tuesday afternoon to prepare for a busy three game in four night schedule this week.

The action starts tonight against Calgary, and will continue on the weekend with a home and home series against the Wheat Kings which starts Friday in Brandon.

The guys are coming off of a 3-in-3 weekend where they capture three of a possible six points, and forward Cody Beach explains what the focus was on the ice yesterday.

"Getting our feet moving and just hard work basically. Getting our systems down, moving the puck quicker and getting it out of our end and on the offense."

Goalie Luke Siemens started all three games on the weekend, and played in five out of the tribes last six games. He says he's enjoying the heavy work load.

"I'm enjoying it, I'm seeing a lot of rubber right now and having a lot of fun with it. I've worked hard to be here, so I'm just going to enjoy it.

The Warriors work week starts tonight at Mosaic Place with their second meeting of the season against the Calgary Hitmen, which happens to be their final stop to the Friendly City.

Siemens says the Hitmen have some guys that he needs to be aware of. "You have to know who's out on the ice at all times, whether it's their star players or fourth line guys. Obviously their star players are going to have better shots, but at the same time fourth liners might be able to work hard in the corners and create good opportunities. I just have to be ready at all times and have that on ice awareness."

Beach says the tribe has to focus on limited turnovers in their zone, while at the same time create second chances inside the Hitmen blueline.

"They have lot's of skilled guys that if we turn the puck over it's going to be in the back of the net, and we know that. As long as we're moving the puck quick and not going backwards we should be fine. If we can create opportunities and be hard on their defence I think we're going to get lot's of chances."

Moose Jaw and Calgary have teamed up twice over the last year for big trades. Earlier this year the Warriors acquired Justin Kirsch and Kenton Miller for Collin Bowman and Joey Kornelsen. Last year the tribe picked up Cody Beach in a deal that saw Brandon Glover and Danny Gayle land with the Hitmen.

Beach says the Warrior trio always looks forward to squaring off against their former team. "It's awesome, it's kind of like a mini rivalry. You always want to do good but you don't really want to show it that you care a little extra for those games. It'll be fun to get out there and see those guys and play them again."

We've got the Warriors and Hitmen tonight on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca starting with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

Tuesday WHL scores;
Calgary 6 v 3 Brandon
Medicine Hat 3 v 4 Saskatoon, shootout
Regina 2 v 5 Portland
Kootenay 3 v 2 Prince George

Warriors Back For Practice After Having Monday Off

2011-11-22T05:42:00.002-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors return to Mosaic Place this afternoon after taking Monday to rest and heal after hectic 3-in-3 schedule.

The tribe captured three of a possible six points last weekend, the they lost to Swift Current Friday, beat Medicine Hat Saturday, then fell to Brandon in overtime Sunday.

Head Coach Mike Stothers says there was some good and some bad during the games. "The way we responded on Saturday night at home, I thought we played a real good game for sixty minutes."

"We scored some goals in the third game in three nights, enough to win the game but we didn't. We got a point in overtime but we should have two and they should have had zero," said Stothers. "It's just another example that we still have a ways to go as far as knowing to stick to the game plan."

Sunday night the Warriors gave up three goals in the third period, and eventually lost to Brandon in OT. Stothers says that showed them they still have room to grow and improve.

"We've made some great strides, it's very disappointing to see that that still creeps into our game. It lets us know that number one, we're not as good as we think we are. Number two, we still have plenty of work to do if we really think and feel that we're a legitimate playoff team and a team that can go deep."

Andrew Johnson led the Warriors Sunday with two goals and four points, and has three goals and eight points in his last five games. Stothers' says Johnson has made good adjustments as of late.

"AJ got off to a little bit of slow start, I think he was hoping to have a better start the way he finished up last year. He's now starting to move and play, and make some plays that we were expecting from him."

The tribe will return to Mosaic Place this afternoon for practice, where they'll start to get ready for a busy schedule in the coming days. Stothers says he'll have them on the ice looking to correct any issues that may have come up last weekend.

"I don't know if they were to really truly evaluate themselves, it's necessary but it's going to be. It's going to be shown on video and it's going to be walked thru in practice," said Stothers. "It's going to be gone thru over and over and over until it becomes the right thing to do at the right times."

Moose Jaw opens a three game in four day schedule tomorrow when the Calgary Hitmen make their second and final visit to Mosaic Place this season. Catch all the action on Country 100 starting with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

Coming up on Friday the Warriors head east to Brandon for the first game of a weekend home and home series with the Wheat Kings.

Warriors Suffer Hard Loss to Brandon

2011-11-21T05:43:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors and Brandon Wheat Kings wrapped up 3-in-3 weekends Sunday at Mosaic Place with a wild game. Brandon erased a three goal third period deficit to hand the tribe a 7-6 overtime loss.

Quinton Howden put the tribe on the board at 13:48 of the first period with his eighth of the year, Torrin White's fifth of the year four minutes later made it 2-0. Brandon's Tyrel Seaman scored a 4-on-4 goal with 1:20 left in the first.

Brandon's Eric Roy and Alessio Bertaggia scored in the first half of the second to put the visitors up by one. However, the Warriors came storming back with four goals to take a 6-3 lead.

Brett Lyon scored on the power play at 12:59, 16 second later Andrew Johnson made it 4-3 Moose Jaw, Sam Fioretti made it 5-3 at 15:55, and Johnson's second of the period at 17:06 finished off the Moose Jaw run of goals in the second.

The Wheat Kings came storming out of the gates in the third, goals from Mark Stone and Brendan Walker in the first two minutes made it a one goal game. Then at 10:39 Bertaggia was hauled down breaking in on Luke Siemens, and the referee handed him a penalty shot, which he capitalized, tying the game at six.

The teams went back and forth the rest of the third period, but neither was able to get the game winner, so the game went into overtime. At 1:40 of extra time, 20 year old Paul Ciarelli broke the Warriors hearts, completing the Brandon comeback.

Andrew Johnson led the Warriors with two goals and four points; Torrin White, Quinton Howden, and Brett Lyon had a goal and two points each; Dylan McIlrath had two assists.

Wheat Kings forward Mark Stone had a goal and four points and was named the first star, he talked to Marc Smith in the post game show and says they never lost their confidence.

"I think we're one of the highest scoring teams in the league. We knew that we could score three as long as we put the effort forward."

Warriors captain Kendall McFaull says the loss is a tough pill to swallow. "We had them right were we wanted them going into the third, and then we threw it away. (Luke) Siemens kept us in the game and all we had to do was shut it down in the third. We got away from our game plan in the third and it cost us."

"When we were going we were chipping pucks past them, we were playing in their end and tiring them out. We kind of got away from that and were turning pucks over in the neutral zone. We knew they were a good transition team, and they showed us tonight," said McFaull.

The captain says they learned a valuable lesson. "I think we have to learn to close teams out. We have to have the character and veteran leadership to shut those games down, those are points we can't be giving away."

The game wrapped up the Warriors second straight 3-in-3 weekend, and assistant coach Trevor Weisgerber says they'll give the guys today off to rest.

"They need a rest, it was a tough weekend, we'll get ready Tuesday for Calgary coming in Wednesday," said Weisgerber. "The 3-in-3's are tough on the body, the guys did a pretty good job, it's just to bad we gave this one up tonight."

The Warriors are now 14-7-2 and start the week tied with Medicine Hat for fifth in the Eastern Conference. They're one back of fourth place Red Deer and three back of third place Brandon, they sit four up on Regina.

The team has today off, Tuesday they'll be back at Mosaic Place to get ready for Wednesday's battle against Calgary. Coming up on the weekend the tribe will once again tango with the Wheat Kings, they have a home and home starting Friday in Brandon.

Sunday WHL scores;
Brandon 7 v 6 Moose Jaw, overtime
Saskatoon 6 v 5 Calgary
Kootenay 4 v 1 Vancouver

Warriors Open 3-in-3 In SC

2011-11-18T05:54:00.001-06:00

After having the last six days off to heal from last week's 3-in-3, the Moose Jaw Warriors head to Swift Current tonight to open another 3-in-3 weekend.

Captain Kendall McFaull says having the last six days off to rest has helped going into a hectic weekend. "At the end of a 3-in-3 your always tired, but we've had a week to recover and recuperate. I know guys get banged up and bruised after it, so having a week off means a lot."

The captain explains what makes these weekends so tough. "I think just getting beat up every night. Sometimes you might notice up in the stands but every little bump and bruise counts and when you get to the third game you can feel it."

The last time the Warriors were action was last Saturday when the Broncos snapped their seven game winning streak. McFaull says they're going into tonight looking for a little bit of redemption.

"That game didn't go the way we wanted to. They came out hard and we didn't match it, tonight we have to. We didn't start off very well and that cost us in the end, because we put together a solid third period and it wasn't enough."

McFaull says they'll try and use their speed to throw the Broncos off, which may give them power play opportunities. "They have the best power play in the league right now and we need to keep them off the ice. If we're driving to the net and going hard we should draw penalties."

"They (Swift Current) chip pucks, they don't try to beat you 1-on-1. They chip pucks, make the defenceman turn and then they finish their checks, that's what we need to do to against them. We're a fast team, we're efficient when we're moving the puck quick."

Catch the Warriors and Broncos on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca, coverage begins with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

Moose Jaw's back at Mosaic Place Saturday and Sunday for games against Medicine Hat and Brandon.

RUS Downs WHL 7-5; CHL Wins Subway Super Series

2011-11-18T05:53:00.000-06:00

The atmosphere was electric last night but the result was heartbreaking as team WHL lost 7-5 to Russia at Mosaic Place in the final game of the 2011 Subway Super Series.

Russia took the early 1-0 lead on a goal from Vladislav Kartaev at 2:18, but Warrior Quinton Howden brought the fans out of their seats when he scored on a penalty shot at 5:57. The teams exchanged goals late in the period and went into the intermission tied at two.

Prince Albert Raider Mark McNeill put the WHL up 3-2 nine second into the second, and then his second of the frame at 5:30 put them up by two. Russia pulled to within one two minutes later, but a late power play goal from Brandon's Ryan Pulock put the WHL back up by two going into the third.

The WHL wasn't able to hold onto the lead, as Russia came storming back in the third period with four games to silence the crowd and take game six 7-5. Despite the loss the CHL was still able to win the series 10-8 based on standings that awarded three points for a regulation win, two points for a shootout win, and one point for a shootout loss. The two point margin is the closest in the nine year history of the event.

WHL and Canadian Junior Head coach Don Hay says they got away from their game. "It was disappointing, I think we got away from what we accomplished in two strong periods."

"We started turning pucks over and played into their game instead of pushing puck down the wall and taking pucks to the net. We started to turn pucks over and pushed it into the middle and they capitalized," added Hay.

Quinton Howden was with Canada at the World Juniors last year when they collapsed in the third period of the gold medal game. Unfortunately the Warrior forward said last night brought back tough memories of the World Juniors.

"You can never count them out, they did it once to us at World Juniors and then again here. I know it's a bit of fun game but it's still heartbreaking to still lose to those guys. Hopefully we can turn it around and be ready come Christmas time."

