https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/author/marc/ Thu, 28 May 2026 20:59:15 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/news-warriors-announce-three-year-partnership-with-hk-henderson-navacord-for-alumni-golf-tournament Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:38 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/news-warriors-announce-three-year-partnership-with-hk-henderson-navacord-for-alumni-golf-tournament MOOSE JAW, Sask. - The Moose Jaw Warriors are excited to announce their 15th annual golf tournament will return to the city as part of a three-year partnership with HK Henderson | Navacord. “HK Henderson | Navacord is excited to become the presenting sponsor of the Warriors’ Alumni tournament,” said President and CEO David Reidy. “As past sponsors of the event, we are excited to take on a larger role in working alongside the Warriors and other local businesses to raise funds to allow players access to post-secondary education. Supporting the education of youth within our community has always been fundamental to us, so this opportunity is very aligned with who we are.”  The tournament will be held on July 3rd at the Hillcrest Golf Course with registration, dinner, and social at the Moose Jaw Shrine Club on July 2nd.  “We are grateful to welcome HK Henderson | Navacord on as the presenting sponsor,” said Tournament Chair Todd Hudson. “Together, we are excited to welcome back current and former Moose Jaw Warriors to the city for this year’s tournament.”  Over the past 14 years, the tournament has raised more than $1.36 million for the Moose Jaw Warriors Education Fund, which provides graduating players with the opportunity to further their education at the post-secondary level. For inquiries about sponsorship or registration, contact Olivia Howe (306.630.6350) or Todd Hudson (306.631.0288).  ]]> https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/prospects-joined-by-veterans-nagel-brown-moroz-at-2026-development-camp Tue, 26 May 2026 15:13:07 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/prospects-joined-by-veterans-nagel-brown-moroz-at-2026-development-camp MOOSE JAW, Sask. - In addition to some of the organization’s top prospects, the Warriors also welcomed back current players Luke Moroz, Casey Brown, and Gage Nagel for the team’s development camp earlier this month.  “I remember being in their shoes and coming to camp nervous,” said Moroz. “The quicker you can help [the prospects] adapt to the atmosphere, it’s easier for them to feel comfortable and fit right in [come training camp].” All of Nagel, Moroz, and Brown are part of the veteran presence on the Warriors’ squad and will be looking to make an impact as leaders on the team come September.  “I take [my role as a veteran] very seriously,” said Nagel. “I think it’s important to make them feel comfortable and excited to come to the rink.”  Although he’s preparing for his final season in the league, Brown notes that it wasn’t so long ago that he was attending Warriors’ camps as a prospect.  “I remember when I was young and came here,” said Brown. “[I was] pretty scared, didn’t know anyone, [and was] playing with some new guys, so just [being] out there to support and [answer questions, hopefully helps them settle in].” All three of the veterans at this year’s camp were affected to varying degrees by the Warriors’ injury struggles last season. Moroz’s season ended during the preseason after suffering an upper-body injury that required surgery, Nagel missed the last two months with an upper-body injury, and Brown was injured in the Warriors’ second-to-last game of the season against the Broncos.  “I [was] excited to get on the ice [and] shake off the rust,” said Brown. “[It was cool] to see the next wave of kids [the team has] coming up.”  As a full participant at this year’s Development Camp, Moroz notes that the time spent with the prospects during fitness testing and on the ice was an important step in his summer training as he looks toward training camp in the fall.  “I haven’t played a game since March 2024,” said Moroz. “It’s definitely an eye-opener for the summer and another reason to work hard for next season.”  Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/warriors-to-welcome-24-prospects-for-2026-development-camp Thu, 21 May 2026 18:32:25 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/warriors-to-welcome-24-prospects-for-2026-development-camp MOOSE JAW, Sask. - The Moose Jaw Warriors are preparing to welcome in 24 of the organization’s top prospects this weekend for the team’s annual Development Camp. In addition to members of the 2026 Draft Class, the Warriors will also welcome 2010-born and select 2009-born prospects, including Kash Elke (2025 18th overall), Dylan Mingo (2025 41st overall), Jett Prpich (2025 94th overall), and Nathan Gardiner ([CGY] 2024 117th overall), who all made their WHL debuts last season.  The prospects will take to the ice for three sessions at Caronport’s Barkman Arena, Friday from 2 pm - 3:30 pm, and Saturday from 9 am - 10:30 am and 3:30 pm - 5 pm. All ice times are open to the public.  Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/draft-recap-general-manager-jason-ripplinger-discusses-2026-whl-prospects-draft Fri, 08 May 2026 16:42:36 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/draft-recap-general-manager-jason-ripplinger-discusses-2026-whl-prospects-draft MOOSE JAW, Sask. - After adding to their prospect pool yesterday, General Manager Jason Ripplinger reflected on the talent that the team added to their ranks.  “I think we covered a lot of areas,” said Ripplinger. “We built from the backend out again, [we] got some size, grit, and some skill, which was really important to get.”  With their first pick in the draft, the Warriors selected Warman, Saskatchewan’s Kobe Pellack. In 31 games last season with OHA Edmonton’s U15 Prep team, Pellack tallied 19 goals and 58 points. “We had [Kobe] ranked pretty high on our draft list,” said Ripplinger. “We like his skill level, his hockey sense, and he makes players better around him. Moving forward as a Warrior, we expect him to put up a lot of points for us.”  With their second pick of the day, the Warriors drafted goaltender Gavin Craig from Langley, British Columbia. In 17 games with the Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep team, Craig posted a 15-2 record with a save percentage of .935 and a 1.96 goals against average.  The Warriors wrapped up the day by selecting defenceman Brady Cook 143rd overall. In 30 games with the Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep team, Cook registered five goals and 30 points. Ripplinger notes that Cook’s hockey IQ and puck-moving skills were a draw for the organization.  The Warriors will welcome the members of the 2026 Draft Class, as well as other members of the team’s prospect pool, to Moose Jaw for Development Camp later this month.  “It’s always an exciting time to get the new drafted players in here,” said Ripplinger. “We get to meet them [and their families], they get to meet [the staff], and get a little bit more comfortable when it comes to training camp in the fall.”  For more information on the members of the 2026 WHL Prospects draft class, click here. Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.

]]> https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/draft-warriors-add-10-prospects-at-2026-whl-prospects-draft Thu, 07 May 2026 21:52:06 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/draft-warriors-add-10-prospects-at-2026-whl-prospects-draft MOOSE JAW, Sask. - The Moose Jaw Warriors bolstered their prospect pool by adding 10 2011-born players at the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.  