PREVIEW: Warriors return to the Hangar to host Hitmen
After two weeks on the road, the Moose Jaw Warriors return to the friendly confines of the Hangar in downtown Moose Jaw to begin the final stretch before Christmas.
The Warriors kick-off that stretch with the annual Teddy Bear & Toque Toss Game on Friday night against the Calgary Hitmen.
Moose Jaw went 5-2 on its road trip to B.C. and Alberta. Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary said the team handles themselves like pros on the trip.
“Some of the travel is tough, there’s no question about that, but the biggest thing for me was it didn’t become an issue at all,” he said. “We just played our game, we enjoyed ourselves away from the rink, but on the ice, we played our game.”
The Warriors lost the first and last game of the trip with a five-game winning streak in between. Forward Ryder Korczak said the team is coming back closer after being on the road together for 14 days.
“That was needed for us, two weeks with the guys builds some chemistry off the ice, so that’s what we did and hopefully can bring into the rest of the season,” he said.
Now the Warriors return home looking to avenge their final loss of the road trip to the Hitmen, 5-3, in Calgary.
In that game, Calgary scored twice on the power play in the third period to secure the victory. The Hitmen also scored three times with the man advantage on Wednesday in Swift Current.
“Their power play against us was real good, so we all need to be ready in that area for sure, but the best penalty killer is not to take the penalty,” O’Leary said.
“Discipline is going to be key for sure,” added Korczak. “Their forecheck is pretty good, so just supporting the puck and moving it with speed, that’s going to be key for us.”
For tonight’s game, fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals, toques and mitts and throw them on the ice when the Warriors score their first goal.
Korczak said he’s looking forward to the game.
“It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “All the teddys go to a good cause, so thanks to all the fans.”
All the bears are donated to the Moose Jaw Salvation Army in support of their Christmas hamper program.
Puck drops at 7 p.m. on Friday night. Tune into all the action on Country 100 and WHL Live.
The IKS Media Warriors Live Pre-Game Show with Marc Smith opens the night at 6:45 p.m. on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