Brandon's Mark Stone had a goal and two points and was named the WHL's Player of the Game, and says last night will make them hungrier come World Juniors.

"It obviously leaves a bitter taste in everyone's mouth, especially with a two goal lead going into the third period and they get four unanswered," said Stone. "It's obviously disappointing for everyone, but we'll use it as a learning experience and not let it happen again."

Dylan McIlrath was one of five Warriors dressed for the game and says he adjusted to the Russians speed well. "It's a lot different game. I've never played against the Russians in a game like this. They're a really skilled team and I thought I did alright."

The game put Moose Jaw into the national spotlight and Howden says the reaction they got from the crowd was amazing. "It was awesome. To be able to have an event like this here at home is pretty special, not only for us but for the community. The crowd was awesome, we could hear them from ice level, we have to give a shout out to them and say thank you."

The Subway Super Series is used by Hockey Canada to evaluate players for the upcoming IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in Alberta. Players will now wait for the announcement on invitations for camp which will be sent out in early December.

Subway Super Series Lands in MJ

2011-11-17T06:06:00.002-06:00

The national hockey spotlight is shines on Moose Jaw tonight as the final game of the Subway Super Series comes to the Friendly City.

The Canadian Hockey League leads the six game series against Russia 3-2 after team WHL posted a 5-2 win last night in Russia.

There will be changes to the WHL's roster, among them is the addition of Moose Jaw Warriors Quinton Howden, Dylan McIlrath, Joel Edmundson, and Cody Beach.

Yesterday Quinton Howden was named the captain for Team WHL for tonight's game. He's a veteran of the series, as this will be his third time playing in the Subway Super Series, and he had some advice for his Warrior teammates.

"I told them to just out there and play their game. They're all key players on our team (Warriors), but they may have to play different roles when it comes to here. Just play solid and they should be fine."

Howden says that when you have the WHL's best players on ice, you can expect the pace of the game to pick up. "It's exciting for the crowd to be able to experience it, they've never seen something like this, I've witnessed it first hand."

"You play against every teams and top players and top lines, but when you put them all together it's a high paced game, it's a high paced game," added Howden.

This will be Moose Jaw's first chance to see the Russians live, and Howden explains what you can expect. "They're fast, real fast. They like to dangle and use their hands, they all have good hands. They like to sneak in behind you, they try to kind of hide and find the open areas. We're lucky to have games five and six because our coaches will kind of know some of their tendencies."

This is Dylan McIlrath's first appearance in the Subway Super Series, and he says he plans on playing physical. "I'm going to try too, it's how I play here and I'm not going to change. Team Canada is always looking for guys that can lay the body in a big tournament like this, so I'm going to try and do my best."

McIlrath last played international hockey at the junior level three years ago when he played at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge. However, he says he's familiar with the European style.

"I got a little taste of it playing overseas (with the NY Rangers during the pre season). The European game is about speed and skill, you have to match sure your gaps are good and keep the guys to the outside. They're dangerous when they get in tight and start dangling, I just want to play the body I guess."

Playing in the Subway Super Series is a special opportunity for all the guys involved, but McIlrath adds that it's also great for the city of Moose Jaw.

"It's fantastic, it all starts with the new building and just a new era for Moose Jaw. They're really passionate about their hockey here and it's going to be great for the fans to see this Russian team come with a different style of hockey. It certainly creates a buzz around the city which is really nice."

On Wednesday the WHL announced that not only will Howden be the captain, but McIlrath will serve as an assistant captain.

Team WHL Downs Russia 5-2

2011-11-17T06:06:00.001-06:00

The Canadian Hockey League leads the Subway Super Series 3-2 after team WHL posted a 5-2 win over Russia last night in Regina.

The visiting Russians opened the scoring with a goal from Bogdan Potekhin at 11:20, Saskatoon Blade Josh Nicholls tied it at hone just over two minutes later, and Portland's Ty Rattie put the WHL up 2-1 with a late power play goal.

In the second, Russia tied the game at two with a goal from Pavel Medvedev mid way thru the frame, however Regina Pat Jordan Weal put the WHL back up by one with a power play goal with two and a half minutes to go in the second.

Team WHL added to their lead in the third with goals from Kootenay's Max Reinhart and Portland's Brad Ross, and went on to take the win infront of 4501 fans in the Queen City.

Seattle goalie Calvin Pickard made 23 saves in the win, Saskatoon's Andrey Makarov made 37 in the loss for Russia. Special teams was huge, as the WHL went 2-for-6 on the power play and 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.

The win give the CHL the lead in the six game series which now shifts to Moose Jaw tonight for the series finale.

Among the changes for tonight's roster to team WHL include the addition of Moose Jaw Warriors Dylan McIlrath, Quinton Howden, Joel Edmundson, and Cody Beach. Morgan Rielly was to play tonight, but due to a recent injury his spot was filled by Brandon's Ryan Pulock.

The Subway Super Series takes over Mosaic Place at 7pm.

Beach & Edmumdson Looking Forward To Subway Super Series

2011-11-16T05:40:00.001-06:00

Saskatchewan steps into the international hockey spotlight today as the Subway Super Series takes over our province the next two days.

The series features the Canadian Hockey League in a six game series with Russia, and is used by many as a tune up for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.

Four Moose Jaw Warriors will put on the team WHL Thursday night when the series comes to the Friendly City. Quinton Howden, Dylan McIlrath, Cody Beach, and Joel Edmundson will have the chance to take on the Russians in front of their hometown crowd.

This is Cody Beach's first Subway Super Series, and he says as the game's have inched closer he's gotten more and more excited.

"It's a great opportunity for myself and for all the guys involved. You always want to play in a big rivalry which is Canada versus Russia, and this is a chance to do that. As they days go by it's gotten more exciting."

The Subway Super Series is tied at two thru four games. Russia swept the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to open the series, but the Ontario Hockey League pulled off back-to-back wins even the series at two.

If the WHL can pull of a pair of wins it would clinch the series for the CHL, and Beach says he likes that pressure being on their shoulders.

"There's no better feeling than being in control of the destiny of the Subway Super Series, and hopefully in the end were holding up a cup."

Joel Edmundson was added to the roster Tuesday morning, and after hearing the news, the second year Warrior says nothing to took the smile off of his face.

"I've never been a guy to make the top teams. I've never played Under 17's or Under 18's, so being named to team WHL is a huge honour for me."

Edmundson will play Thursday night, taking the place of Edmonton defenceman Griffin Reinhart who sustained an injury last weekend. He says it's going to be wild stepping onto the ice in the series in his home rink.

"All my friends and family will come out and watch. Everyone from Moose Jaw is excited to come to the rink and I think it'll be a great game. The people of Moose Jaw will respect it and have a lot of fun with it."

Morgan Rielly was initially announced to the roster back in October, but will miss the game due to his recent knee injury. Brandon blueliner Ryan Pulock will take his spot in Thursday's game.

The WHL portion of the Subway Super Series opens tonight in Regina and then will shift to Moose Jaw for the finale tomorrow night.

MacKay Named Team WHL Honorary Captain

2011-11-16T05:39:00.004-06:00

Fan favourite and Warriors Hall of Famer Mark MacKay is coming back to the Friendly City for the Subway Super Series.

The WHL has announced that MacKay will serve as honorary captain for team WHL when the series comes to Mosaic Place Thursday night.

"Having Mark MacKay as our honorary captain for the Subway Super Series game is a very fitting choice," commented Warriors Director of Business Operations Corey Nyhagen.

"As the original Warriors Captain and Warriors & Legends Hall of Famer, Mark is an integral part of the Warriors Alumni and the history that the club has created in the City of Moose Jaw. We are very excited to have Mark joining us for this game and I know all of our fans will be equally excited about seeing him in Mosaic Place," added Nyhagen.

The Brandon product was the original captain of the Warriors when they came to Moose Jaw in 1984-85. That season he scored 66 goals and finished with 140 points in 71 games and was named the WHL Rookie of the Year as a 20 year old.

After graduating from the Warriors, MacKay went on to a successful pro career in Europe from 1985 to 2001. During that time he played for the German National Team, suiting up for six World Championships, one World Cup of Hockey, and the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics.

Mark is currently a player agent for CAA based in Calgary, and it's the same agency that handles NHL stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Hansen & White Named to U17 Teams

2011-11-16T05:39:00.003-06:00

Two Moose Jaw Warrior rookies will not be with the team when they make their U.S. Division road trip after Christmas.

16 year old's Torrin White and Carter Hansen found out Tuesday that they'd be taking part in the annual World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.

White, who has four goals and five points in 18 games, was one of 22 WHL players named to team Pacific, which is made up of players from BC and Alberta.

Hansen has five goals and nine points in 20 games and was named to team West. Joining Hansen is current Red Deer Rebel and former Moose Jaw General Cory Millette. 12 players from the WHL were named to the team West, which is made up of players from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The World Under 17 Hockey Challenge is December 29th to January 4th in Windsor, Ontario.

Rielly & Brown 2012 Draft Rankings

2011-11-16T05:39:00.001-06:00

A pair of Moose Jaw Warriors found themselves on the latest edition of TSN scout Craig Button's monthly rankings for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Despite being injured, Morgan Rielly moved from 5th to 4th overall, while rookie Travis Brown came in at 60th.

Red Deer Rebel Matt Dumba was the highest rated WHL player on Craig's List coming in at #3. Two former midget AAA Warriors made the list, Ryan Murray was 10th and Derrick Pouliot was 11th.

Sarnia's Nail Yakupov was ranked first overall, while Sweden forward Filip Forsberg was second.

Update On Injury To Morgan Rielly

2011-11-15T05:33:00.001-06:00

On November 6th against the Calgary Hitmen, Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Morgan Rielly crashed hard into the net and left the game with what was called a lower body injury at the time.

Last week the Warriors confirmed that it was in fact a knee injury, and a recent MRI has shown the injury to be significant.

"He had an MRI done last week that is usually required in a knee injury to get a full picture of the knee. You have to get a good look at the knee in terms of what damage has or hasn't been done," said Director of Hockey Operations Alan Millar.

Upon hearing the severity of the injury, Millar says Rielly was obviously upset, but after the news sunk in he's done a good job trying to stay positive.

"He cares very much for the community, the hockey club, his teammates, and just loves to play the game. He had a couple of days where it hit him and it was difficult. Morgan's a sharp kid, he's very positive and enthusiastic, now he's at the point where he says 'ok this had to get done and now I have to work as hard as I can to rehab and get back here as soon as I can'".

Millar informed us that Morgan has gone home to Vancouver to start his recovery, and hopefully have surgery next week. "We've been in consultation with two highly capably, experienced veteran sport medical people affiliated with the Vancouver Canucks. Right now the priority is Morgan, his health, and getting him the right people to get him looked after."

Millar went on to add that there is no definite timeline in terms of his return. "Whether that's four to five months, whether it's six to nine months, whether he has an opportunity to return this year or not certainly won't be determined until after the surgery and they see how things went and he get's into his rehab."

"Certainly he's a young guy, he's an athlete, he's in great shape, all those things are in his favour in terms of rehabbing quickly," added Millar.

