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
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