MJ Prepares For Subway Super Series

2011-11-15T05:32:00.000-06:00

Moose Jaw steps into the national hockey spotlight Thursday when it hosts the final game of the Subway Super Series against Russia.

The series puts the best players from the CHL (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) in a six game series with Russia, and is used by Hockey Canada to evaluate talent for the upcoming IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships.

Warriors Director of Business Operations Corey Nyhagen says ticket sales have been going well. "We're pushing around the 3200 mark, when we hit that range they start going fast. The best thing to do if you thinking about coming to the game is to act fast, don't necessary think you'll be able to get a ticket at the door."

Nyhagen says the WHL is excited to have this game in the Friendly City. "The league is quit excited to bring events of this calibre to these markets. So many times you hear that only these events will only go to the Calgary's, Edmonton's, and Vancouver's."

"We have a very supportive fan base and a fantastic building, why wouldn't we go after these (events) and we'll continue to go after these. Getting the support from the fans out here just means bigger and better things," added Nyhagen.

Nyhagen says the city and organization has proved in the past that they can host big events like this. "We bring in the Under 16's, we had a World Junior Pre Competition game in the Civic Centre which was a sellout and fantastic."

"We had a really successful Under 16 given how new that tournament is. Now with the Subway Super Series, kind of what we're doing is trending to getting these bigger and bigger events," he added.

Nyhagen went on to add say that hosting a successful Subway Super Series game is the first step in showing that Moose Jaw can host bigger events down the road.

"I get hit all the time about bidding on a Mastercard Memorial Cup. We've been told by the league that the building is big enough to hold it, so why wouldn't we bid on it. Us as an organization have said from day one that we want to bring in these major events," said Nyhagen.

"We'd love to go after a Memorial Cup it's just taking those steps, and what we need from the fans is the support to show that we can fill this building for these games and put on a show for everybody."

The Subway Super Series is tied at two after the OHL beat Russia 6-3 last night, improving their record to 18-0 all time against Russia.

Boston Bruins prospect and reigning OHL Player of the Week Ryan Spooner (Kingston Frontenacs) had a goal and three points and was named team OHL's Player of the Game.

The Subway Super Series is in Regina tomorrow night and then shifts to Moose Jaw Thursday for the series finale. Warriors Quinton Howden, Dylan McIlrath, and Cody Beach will suit up in the game here at Mosaic Place.

Howden Reaches Milestone

2011-11-14T05:34:00.000-06:00

Saturday night when the Moose Jaw Warriors took on Swift Current, it was a milestone night for forward Quinton Howden. It marked the 200th time during the regular season that he's pulled on a Warriors jersey.

Howden reflected on the milestone, saying that 200 games was something he couldn't have imagined when he started his WHL career. "I remember coming into the league at 16 not knowing how many games I would get in and wanting to prove myself."

"Still to this day being 19, you still want to prove yourself and do the right things for the team. It's an honour to reach that and hopefully it continues on."

The Warriors made a huge trade back in the spring of 2007, moving up the morning of the WHL Bantam Draft to select Howden first overall. Wearing #92, the Oakbank, Manitoba product played in his first game on January 2nd, 2008 when he was an AP call up on the Warriors U.S. Division road trip.

Howden remembers what it was like to play that night, and how he's changed over the years. "I remember when I was younger I was nervous and you had to learn the league playing against big guys. Every new rink was a new experience."

"It's different now that I'm older. I have a lot more confidence and know a lot more. I have more confidence and am a leader on this team now so I have to try and help the young guys out because I was in there shoes a couple years ago."

Howden says that all coaches that he's had the pleasure of playing for have impacting his career, going back to his minor hockey days to the Warriors and his numerous stints with Hockey Canada.

He also says that a number of former players have left their mark on him, including former captain Jason Bast, who is the clubs all time leader in games played. "He was someone I looked up to, he has the record for games played with the Warriors, and it's great honour for me to be able to follow someone like that, it means a lot to me."

So far this season, Howden has seven goals and 11 points in eight games. In his career, he was 88 goals and 185 points. The next milestone for the Warrior is assists, he goes into this weekend three shy of 100.

Here's a list of over Warrior milestones coming up...
Kendall McFaull; four games shy of 150 and 46 penalty minutes shy of 200
Dallas Ehrhardt; one game shy of 100 for his career
Dylan McIlrath; nine games shy of 200 and 45 penalty minutes shy of 500
Cody Beach; three games shy of 125 and 49 penalty minutes shy of 500
Sebastian Svendsen; two games shy of 150
Brett Lyon; 10 penalty minutes shy of 500
Jordan Wyton; eight games shy of 100
Kenton Miller; nine games shy of 200

Recapping Warriors Busy Weekend

2011-11-14T05:04:00.000-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors head back to Mosaic Place later today after taking Sunday off to rest after completing a three in three schedule last week.

The tribe swept Regina in a home and home series, starting with a 3-1 win Thursday in the Queen City. The next night at Mosaic Place, the tribe pulled out a 3-2 overtime win in the rematch. Their seven game winning streak was snapped Saturday with a 3-2 loss in Swift Current.

The Warriors fell behind 1-0 after one to the Broncos, and trailed 3-0 midway thru the second. Quinton Howden scored once in the second and another in the third to pull the team to within one, but they weren't able to pull off a come from behind win.

Warriors Assistant Coach Trevor Weisgerber says they got off to a rough start and weren't able to recover until it was to late. "No excuses, we definitely came out and didn't put the pressure on. Give them (the Broncos) credit, they played a good game and we were on our heals for the first forty."

Weisgerber says the game against the Broncos was a reminder to everyone about the importance of playing the full sixty minutes. "The guys picked it up in the third but it was a little to late. Obviously you play like that in the first two periods and the outcome could have been different. That's the way it goes when you're on your heals for forty minutes."

The team captured four of of six points during their busy schedule, and Weisgerber says for the majority of the three in three the players rose to the occasion. "We obviously came into this weekend hoping to win all three, that's our goal every night is to win every game."

"The only disappoint part was the first forty minutes of Saturday, the rest of the weekend was a success. We played seven good periods, but it's the two we didn't play that good that ended up costing us two points," added Weisgerber.

The Warriors are now off until the weekend when they have another three in three, the first game is Friday back in Swift Current, and Weisgerber says the players are looking forward to the rematch.

"We want to get two points out of here next weekend that's for sure. It's always a tough battle when we come here (Swift Current), and I'm sure the guys will be ready to go Friday."

Sunday WHL scores...
Lethbridge 2 v 6 Calgary
Saskatoon 2 v 1 Kootenay
Prince George 3 v 4 Vancouver, shootout
Red Deer 3 v 4 Victoria, shootout

In other news...
The Subway Super Series picks up again tonight in Ontario. Team OHL beat Russia last week, however, the Russians still lead the series 2-1 after sweeping games against the QMJHL.

It comes to Saskatchewan this week for games in Regina and Moose Jaw Wednesday and Thursday. Warriors Dylan McIlrath, Quinton Howden, and Cody Beach will suit up for team WHL Thursday at Mosaic Place.

Warriors Pay Tribute To Remembrance Day

2011-11-10T08:40:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors have something special planned in honour of Remembrance Day tomorrow.

"We are going to be wearing a special edition jersey for that jersey for that game," said Warriors Director of Business Operations Corey Nyhagen. "We've basically taken a blend of all three of our jersey's and put in a Remembrance Day flavour."

"What we'll be doing is auctioning off those jersey's thru a silent auction and online, with all the funds raised going to the "Soldier On" program thru the military," added Nyhagen.

Nyhagen says this special tribute has been in the works for quit some time. "There's teams that have been doing it with games leading up to and around Remembrance Day. The very fact that our's lands on Remembrance Day makes it that more special. We've always been apart of it, and want to be apart of it on going, and we want to bring it as much as we can into the forefront all those who have served."

Along with the jersey's, Nyhagen says they have other plans for the night. "We can't forget what that day is all about, so that's something we want to make sure that we're apart of."

"The flag party will be there, we have the "Salute to Youth" program going on that evening with William Grayson singing the national anthem. We're going to have the base colonel out doing the ceremonial puck drop, and there will be members of the military in full dress throughout the crowd."

The mission for the "Soldier On" program is to provide resources and opportunities for serving and retired Canadian Forces personnel with a permanent or chronic illness or injury to actively participate in physical, recreational or sporting activities.

Click the link for more details on the "Soldier On" program

Warriors Open Busy Schedule In Regina

2011-11-10T06:05:00.002-06:00

After having the last three days to rest up and practice, the Moose Jaw Warriors return to action with the first game of a three in three schedule.

The tribe heads into Regina tonight for the first game of a home and home series with the Pats, the series shifts to Moose Jaw Friday, Saturday the busy schedule concludes with their first trip of the regular season to Swift Current.

Three-in-three's can be difficult on a team physically and mentally, but Warriors forward Justin Kirsch says he doesn't mind them. "They're actually not that bad I think. I love playing every game every day but it does take it's toll on your body a little bit, but it's good, it's fun."

Justin Kirsch has five goals and seven points in four games with the tribe and has played a big role in the teams current season high five game winning streak. He says it's been the small details that has helped in success. "We're getting pucks in deep, trying to shoot the puck a little bit more. Everyone's just buying into the system."

Everyone in Moose Jaw and Regina always get's excitement when the two teams collide in a home and home series, and Kirsch says they're looking forward to renewing the rivalry. "We always getting up for these games playing against Regina, and we're excited to be playing tonight."

The Warriors beat the Pats 3-2 back on October 29th at Mosaic Place, which was their first meeting of the regular season. Just like back then, Kirsch says they're expecting two hard fought games.

"Obviously it's going to be a physical game, the guys are going to be battling hard and it's going to be good, it's going to be a lot of fun."

"Penalties are always a big thing, but if we can keep our cool and play our own game I think we'll be alright," Kirsch said in regards to staying disciplined.

Moose Jaw rolls into tonight riding a season high five game winning streak, while Regina is 3-2 in their last five.

We're live from the Brandt Centre with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm on Country 100. The back half of the home and home is tomorrow at Mosaic Place, and will be apart of the buildings grand opening celebrations. The Warriors close out a three in three schedule Saturday in Swift Current.

All three games can be heard on Country 100, as well as online at DiscoverMooseJaw.com and mjwarriors.ca, starting with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm all three nights.

Wednesday WHL scores;
Brandon 4 v 1 Prince Albert
Saskatoon 7 v 5 Swift Current
Tri City 5 v 4 Kootenay
Seattle 5 v 2 Lethbridge
Edmonton 1 v 4 Vancouver
Red Deer 6 v 4 Kelowna

Russia Leads Subway Super Series 2-0

2011-11-10T06:04:00.001-06:00

Russia has a 2-0 lead on the Subway Super Series against the CHL after a 5-4 shootout win over the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last night. Matthew Bissonnette had a hat trick in the loss for the QMJHL.

Russia swept the QMJHL, and is now off to Ontario for games against team OHL. Their first game is tonight in Ottawa, the series takes a break on the weekend before picking back up Monday in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Super Series comes to Saskatchewan next week for games in Regina and Moose Jaw on the 16th and 17th. Brandon Wheat Kings blueliner Ryan Pulock has been added to the WHL roster, replacing injured Warrior Morgan Rielly.

Svendsen Close To Returning

2011-11-09T05:55:00.002-06:00

There's updates today from the Moose Jaw Warriors on their current injuries.

Sophomore defenceman Morgan Rielly didn't skate Tuesday in practice and is week-to-week with a lower body injury.

The backend has had to deal with a number of injuries this season, while up front the only forward who's out is overage import Sebastian Svendsen.

Head Coach Mike Stothers says Svendsen is close to returning. "He practiced full out today (Tuesday), and we have another practice tomorrow (Wednesday). I'm optimistic he'll be here for Thursday."

Svendsen has been out since October 10th when he was on the receiving end of a knee-on-knee hit from Prince George's Joshua Smith, who picked up a four games suspension for the incident.

"Really, the only discomfort he's feeling at this point is the brace itself which takes some time getting used to," said Stothers.

"Most guys don't like them, and unfortunately most guys don't stick with them, and unless you actually make sure he's that he's wearing it most guys will try to get away without it, which is always a problem and it's not just at the junior level it's at every level. He's going to have to wear it, he's going to have to get used it, but he's close, very close," added Stothers.

Joel Edmundson also didn't practice Tuesday, but Stothers says that they're hoping to have him on the ice today. Dylan McIlrath, who missed the last couple of games with an upper body injury, took part in practice yesterday.

The Warriors are getting ready for a three-in-three schedule this week which kicks off tomorrow in Regina with the first of two games against the Pats. Friday night tribe is back at home for the back half of their home and home with Regina. Saturday they head to Swift Current for the first time this regular season.

All three games can be heard on Country 100, as well as online at DiscoverMooseJaw.com and mjwarriors.ca. Coverage begins with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm all three night.

MJ's Howe Has Record Night

2011-11-09T05:55:00.001-06:00

Moose Jaw's Olivia Howe had three assists for the Notre Dame Hounds in a 7-1 win over the Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats last night in Sask Female Midget AAA action.

The assists give Howe the all time league record for assists, moving her past former teammate Brianna Gillanders mark of 74. She also hold the all time record for most goals and points.

Howe leads the league scoring leader this season, she has 12 goals and 20 points in seven games.

Warriors Back to Work After Off Day

2011-11-08T06:02:00.003-06:00

With three games in three days on the horizon, the Moose Jaw Warriors are back at Mosaic Place this afternoon for practice.

The team took Monday off to rest up any bumps and bruises and will be back on the ice to make preparations for games later this week.

The tribe's backend has been dealing with a number of injuries throughout the season, the latest concern is with Morgan Rielly.

The sophomore defenceman was banged up in the third period of Sunday's game against Calgary. Head Coach Mike Stothers says there' no update available at this time, but hopes to have more information later today after a further evaluation.

"Really don't want to speculate on the nature on the injury or how long he's going to be out. It just seems that for whatever reason since August 24th when we started training camp and started this whole process, everyone kept saying we had good depth and the strength of our defence."

"They seem to be the guys getting hit, we seem to lose one every game. Joel (Edmundson) won't be long, Dylan (McIlrath) should be back shortly, and hopefully the news on Morgan will be better than we were expecting," added Stothers.

Stothers says Edmundson and McIlrath start the week listed as day to day after missing action last weekend. "They're getting closer, barring any set backs. I think there's a strong possibility that Dylan could be ready for Thursday, one never knows. We try to remain optimistic and see what we can get," said Stothers. "In the meantime, we've had the luxury of (Travis) Brown, (Braiden) Doucette, and (Shayne) Gwinner taking on bigger roles and added minutes."

As the team deals with their injuries and the rookies get added ice time, Stothers says veterans Dallas Ehrhardt and Kendall McFaull have also been playing strong. "They don't like the lime light, they don't like the focus, they just go about doing their jobs, and they do it very well."

"Dallas had some early struggles at the beginning of the season, he's a notorious slow starter and he's just rounding into his game. With Kendall, here's a guy that's just back from an injury and he's logging 32 minutes game and it doesn't seem to phase him," added Stothers.

As the Warrior practice today, they'll be getting ready for three games in three night which starts Thursday in Regina against the Pats. The team rolls in riding a season high five game winning streak, and Stothers says the players are keeping grounded and focusing on the games coming up.

"You know through it all our guys have been pretty even keeled. We didn't get to upset when we came back from that road trip 0-3, we just knew that we needed a little bit better, we weren't scoring goals at the time, but it was no need to panic. When you're winning you don't think things are going to be easy either. You go back to work, you prepare, you plan, you focus, and you work hard and get your little details done."

The Warriors schedule starts Thursday in Regina, the home and home series with the Pats shifts to Moose Jaw Friday, they close out the weekend Saturday with their first trip to Swift Current.

All three games can be heard on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca, coverage will begin with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm all three nights.

Tuesday WHL schedule;
Calgary v Swift Current
Brandon v Saskatoon
Seattle v Medicine Hat
Edmonton v Victoria

Russians Take Game 1

2011-11-08T06:02:00.001-06:00

The Subway Super Series opened Monday night out east, Sergey Kostenko made 42 saves to lead Russia to a 2-0 win over the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Team QMHJL will try to rebound tomorrow night in game two, the series then shifts to the OHL for two games. The Subway Super Series comes to Regina on the 16th and Moose Jaw on the 17th.

Warriors Down Hitmen in OT

2011-11-07T05:22:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors came from behind Sunday night to beat the Calgary Hitmen 3-2 in overtime at Mosaic Place.

The Hitmen took a 2-0 on goals from Jaynen Rissling and Brady Brassart. The Warriors notched their first of the game at 14:45 when Cody Beach scored on the power play. Sam Fioretti tied the game with three minutes to go in the first on a goal mouth scramble.

The teams produced 19 shots in the second, but neither was able to find the back of the net.

In the third, Calgary outshot the tribe 16-5, but goalie Luke Siemens' turned them away keeping it a 2-2 game heading into overtime.

The Warriors had a power play carry over from the third to OT, and they capitalized, as Quinton Howden scored the game winner at 1:22.

Howden was the game's third star, finishing with a goal and two points, and says it was a hard fought battle. "They're (Calgary) on a long road trip right now, and I think we kind of expected them to be a bit slower in the first half of the game. They definitely weren't, they came at us hard and we had to fight back. Luckily we got the win in the end, but we have to be ready for those types of moments."

Luke Siemens was named the games first star, celebrating his 19th birthday by making 33 saves to lead the Warriors to the win. Moose Jaw assistant coach Mike Vandenberghe says Siemens put them in a position to pick up the win.

"I definitely think he held us in there. A lot of power play opportunities that they got some shots, I think he played solid."

Morgan Rielly and Justin Kirsch had two assists each, while captain Kendall McFaull picked up a helper on the game winner. Former Warrior Collin Bowman had an assist for Calgary in the loss.

The win moves the Warriors record to 11-5-1, and extends their winning streak to five games. Howden attributes their recent success to hard work.

"We have guys playing their roles. (Jordan) Wyton had a great fight that sparked the boys. The guys know their jobs and their roles and everyone's doing it. Basically we're all sticking to the page and getting things done right."

The Warriors will take today off before returning to the ice Tuesday for practice. The tribe has three games in three nights starting Thursday with the first of back-to-back games against Regina. The series shifts to Moose Jaw Friday, they head to Swift Current Saturday.

All games can be heard on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca with James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith. Coverage from all three will start with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

Warriors Battle Blades At Mosaic Place

2011-11-04T05:42:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors five day layover between games ends tonight with the first of two weekend games.

The team is currently riding a three game winning streak and has done a great job over the last few weeks keeping the opposition's shots down.

Defenceman Dallas Ehrhardt says that's due to their commitment to team defence. "Seems in the last month we've realized how important it is and how we can shut teams out that can eliminating their chances. We have a team that can play really good defensively, and for us that's helped us get offense too."

The Warriors special teams has played a major role in their current success. The power play has scored seven goals in the last three games, while the penalty kill has given up just one in the last 13 opportunities.

"How hockey is right now, you're going to win or lose games with your special teams," said Ehrhardt. "We didn't have the best start to it and it showed how we were playing out there. Lately we've picked it up and we've been getting goals for and a lot less against."

The Warriors open their weekend schedule tonight at Mosaic Place with their second meeting of the season against Saskatoon, and their first inside Moose Jaw's new facility.

The two teams have had a number of close games over the last couple of years, and Ehrhardt says they've developed a pretty good rivalry. "We're both teams that don't like losing, we both go out there and compete real hard. It makes for fun games to play in, there's a lot of intensity out there."

Ehrhardt says the Blades are always a tough team to battle against. "They're always a good structured team. They always finish checks, they usually don't cut corners. When you have to beat this team, you have to be better than this team (the Blades) and outwork them."

In the Warriors and Blades first meeting of the season back on October 11th, the tribe gave up goals in the first minute and last minute of the first period, and would eventually lost 4-3 in overtime.

Ehrhardt says they'll be looking for a better start this time around. "We were a little to relaxed in that first period and it really cost us in the long run. We have to make sure when we're starting up a period or closing one out we're structural sound and not giving up chances."

Catch the Warriors and Saskatoon Blades on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca. The PreGame Show is on the air at 6:40pm.

Moose Jaw has Saturday off, they're back on the ice Sunday night for their first meeting of the season against Calgary. This marks the first time the teams will meet since pulling off a four player trade in October. The Warriors acquired forwards Justin Kirsch and Kenton Miller, while the Hitmen picked up Collin Bowman and Joey Kornelsen.

Friday Night WHL Schedule;
Saskatoon v Moose Jaw
Calgary v Brandon
Everett v Kootenay
Lethbridge v Prince Albert
Seattle v Red Deer
Kamloops v Prince George
Portland v Kelowna
Vancouver v Victoria

Beach Named to Team WHL

2011-11-04T05:41:00.000-06:00

Current WHL Player of the Week Cody Beach was named to team WHL for the Subway Super Series against Russia later this month. Beach will join fellow Warriors Quinton Howden, Dylan McIlrath, and Morgan Rielly November 17th when the Super Series wraps up in Moose Jaw. Edmonton Oil King forward Michael St. Croix was also added to the November 17th roster.

Due to injury, Everett Silvertip and former AAA Warior Ryan Murray will not be able to play November 16th in Regina. Edmonton's Griffin Reinhart will take his spot on the blueline. Also added to the roster for this game was Kelowna Rockets' Brett Bulmer and Zach Franko, along with Kamloops Blazer Colin Smith.

Hansen Rolling Along In Rookie Season

2011-11-03T05:37:00.000-06:00

With the layover between Moose Jaw Warrior games just about over, the guys have been working hard getting ready for the weekend.

The tribe is riding a three game winning streak, and in those games, 16 year old rookie Carter Hansen has two goals and four points.

The 2010 first round bantam pick says he's enjoyed playing on a line with Quinton Howden and Cody Beach. "I consider myself very lucky and I have to keep my play up if I want to stay with them. As a 16 year old you don't really expect it, but I'm trying to make the best of it and hopefully it stays that way."

Hansen says hard staying at the speed of the two NHL signed prospects. "They're up at that NHL speed and I'm just coming into the league as a first year, it can be hard keeping up with them."

As the Craven product grows and develops, he says his linemates have been showing him the ropes. "I don't think they mind teaching me a few things every now and then. Sometimes it might get frustrating, but I'll try and keep learning and listen to them as much as possible."

Hansen says Beach and Howden are never shy to give him advice during a game. "Just where they want me to be on the power play and stuff, plus trying to do everything faster like shoot and stride, pass faster, don't hold onto the puck as much."

The Warriors are back at Mosaic Place this afternoon for their final practice before their weekends games. Friday night they renew their East Division rivalry with Saskatoon at Mosaic Place. This is their second meeting of the season, the Blades won 5-4 in overtime in the Bridge City back on October 11th.

On Sunday the Warriors host the Calgary Hitmen, which will mark the first time they'll play since making a four player trade in October. Moose Jaw picked up forwards Justin Kirsch and Kenton Miller, while Calgary acquired Collin Bowman and Joey Kornelsen.

Both games can be heard on Country 100, as well as online at DiscoverMooseJaw.com and mjwarriors.ca. James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith are live from Mosaic Place with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm both nights.

Warriors Captain Enjoying Recent Success

2011-11-02T05:34:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors were back on the ice at Mosaic Place yesterday for practice. The teams is on a current three game winning streak and is in the middle of a five day layover between games.

The Warriors have been without captain Kendall McFaull for the last five games as he's been nursing a lower body injury. McFaull says it's been hard watching from the bleachers.

"You get used to skating on the ice everyday, and then when you're not around you feel like you're almost getting further away from the team when you're not involved in locker room chat. It went awesome today, I felt good out there."

McFaull's last played October 19th when the team lost in Edmonton, and he has been on the sidelines during their recent winning streak.

Captain Kendall McFaull has been nursing an injury the last five games, and says watching from the stands he can see why they've found success as of late.

"I think we're just finding ways to put pucks to the net now. Those first games I sat out we were on the road swing that we lost, and we were putting pucks on the net but weren't capitalizing on our opportunities. Now we're crashing the net and making more of our opportunities."

Not only has McFaull been able to watch the team play well, but he says he's really noticed the strong play of rookie defenceman Shayne Gwinner, Braiden Doucette, and Travis Brown.

"I think with them playing more has come more confidence, and with confidence comes everything else. The strides they've taken from the start of the season has been tremendous, they're going to be great for us."

The Warriors will continue to practice until they return to action with a pair of weekend games against Saskatoon and Calgary. McFaull says those are huge Eastern Conference matchup's.

"Our division is super tough right now, so for us to get a win against the Blades is huge, and it's the same thing with Calgary. We need to get some separation in our division."

The Warriors battle the Saskatoon Blades Friday night at Mosaic Place. The Blades beat the Warriors 5-4 in overtime October 11th in Saskatoon.
Sunday's game against Calgary at Mosaic Place will be the teams first meeting of the season, and is the first since their big trade last week. In the deal the Warriors landed forwards Justin Kirsch and Kenton Miller, Calgary acquired Collin Bowman and Joey Kornelsen.

Tuesday WHL Roundup...
- Chandler Stephenson and Domink Volek had a goal each to lead the Regina Pats to a 2-1 win over Saskatoon
- Hunter Shinkaruk had three goals and six points in Medicine Hat's 10-2 beating of Everett
- Jimmy Bubnick had a hat trick for Calgary in a 5-2 win in Prince Albert
- Michael Ferland had three goals and four points in Brandon's 7-3 win in Swift Current
- Brendan Gallagher had three goals and four points in Vancouver's 4-2 win over Seattle.

Beach Named WHL Player of the Week

2011-11-01T05:43:00.001-06:00

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.

Kirsch Excited To Be With Warriors

2011-10-28T05:47:00.000-06:00

With the Western Canada Under 16 Challenge Cup at Mosaic Place, the Moose Jaw Warriors practiced at the Kinsmen Thursday afternoon.

That marked the first time that Justin Kirsch and Kenton Miller skated with their new team. The duo was acquired from Calgary Wednesday in the deal that saw Collin Bowman and Joey Kornelsen move west.

Kirsch says that he was surprised when he was told about the trade, but was happy to land in the Friendly City. "Obviously I was in shock that I got traded, but at the same time I was excited to come to Moose Jaw. They have a good team here and I'm excited to try and get them into the playoffs."

Kirsch is from Chilliwack, BC and says he was familiar with the Warriors tradition and is now excited to be apart of it. "I knew they were a good team, they always have a good team every year, and I'm excited to be here."

Kirsch scored 25 goals last season for the Hitmen, while Kenton Miller had 28 points last season with Spokane. Miller was picked up by the Hitmen back in July.

Both are expected to make their debut's tonight when the Warriors head east to take on the Brandon Wheat Kings.

This is the first time the East Division rivals have battled since opening weekend. During that home and home series home ice wasn't an advantage as the road team won both games.

The Wheat Kings will have a new look since the last time they've played. Earlier this month Brandon shook up their roster with a number of trades which saw them acquire goalie Brandon Anderson from Lethbridge and forward Darian Dziurzynski from Saskatoon.

Catch all the action from Westman Place, coverage begins with the PreGame Show with James Gallo at 6:10pm on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca

Saturday night the Warriors are back at Mosaic Place for their first meeting of the season against the Regina Pats. Tickets are going fast, as of Friday morning there was less than 200 available.

Puck Drops On Under 16's

2011-10-27T07:37:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow's stars of the WHL take over Moose Jaw starting today with the opening games of the Western Canada Under 16 Challenge Cup at Mosaic Place.

The four day tournament features some of the top players from the four western provinces, many of whom were drafted to the WHL earlier this year. They have round robin games today thru Saturday, the bronze and gold medal games are scheduled for Sunday.

Warriors Director of Hockey Operations Alan Millar. "It's going to be a great tournament. The kids know that this is the first step and Hockey Canada is watching. They also know that their respective scouts, head scouts, general managers, and assistant general managers are watching them play. Then take into the fact that the pride of provinces versus province, it's going to be a heck of a tournament.

Millar says WHL teams and hockey fans will get to see some outstanding hockey. "95% of the kids are drafted by WHL teams. The majority of the top 40-50 picks in this year's draft are here. We have the two young guys in (Josh) Uhrich and (Miles) Warkentine on our host team, or the fan favourite team here in Saskatchewan. Then there's Brayden Point leading his guys from Alberta."

Unfortunately, Warrior fans will have to wait to see Warkentine on the ice. The Prince Albert Minto suffered a hand injury during a practice with team Saskatchewan on Tuesday and will miss the tournament.

Not only is this a time for the players to shine against their peers, but Millar feels this is a chance for the city of Moose Jaw to step into the spotlight.

"It's a fabulous opportunity for us to showcase Mosaic Place. That reflects back to our partnership with the city and the WHL, and the whole process of building this wonderful facility and bringing in events like the U16's, the Subway Super Series in November, and hopefully other things in the future."

The Western Canada Under 16 Challenge Cup opens this afternoon with Brayden Point and team Alberta taking on Manitoba at 3pm. Team Saskatchewan, which has Warrior prospect Josh Uhrich and Moose Jaw Generals Rhett Gardner and Grant Naherniak, take on BC at 7pm.

DiscoverMooseJaw.com is your source for the tournament, all round robin games and both medal games on Sunday will be webcast

Speaking of the Subway Super Series, WHL commissioner Ron Robison will be at Mosaic Place this morning to announce team WHL's roster for the upcoming event.

The WHL takes on the Russians November 16th in Regina and November 17th in Moose Jaw.

Warriors Sink Raiders 5-2

2011-10-27T05:49:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors return to Mosaic Place was successful as they skated to a 5-2 win over the Prince Albert Raiders Wednesday night.

The Warriors jumped on the Raiders in the first, outshooting the visitors 17-7. Quinton Howden returned to the lineup and his impact was felt immediately, scoring a highlight reel goal at 7:48.

Midway thru the first Howden set up Carter Hansen for a 4-on-3 power play goal, and over a minute and a half later Sam Fioretti made it a 3-0 Warrior lead.

Cody Beach added to the Moose Jaw lead in the second with a power play goal at 2:04, which happened to be his first goal of the year.

The Raiders broke up the shutout when a Tyler Hart shot bounced off Warrior rookie Travis Brown and snuck past the goal line. Moose Jaw would respond two minutes later with another power play goal from Beach. Prince Albert would get a goal back late in the frame with Jonas Knutson marker.

The teams skated to a scoreless third, and when the dust settled, the tribe walked away with the 5-2 win.

Beach led the Warriors with two goals and three points; Howden had a goal and two points; Brett Lyon had two assists; Eric Arnold and Morgan Rielly had on assist each; Luke Siemans made 18 saves for the win; the Warriors were 3-for-7 on the power play and 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.

The game marked the regular season debut's for Joel Edmundson and Howden, who both returned from injuries sustained while at NHL rookie camps.

Howden says going into the game, he didn't want to put to much pressure on himself. "I was just trying to go out there and find my rhythm again. It's been a while since I've been in a game at that speed, things worked out as the game went on."

Howden, along with linemates Cody Beach and Carter Hansen accounted for three goals six points. Howden says he enjoyed playing along side his linemates. "They're both good hockey players. We're talking out there, had good communication, we're finding the open holes. We just have to keep going, keep doing what we're doing and we should be good for the future."

The Warriors will practice this afternoon, which will mark the first time that newly acquired forwards Kenton Miller and Justin Kirsch will skate with the club. The duo was picked up Wednesday afternoon in a trade with the Calgary Hitmen.

Coming up tomorrow the Warriors will load up the bus and head east for a clash with the Brandon Wheat Kings. They're back home Saturday for their first meeting of the season against the Regina Pats.

Warriors Ready For the Raiders

2011-10-26T05:46:00.001-06:00

For the first time in close to two weeks the Moose Jaw Warriors will step onto the ice for game action at Mosaic Place.

The last time fans saw their team in action was back on October 14th when they beat Swift Current. Last week they lost three games on a Central Division road trip.

Tonight they take on Prince Albert, who they beat 6-5 in a shootout in their only meeting back on September 30th.

Leading scorer Brett Lyon says they're hoping being on home ice is just what they need to get back on track. "We're hoping so, hopefully we can come out to a good start and get things back to normal around here."

Lyon says last week's road trip emphasized the importance of coming out strong. "Against Red Deer we had a good start, but the other two games we didn't have a good start to our games. We were kind of running around and getting away from how way we play."

"If we can play in the offensive zone more than in our defensive zone, that should be a good way to get things going," added Lyon.

In two out of their three games last week on the road trip, the guys were dramatically outshot in the first period. Edmonton outshot them 18-5 and Kootenay outshot them 18-8. Against Red Deer, the Warriors were the aggressors in the first frame, outshooting the Rebels 16-3.

Lyon says they'll once again be looking to play that consistent 60 minute game against Prince Albert. "We're already 12 games into the season and it's definitely key to start bringing some consistency to the rink. Throughout the season we should be growing towards that and hoping to keep it going."

In the Warriors and Raiders only meeting this season, the tribe erased two two goal deficits and pulled out a 6-5 shootout win at Mosaic Place.

Earlier this week the Raiders pulled off a trade with Medicine Hat, sending overage defenceman James Bettauer and a 6th round pick in 2013 to the Tigers for overage forward Kellan Tochkin.

Tochkin had eight assists in 10 games with the Tigers this season. In 227 career games, he's registered 214 points with Medicine Hat and Everett.

The tribe could welcome back Quinton Howden and Joel Edmundson tonight. Both suffered injuries while at NHL camps and haven't played this season. Both are game day decisions.

Kendall McFaull is also a game day decision, he missed the last two games on the road trip with a hip flexor.

We've got the Warriors and Raiders on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca.

James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith are live from Mosaic Place with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

Coming up on the weekend the Warriors will head to Brandon Friday, Saturday they're back at Mosaic Place for their first meeting of the season against the East Division leading Regina Pats.

Warrior Injury Update

2011-10-25T06:14:00.001-06:00

Riding a three game slide, the Moose Jaw Warriors are getting ready for a three game in four day schedule against East Division teams this week.

It starts Wednesday at Mosaic Place with their second meeting of the season against the Prince Albert Raiders, and that night could mark the return of several key players.

Quinton Howden and Joel Edmundson have been sidelined since suffering injuries while at NHL rookie camps, and Kendall McFaull missed games last weekend with a hip flexor.

Edmundson's was a high ankle sprain while with St. Louis at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament. Director of Hockey Operations Alan Millar says Joel has been making good progress the last couple of weeks.

"Joel's doing very well. He's very close to getting back into the lineup, and will probably be a game day decision on Wednesday for the game here against Prince Albert."

Howden sustained an upper body injury September 13th while with Florida in a rookie game against Nashville. Millar says Howden has worked hard to get to this point.

"He's made great progress here in the last 10 to 14 days. We're looking for him to have a real good couple of days here in terms of practice and getting ready for Wednesday."

"That's by no means etched in stone. I think it's probably safe to say that he'll play on the weekend, but we'll make a decision Wednesday if it's ready to go against Prince Albert," added Millar in regards to Howden's situation.

Millar says that all three are listed as probable for Wednesday, but again says their status will be a game day decision.

Howden and Edmundson haven't played this season, while McFaull missed the last two games on the teams Central Division road trip last week.

Millar says they've been patient will all of their injured players. "I think everybody's been very diligent in the process, and I think the players have worked extremely hard here in the last seven to 10 days with the understanding that they were close."

"When ever you're in those situations, sometime's it's about confidence, sometime's it's about testing your injury, sometime's it's pushing the limit in practice and your conditioning," added Millar.

The team is also without import overage forward Sebastian Svendsen, who was on the receiving end of a "knee on knee hit" back on October 10th against Prince George.

Millar says that Svendsen's status is listed as week to week, but adds that he's a little bit ahead of schedule. "He came out of that hit with an injury, but nothing real serious, which as you know the danger of those hits can sometimes result in a tear and a significant injury."

"He came out of it with a minor to mild type of strain. Originally it was anywhere from three to six weeks depending on how he's coming along and what he can tolerate in terms of battling thru. He's ahead of schedule, he's probably within a couple weeks of getting back and may be even day-to-day by the weekend," added Millar on the Svendsen injury.

Depending on when Howden, Edmundson, and McFaull return, Millar says everyone needs to be patient with their expectations.

"Them jumping right back in and being the best that they can be is probably going to take a little bit of time. As I've said in the past, they're very good players who can make an impact by not only contributing in some ways, but they'll certainly make everyone else around them better. We look forward to that whether it's Wednesday or on the weekend."

Wednesday's game against the Raiders will be there second meeting of the season, the Warriors won their only meeting 6-5 in a shootout back on September 30th.

Coming up on the weekend, the Warriors will head to Brandon Friday and then hook up with Regina Saturday at Mosaic Place.

Warriors Back Home After Rough Road Trip

2011-10-24T05:40:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors arrived back home early Sunday morning after completing a three game Central Division road trip.

The guys suffered three heartbreaking losses, falling to Edmonton, Red Deer, and Kootenay by one goal each night.

Despite the losses, blueliner Morgan Rielly says they have to remain positive. "It's tough, we have to keep positive. We have to keep working hard and keep with it. Keep chipping away and practicing hard everyday and looking to improve. That's a pretty tough road trip for us, but we have to keep going."

Rielly says they take some positives out of the negative results. "We worked hard, and kept pressing up until the last minute in all three games but couldn't close it out."

"That's a pretty character room, we just have to keep chipping away. There's a whole lot of character in the change room, and it's a pretty bright future if we could working hard."

The Warriors lost 2-1 in Edmonton last Wednesday to open the trip. Friday they overwhelmingly outshot Red Deer but lost 3-2. It wrapped up Saturday with a 2-1 loss to Kootenay.

Assistant coach Trevor Weisgerber says they produced chances, but just couldn't finish them. "We're getting lot's of pucks to the net, but we have to get more traffic and bang those pucks home. We had a couple of point blank chances in front of the net but just didn't bury them."

The team will use today and tomorrow to get ready for three East Division matchup's coming up later in the week.

Their three game in four night schedule starts Wednesday at Mosaic Place against Prince Albert, Friday they're back on the bus for a trip to Brandon, Saturday they return home for their first meeting of the season against Regina.

Rielly High On Recent 2012 NHL Draft Rankings

2011-10-18T05:40:00.000-06:00

TSN's Craig Button had Morgan Rielly once again ranked high on his 2012 NHL Entry Draft rankings. Button's October rankings came out Monday, and he had Rielly at 5th.

Red Deer's Matthew Dumba was the highest rated WHL player at 3rd; former AAA Warrior and current Everett Silvertip Ryan Murray was 7th; Edmonton's Griffin Reinhart was 8th; former AAA Warrior and Portland blueliner Derrick Pouliot was ranked 9th. Button's next rankings are due out November 14th.

Warriors Leave Today For Central Division Games

2011-10-18T05:39:00.001-06:00

A three game in four day road trip to the Central Division awaits the Moose Jaw Warriors this week.

The guys will skate this morning, then load up the bus for their first overnight trip of the season. Forward Sean Aschim says the team has been looking forward to the trip. "It's going to be good for the boys to get together. When you're on the road it's just you and the boys, it's going to be good for team building and getting to know each other a little bit better. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Players and coaches always say that these type of trips are good at bringing the guys closer together, Aschim explains why.

"You spend a lot of time on the bus together. You're not just going to sit around and keep to yourself, you're going to get to know the guys. You're going to have a little bit of fun picking on each other a little bit. It's just great to be with the boys and having a good time out there."

The three game in four day road trip starts tomorrow in Edmonton, and Aschim says after the Oil Kings handed them a loss in their barn earlier this month, they'll try to return the favour.

"I think that was a game that could have gone either way. It's going to come down to out working them. I'm happy to go out there and play in Edmonton, it's quit the rink to play in, it's going to be a lot of fun."

The Oil Kings beat the tribe 3-1 October 7th in Mosaic Place, Aschim feels that they need to be sharp. "They're a really good skating team, I think we're going to have to make their defenceman turn and go get pucks. We're going to have to play good defensively, keep working, and stay disciplined."

Join James Gallo Wednesday night, the PreGame Show is live from Rexall Place at 6:40pm.

The road trip continues Friday with a stop in Red Deer, it wraps up Saturday with a stop in Cranbrook, BC to take on the Kootenay Ice.

Sunday WHL Trades

2011-10-17T05:37:00.001-06:00

New faces found new places to play, as there was a number of Sunday trades in the WHL.

The Brandon Wheat Kings were busy, acquiring overage forward Darian Dziurzynski from Saskatoon and 19 year old goalie Brandon Anderson from Lethbridge.

The Wheat Kings sent a 2nd round pick in the 2012, a 2nd round pick in 2013, and a 3rd round pick in 2014 to Saskatoon in the Dziurzynski trade.

To acquire Anderson, they sent 18 year old goalie Liam Liston and 18 year old defenceman Spencer Galbraith to the Hurricanes. The Wheat Kings also picked up TBD draft picks from Lethbridge.

Lethbridge wasn't done, they traded 19 year old defenceman Derek Ryckman to Tri City for a 4th round pick in 2012. They also picked up 19 year old forward Nick Buonassis from Prince George for 18 year old blueliner Reid Jackson and a 5th round pick in 2012.

Warriors Prepare For Road Trip

2011-10-17T05:36:00.000-06:00

Friday's 3-2 Warrior win over the Broncos wasn't the prettiest win, but it was still a notch in the win column.

The Warriors jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, but the Broncos battled back with a first period goal and early third period power play marker to make it close.

Assistant coach Mike Vandenberghe says they played well at times, but learned a valuable lesson in the narrow win. "We took a couple steps backwards. We had a team on the ropes, we kept it in their zone for five minutes of the second period. We came out of that period, we dominated puck possession wise, and came out with eight shots, and that's ridiculous."

"Guys weren't ready to shoot when they were wide open in front of the net, they weren't puck focused," added Vandenberghe.

Vandenberghe says the game re-emphasized that they need to play the full 60 minutes. "If we want to be a championship team, we can't leave teams hanging around. Swift is a very hard working team and they have a deadly power play. You let them hang around and they're going to be right in the game at the end of the night and that's exactly what happened."

The game is being remembered by many for what happened before the opening draw. Broncos goalie Jon Groenheyde noticed a problem near the west peg of the net, and it resulted with an hour and 15 minute delay.

Forward Brett Lyon says it was a challenge to stay focused after sitting for so long waiting to start the game. "You get mentally prepared for the game and then something like that happens. It might take you off your game a little bit, you just have to try and stay focused for as long as you can and keep your eye on the game."

The Warriors will use today and tomorrow morning to get ready for a three game road trip into the Central division.

Assistant coach Mike Vandenberghe says it'll good for the guys to get on the road. "We haven't been on the road yet this year, and I think it's a chance for the guys to start to bond, and hopefully get an infusion of a couple of guys in the lineup."

The team leaves Tuesday, the play in Edmonton Wednesday, they have Thursday off, Friday they're in Red Deer, the trip wraps up Saturday in Cranbrook against the Kootenay Ice.

Warriors Ready For the Broncos

2011-10-14T05:23:00.001-06:00

After falling to Saskatoon in overtime on Tuesday, the Warriors return to action tonight at Mosaic Place for their second meeting of the season against the Swift Current Broncos.

In the Bridge City, the tribe went toe-to-toe with the Blades, scoring with 10 seconds left in regulation to force overtime. Rookie Tanner Eberle says they learned a valuable lesson that night. "We learned that it's never over. We were down a couple times in that game and we can came back and scored in the third period with 10 seconds left in the game. That was a pretty big confidence boost for us."

Eberle, along with his linemates Sam Fioretti and Torrin White have been catching the attention of many, and says tonight against the Broncos they'll once again be looking to make an impact.

"I'm kind of an energy guy, Sam and Torrin can put up points as well. It's kind of a three way combo, we're hoping to put up as many points as the first line."

Focusing on the Broncos, Eberle says there's area's in Swift's game that they need to be aware of going into tonight. "The Broncos did have a good power play against us in the pre season and in the first game we played them. We have to watch the cross ice passes as well," said Eberle.

The tribe posted a 7-4 win over the Broncos back on October 1st, that night White and Sean Aschim scored two goals each; Sam Fioretti had a goal and three points; Brett Lyon had a goal and two points; Morgan Rielly had two assists.

Broncos rookie Coda Gordon and veteran Taylor Vause had a goal and two points each.

Catch the Warriors and Broncos on Country 100, as well as online at DiscoverMooseJaw.com and mjwarriors.ca. James Gallo gets you ready for the opening draw with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

After tonight, the Warriors will be off until next Wednesday when they open a three game Alberta road trip in Edmonton.

Beach Ready To Return

2011-10-13T05:50:00.001-06:00

Opening night the Moose Jaw Warriors lost one of their key players. Cody Beach was issued a seven game suspension for a check to the head and has been forced to watch from the sidelines that last two weeks.

He says it's been frustrating watching from the stands. "Tight games you want to be out there to be that difference maker. Sitting with (Quinton) Howden the last few games, we're both nervous when it comes down to that. We want to be that guy needing to score the goal or stopping the team. Once we get back we got to be that guy that takes advantage of the opportunity."

Beach says that he's learned his lesson, and has been working hard on adjusting his game. "I play a certain way and I don't think that will ever change. I just need to be a little cautious going into certain areas and double thinking in your brain before doing it."

"Basically just relax. I don't have to always be that guy looking for the big hit. I just need to play my game, look to score goals and not have to be the attention grabber all the time," said Beach.

Beach's seven game suspension is done, and he's anxious to get back on the ice. "The only word that comes to mind is 'Finally'. Sitting out seven games you really get to watch from a bird's eye view, and see a different perspective of the game. It slows down for you, you can see where things need to be improved and where things are good."

Beach says watching from the stands has allowed him to make notes on how he can tweak his game. "Really just using all the ice, especially in the new rink where we have a lot of open ice. You can work pucks from one side to the other and go east to west, you can use the back of the net, and our boards are real lively and can work to our advantage."

The gritty forward says that he's ready to showcase his skills. "I want to hear my name every time we score a goal, either putting the puck in the net or setting up a goal. We need to count on me for more than just fighting and being somewhat of a bully out there if you want to say."

"It's kind of my year to put the puck in the net, and I'm going to be relied on to do that from the coaching staff."

Beach is eligible to return to the Warriors lineup tomorrow night when the tribe takes on Swift Current at Mosaic Place.

Saskatoon Awarded 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup

2011-10-13T05:40:00.000-06:00

The MasterCard Memorial Cup is returning to Saskatchewan.

The WHL announced Wednesday that Saskatoon would be the host city for the 2013 major junior national championship.

"We are confident the Saskatoon Blades, the City of Saskatoon and the Province of Saskatchewan will serve as an outstanding site for the WHL’s hosting of the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup," commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. "Having hosted many national and international events, including the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championship, Saskatoon clearly understands what it takes to stage an event of this magnitude."

The Blades beat out Red Deer and Kelowna, the last time they hosted the Memorial Cup was back in 1989.

"We are completely thrilled about having an opportunity to host the Memorial Cup in 2013. It’s something that we have wanted to do since it was last here in 1989 and it’s nice to have a chance to do it again," commented Jack Brodsky, Saskatoon Blades Governor and Committee Chair.

"For the fans of the Saskatoon Blades it’s just another opportunity to come out and witness great hockey. We've had many great events over the years and I know that this will be another good. Anyone that’s a fan of the Western Hockey League and the Saskatoon Blades knows the importance and scale of such an event. Overall, it will just be another great chance for the city of Saskatoon to showcase what it has to offer," added Brodsky.

The 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup will be hosted by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Shawinigan Cataractes in May.

Blades Cut Warriors In OT

2011-10-12T02:40:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors came up on the short end of one goal game Tuesday night, falling 4-3 in overtime in Saskatoon.

The Blades took an early lead on a goal from Josh Nicholls 53 seconds into the game. The Warriors would respond at 8:21 with a goal from Jordan Wyton. Sam Fioretti put the team on top with his second of the season at 12:26, deflecting a shot from Dylan McIlrath.

However, the Warriors would get burned late in the frame, as Chris Collins was credited with the tying goal with one second remaining in the frame.

Goalies Luke Siemens (MJ) and Audrey Makarov (SAS) didn't budge in the second, they combined for 21 saves to keep it a 2-2 game going into the third.

The Warriors got into penalty problems midway thru the third, and the Blades capitalized, Duncan Siemens scored at 10:38 to put the home team in front.

With their backs against the wall in the final minute of regulation, the Warriors were put on the power play for the man advantage, plus they pulled their goalie to take a two man advantage. With 10 seconds left Morgan Rielly feathered a pass to Brett Lyon on the bottom right goal line, he snapped into the mesh, propelling the game into overtime.

With a shootout looming, the Warriors were on the receiving end of a bad bounce, resulting in a Darian Dziurzynski goal, and Saskatoon handed the tribe a 4-3 overtime loss.

Luke Siemens made 33 saves and was named the second star; Audrey Makarov’s 36 saves earned him the first star.

Moose Jaw outshot the Blades 39-37 and went 1-for-4 on the power play and 5-for-6 on the penalty kill.

Their record drops to 5-2-1 on the year; they'll have the next two days off to get ready for Friday’s battle with the Swift Current Broncos at Mosaic Place.

Warriors Claw Cougars; Win 6-0

2011-10-10T15:27:00.005-06:00

Torrin White and Collin Bowman had two goals each to lead the Moose Jaw Warriors to a 6-0 win over the Prince George Cougars Monday afternoon.

White opened the scoring with his third of the season at 6:06, and then Andrew Johnson made it 2-0 just over two minutes later.

Up by a deuce in the second, Bowman made it 3-0 with his first of the year at 16:29, and the over a minute later rookie Carter Hansen scored his third of the year to make it 4-0.

White and Bowman both scored their second goals of the game in the third, as the tribe improved their record to 5-2 with the win.

Luke Siemens made 21 saves to record his first shutout of the season and first as a Warriors. Cougars goalie Drew Owsley made 33 saves in the loss.

Moose Jaw was 0-for-5 on the power play and 1-for-1 on the peanlty kill.

The Warriors return to action Tuesday night with a trip up to Saskatoon to take on the Blades. James Gallo is live from the Bridge City with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca

Bowman Excited To Be Back

2011-10-07T05:36:00.001-06:00

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.

Warriors Calm Hurricanes

2011-10-06T05:39:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors extended their winning streak to four games last night with a tight 3-2 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The tribe came out strong, scoring first period goals from Kendall McFaull and Morgan Rielly.

Moose Jaw turnovers in the second were costly as they turned into a pair of goals for Hurricanes forward Brady Ramsay.

Tied at two in the third the teams battled back and forth. With Lethbridge on a power play at the mid way point, Brett Lyon created a turnover and rushed up the ice, eventually feeding Sean Aschim for the eventual game winner.

Aschim, Lyon, and Eric Arnold have developed good chemistry so far this season. Aschim says they're respective games compliment each other. "We work hard and get jobs done. When it comes down to put pucks in the net we're all willing to do it. It's obviously working and it's looking up from here."

Looking back to the first period, Aschim says that strong start was key. "The boys worked hard and kept battling. They came back to a 2-2 tie, but we just kept working and things worked out for us."

The Warriors have won four straight after dropping their home opener to Brandon, and assistant coach Mike Vandenberghe says they're improving every game.

"If you took the film from the first two games and compared to now, things are a lot different. We're breaking out under pressure a lot better, but it takes time."

The Warriors have today off to get ready for Friday's game against Edmonton. They'll have Saturday and Sunday off before taking on Prince George Monday (12pm) and Saskatoon Tuesday.

In other Warrior news...
The team found out before last night's game that they would be getting back 20 year old defenceman Collin Bowman. Bowman attended New York Rangers rookie and main camp before being re-assigned to their AHL affiliate in Hartford.

Bowman flew back to town late Wednesday night and could be in the lineup as early as Friday.

Warriors Ready For Hurricanes

2011-10-05T05:48:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors put their three game winning streak on the line tonight when they hook up with Lethbridge for the first time this season at Mosaic Place.

This game will mark the debut of newly acquired goalie Luke Siemens, who practiced with the tribe for the first time yesterday.

Siemens knows that there's going to be a lot of eyes on him. "Obviously I want to do good. I'm not going to put extra pressure on myself and think 'what are these guys going to think of me'. I'm just going to play my game."

The Delta, BC product was picked up from Everett Monday, and he says the chance to be a number one goalie is an opportunity he's worked hard for.

"The last couple of years have been a learning curve for me backing up some good goaltenders. Now that I have my chance I'm going to make the most of it."

Tuesday's practice saw the return of Warriors blueliner Dylan McIlrath, who was sent back to Moose Jaw on the weekend from the New York Rangers.

McIlrath played in several pre season games for the Rangers, and says making the adjustment from the pro's back to major junior is something he needs to be aware of.

"You can't try to be one step ahead, you have to control your emotions and control the pace of the play here and not forcing passes," said McIlrath. "I have to play the game that got me here and got me to the player that I am. That's just staying at home, being physical, and doing the simple things."

Focusing on tonight's game, captain Kendall McFaull says a strong start is key. "Seems like when we have a good first period we do a lot better than when we fall behind and have to battle back."

"The thing that has been getting us success, especially last game, was moving puck quicker. We attacked the puck a lot harder than we have before. Those other games where we came from behind and won, we started the game a little slow, and we weren't putting the pressure on them (the opposition)," said McFaull.

So far this season the Warriors have averaged just under 40 shots against per game, and McFaull says that's got to change. "We have to limit our turnovers. We've turned over a lot of pucks in the neutral zone and in our end. We have to make smart breakout passes, we haven't been doing that and it's cost us."

Catch the Warriors and Lethbridge Hurricanes on Country 100, DiscoverMooseJaw.com, and mjwarriors.ca.

James Gallo is live from Mosaic Place with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

Tuesday WHL Trades

2011-10-05T05:47:00.000-06:00

Several players found new homes yesterday as there was two trades in the WHL, both involving East Division teams.

In an attempt to strengthen their goaltending situation, the Swift Current Broncos picked up overage Jon Groenheyde from Edmonton in exchange for overage forward Jordan Peddle.

Groenheyde has a career 3.66gaa and .890sv%, while Peddle has tallied 24 goals and 64 points in 198 games.

In Saskatoon, the Blades shipped overage goalie Adam Morrison and right winger Levi Bews to Vancouver. Coming to the Bridge City is Michael Burns, Zach Hodder, and a 4th round pick in the 2013 draft.

McFaull Named Captain

2011-10-04T04:30:00.001-06:00

The "C" on Kendall McFaull's Warrior jersey is now permanent.

Monday night the team announced that McFaull would be there captain for the season. The 19 year old from Rosetown had been wearing the letter throughout pre season and in four regular season games so far.

Quinton Howden, Dylan McIlrath, Brett Lyon, and Collin Bowman (if he returns) were named alternate captains.

Bowman is still with the Connecticut Whale, the New York Rangers AHL affiliate, and it's not known yet whether or not he'll return to the tribe.

The Warriors current home stand continues Wednesday night with a clash against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith are live from Mosaic Place with the PreGame Show at 6:40pm.

Warriors Acquire Siemens From Everett

2011-10-04T04:11:00.000-06:00

There's a new man in the blue paint for the Warriors, as they've acquired 19 year old goalie Luke Siemens from Everett.

Headed to the Silvertips is 18 year old forward Matt Grant, along with third round picks in 2012 and 2013.

"He's a good size, hard worker, competes hard, and has some experience," said Director of Hockey Operations Alan Millar. "He's one of those guys that's bided his time in the league, played behind some good goaltenders, and he's ready to take that step and be the number one guy here for us."

The deal came down this afternoon, Millar says he's spoken with Siemens and he says he's excited to be a Warriors. "He's heard great things about our team, great things about the building and our facilities."

"This is like any young guy that's bided his time in the league. This is a goalie that's been a backup that has potential and is considered a good goaltender. He get's to come here and get that opportunity to be the guy," added Millar.

With the overage deadline coming up October 13th, Millar says he was hoping to get this deal done before that and definitely before January's trade deadline.

"We'd like to go into the trade deadline solidified in as many areas as we can. I think it was important to get the goaltending situation cleared up early in the season. I also think it was important to clear up the situation of the four goaltenders and get some good kids on their way to other opportunities."

Rookie goalie Spencer Tremblay will remain with the team, while 20 year old Deven Dubyk and sophomore goalie Brandon Stone have been re-assigned.

"Dubyk has to clear WHL waivers but his intent is to go back to Humboldt (SJHL) and hopefully lead that program to a national championship," said Millar.

"Brandon Stone, great kid, tremendous work ethic. We really believe he needs to take a step backwards and play in the Tier 2 level, whether that's in the BCHL or the SJHL. Hopefully he'll get the opportunity to be a number one guy and earn his way back here."

Siemans is expected to join the Warriors Tuesday for practice and could make his debut as early as Wednesday against Lethbridge.

The Delta, BC was 7-13-2 last season with a 3.03gaa and .917sv%. He stopped 36 shots in a 3-2 shootout loss to Portland in his only game so far this season.

Warriors Hot Rolling Into Week

2011-10-03T05:29:00.001-06:00

The Moose Jaw Warriors opened their five game home stand with a pair of wins on the weekend.

Friday night they erased two two goal deficits to come from behind and beat Prince Albert 6-5 in a shootout. Saturday night, Torrin White and Sean Aschim had two goals each in a 7-4 win over Swift Current.

Assistant coach Trevor Weisgerber says it was a weekend where the team saw contributions from everyone.

"We need to score as a group and we're doing that. The defence needs to contribute as well, and obviously with Morgan (Rielly) back there he get's a lot of pucks thru and with his speed he creates offence that way. All our lines are scoring and that's a good thing."

Rielly had a great weekend, scoring one goal and finished with five points.

Saturday's two goal night was the first multi goal game in Torrin White's young career. The 16 year old says he's been building confidence with every shift.

"Coach shuffled the lines a little and I found good chemistry playing with (Sam) Fioretti and (Tanner) Eberle. We weren't getting the bounces at the start, but went to the net and got some greasy one's."

With several keys players out of the lineup, White says the young guys need to find ways to contribute. "Especially with the key guys like (Quinton) Howden and (Cody) Beach out of the lineup. It's a good opportunity for a lot of the younger guys to step up and contribute to the scoring and defensive play to."

The tribe was without a number of big names on the weekend. Cody Beach has now served three games of his seven game suspension, he's due back in the lineup October 14th. Quinton Howden is back with the team after being sent back from Florida last week, but is still out with a concussion that he suffered during an NHL rookie game against Nashville.

On the backend, Joel Edmundson remains out with a high ankle sprain that he suffered while with St. Louis at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament in early September. On Saturday, the New York Rangers announced the re-assigning of Dylan McIlrath back to the Warriors.

Collin Bowman is the only player still with a pro team, his with the Rangers AHL affiliate the Connecticut Whale.

Riding a three game winning streak to start the week, the Warriors will practice today and tomorrow as they get ready for Wednesday's clash with Lethbridge.

Friday night they'll host Edmonton, their five game home stand wraps up a week today with a Thanksgiving battle against Prince George (12pm start time).

Warriors Return To Action

2011-09-30T05:26:00.000-06:00

The week long layover for Warriors hockey ends as they open their weekend schedule with a battle against the Prince Albert Raiders.

The last last the tribe played at home was the regular season and home opener against Brandon on September 22nd. Their last game was last Friday's road win against the Wheat Kings.

Sophomore Forward Sam Fioretti says they've working hard at trying to stay sharp. "We've had a great week of practice, very high intensity, we're looking forward to getting out there."

Fioretti says their play inside of their zone was one of the focal points this week during practice. "We were kind of soft and not knowing where we were supposed to be in the defensive zone. We worked a lot on it during the week so it should help."

Tonight's game against Prince Albert kicks off a five game week and a half long home stand for the Warriors. Fioretti says this game can set the tone for the others. "We need a good start to the home stand, and the home stand is really important. A game at home is a lot better than a game on the road, so you have to win it."

Friday's game is their first of the season against Prince Albert, and Fioretti says even though the Raiders have made changes, they're not going in blind. "You got to know a little bit of what they do, but I think it's more playing our game better than they play their's."

"Just playing hard, getting pucks out, chipping pucks, and out working them is basically the main thing."

Join James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith for all the action on Country 100. They're live from Mosaic Place with the Pregame Show at 6:40pm.

The Warriors weekend continues tomorrow when Swift Current's in town. Coming up next week they have games against Lethbridge (Tuesday), Edmonton (Friday), the home stand wraps up Thanksgiving Monday against Prince George (12pm puck drop).

Just a reminder that season ticket packages are available to be picked up. The mistake that was made when they were originally delivered has been corrected. Packages can be picked up at the Warriors admin office on the north side of Mosaic Place.

Warriors Anxious For Action

2011-09-29T06:19:00.001-06:00

Fans of the Moose Jaw Warriors are going thru withdrawal these days, it's been a week now since they've seen there team in action.

The last time the guys played at Mosaic Place was last Thursday's regular season and home opener against Brandon. There last game was last Friday's road win over the Wheat Kings.

Head Coach Mike Stothers says it's hard having this long of a wait between games to start the season. "We've had some good practices, but you kind of get a little stale and guys get chopping at the bit for a game."

"I think I'd welcome it more later on in the season when the schedule is tougher. I'd certainly like it more if we had our whole team, with that, I mean the guys that should be coming back from the NHL," said Stothers.

Quinton Howden was at the rink yesterday for the first time since being re-assigned back to Moose Jaw from the Florida Panthers. He's listed as day to day due to a concussion he suffered during a rookie game. Joel Edmundson remains out with an ankle injury he sustained with St. Louis at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament. Cody Beach is out of the lineup until mid October as he serves a seven game suspension.

Collin Bowman and Dylan McIlrath are still at pro camps. McIlrath is overseas with the NY Rangers for pre season games, and Bowman is with the Connecticut Whale (Rangers AHL affiliate).

With such a long layover between games, Stothers says it's tough keeping the guys sharp going into the weekend. "You try to have the intensity and the emotion and battles on the ice, but then in the back of your mind you don't want any of your players getting hurt in practice."

"It's a fine line. You want them to battle their own players like they are opponents, but yet, you don't want anyone getting hurt and they don't want to hurt each other," added Stothers.

The Warriors open a five game home stand tomorrow night with their first meeting of the season against Prince Albert. Stothers says it's important for them to come out strong.

"You want to win your home games. We want to make it difficult for teams to come in here, and certainly know that it's going to be a long night coming in to play the Warriors. You want to establish yourself's with that home ice identity. We're looking to get ourselves back on track Friday night."

Catch the Warriors and Raiders Friday night on Country 100. James Gallo, Derek Kletzel, and Marc Smith are live from Mosaic Place with the Pre Game Show at 6:40pm.

Just a reminder to fans that season ticket packages are available to be picked up. There was a problem with the tickets when they originally came in last week, but the mistake has been corrected.

Season ticket packages are available to be picked up at the Warriors admin office on the north side of Mosaic Place.

Farewell

2011-09-28T21:58:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take the opportunity to say my good bye's. My last day with the Warriors will be on Saturday. I will be moving on to other opportunities away from hockey.

I have had many very nice messages come by way from all those I have been fortunate enough to meet over the past few years.

What will I remember most? The impact we made. Whether it be the McDonald's Hospital Room, the Growing Tomorrow's Minds Program.... the smiles on kids faces around Moose Jaw and of course watching young men grow up every day in front of my eyes and mature into exceptional people.

I have met a ton of great people-- parents, billets, fans, alumni and those from the business community.

Thank you to everyone who made my time here memorable and of course for reading this blog I started just over a year ago.

Best of luck this season and into the future... and of course GO WARRIORS!

Marnel Rasmussen

Howden Headed Back To MJ

2011-09-28T03:52:00.001-06:00

Quinton Howden will have one more season in the WHL before moving onto the pros.

The star forward has been sidelined for the last two weeks after suffering a concussion in a Panthers rookie game, and apparently now Florida is sending him back to the Warriors.

"We know that things probably didn't go exactly the Quinton would have hoped at the camp specifically as a result of the injury he got early on," said Warriors Director of Hockey Operations Alan Millar. "We're thrilled to have him back, first and foremost as a leader on our team. Secondly as one of the top players in the league.

Millar says it's unfortunate for Quinton to not be in the NHL, but says another year in junior could be a good thing. "I think in the big picture this will benefit him. It's another year in the league for Quinton to be a top player, probably score 40 to 50+."

"He'll work with Mike Stothers in a new environment and under a new regime, battle for another gold medal here in Canada with the World Junior team. I think Quinton will benefit from being an elite player in the WHL for one more year," added Millar.

Howden suffered his injury back on September 13th in a rookie game between Florida and the Nashville Predators. Millar says upon his arrival back in Moose Jaw, Quinton's status is a question mark.

"Quinton saw the doctor in Florida Tuesday morning before he left Florida, we're getting those updates from Florida as we go here. Curtis Amiot (Warriors Athletic Therapist) and our doctors will do a review in sequence when he get's here. Our understanding is that he's a question mark for this weekend."

Millar added that until they gather all information and evaluate the injury, Howden will be listed as day to day.

As the team goes thru the evaluation process, Millar admits that the Warriors a stronger team with Howden back in the equation. "It puts our team in a position where when you put an elite player in the lineup, you're going to get better. As much as we're disappointed for Quinton in what happened at his NHL camp, we're certainly very pleased to have him back."