29th Overall: Kobe Pellack (F - 5’11, 160lbs) Hometown: Warman, SK 2025-2026 Team: OHA Edmonton U15 Prep Stats: 31 GP - 19 G - 39 A - 58 PTS 49th Overall: Gavin Craig (G - 6’0, 175lbs) Hometown: Langley, BC 2025-2026 Team: Yale Hockey Academy U15 Pre Stats: 17 GP - Record: 15-2 - 1.96 GAA - .935 SV % Named CSSHL U15 Prep Goaltender of the Year 75th Overall: Michael Puddicombe (D - 6’2, 165lbs) Hometown: North Vancouver, BC 2025-2026 Team: BWC U15 Prep Stats: 30 GP - 5 G - 26 A - 31 PTS 93rd Overall: Justin Castonguay (F - 6’2, 175lbs) Hometown: St. Albert, AB 2025-2026 Team: NAX U15 Prep Stats: 28 GP - 14 G - 14 A - 28 PTS 100th Overall: Kingston Dickie (D - 5’10, 153lbs) Hometown: White City, SK 2025-2026 Team: Prairie Storm U15AA Stats: 26 GP - 10 G - 21 A - 31 PTS 118th Overall: Bridger Unchulenko (D - 6’4, 209lbs) Hometown: Esterhazy, SK 2025-2026 Team: Sask East Oilers U15AA Stats: 26 GP - 4 G - 21 A - 25 PTS 124th Overall: Damon James (F - 5’6, 135lbs) Hometown: Swift Current, SK 2025-2026 Team: Swift Current Broncos U15AA Stats: 31 GP - 42 G - 29 A - 71 PTS 125th Overall: Alex Dyrland (F - 6’0, 155lbs) Hometown: Winnipeg, MB 2025-2026 Team: Winnipeg Thrashers U15AAA Blue Stats: 32 GP - 30 G - 30 A - 60 PTS 140th Overall: Jax Baumuller (F - 5’5, 130lbs) Hometown: Wilcox, SK 2025-2026 Team: Notre Dame Hounds U15 Prep Stats: 25 GP -  23 G - 13 A - 36 PTS 143rd Overall: Brady Cook (D - 5’7, 130lbs) Hometown: Delta, BC 2025-2026 Team: Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep Stats: 30 GP - 5 G - 25 A - 30 PTS The Warriors will welcome the members of the 2026 Draft Class, as well as other members of the team’s prospect pool, to Moose Jaw for Development Camp later this month.  Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/2025-prospects-draft-class-update Mon, 04 May 2026 17:28:51 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/2025-prospects-draft-class-update MOOSE JAW, Sask. - Ahead of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, check in on the 12 members of the 2025 Draft Class.  Kash Elke (F, 18th overall) In 42 games with the Tisdale Trojans of the SMU18AAAHL, Elke posted seven goals and 17 points. Elke also represented Team Saskatchewan at the 2025 WHL Cup, appearing in all five games the team played. Elke appeared in two WHL games for the Warriors, making his debut on March 11.  Dylan Mingo (G, 41st overall) In 14 games with RHA Kelowna’s U17 Prep team, Mingo posted a save percentage of .922, a goals against average of 3.11, and a record of 11-3. In the playoffs, Mingo appeared in three more games with a save percentage of .955, a goals against average of 1.67, and a perfect 3-0 record, backstopping the team to the CSSHL Western Championship. Mingo appeared in two games for the Warriors, posting a save percentage of .923 and a goals against average of 3.18 across a relief appearance and his first WHL start.  Miller Watkins (D, 57th overall) Playing with RHA Kelowna’s U18 Prep team, Watkins notched two goals and 14 points through 28 games. In the playoffs, Watkins added three assists through six games as the team won the CSSHL U18 Prep Western Championship. At the Circle K Classic with the team, Watkins recorded two assists through six games. Watkins joined fellow draftee Dylan Mingo as a member of Team British Columbia at the 2025 WHL Cup.  James Stanton (D, 60th overall) As a member of RHA Winnipeg’s U18 Prep team, Stanton posted one goal and seven points through 25 games. Stanton was a member of Team Manitoba at the 2025 WHL Cup, where they earned a gold medal. Through five games at the tournament, Stanton posted three assists.  Isaac Rimmer (D, 71st overall) As a member of Calgary International Hockey Academy’s U17 Prep team, Rimmer recorded one goal and 11 points through 28 games played. As a call-up with CIHA’s U18 Prep team, he recorded two assists through five games and also appeared in one game with the U18 Prep team at the Circle K Classic.  Owen Grassick (F, 80th overall) In 30 games with Prairie Hockey Academy’s U17 Prep team, Grassick registered 18 goals and 35 points. He also posted two goals and three points through three playoff appearances. As a call-up with PHA’s U18 Prep team, Grassick added one assist through two games.  Linden Abercrombie (F, 90th overall) Abercrombie played with the Prince Albert Mintos of the SMU18AAAHL for the 2025-2026 season, where he recorded six goals and 18 points through 38 games. As a member of Team Saskatchewan at the 2025 WHL Cup, Abercrombie added an assist through five appearances.  Jett Prpich (D, 94th overall) Prpich joined fellow Warriors prospects Kash Elke and Preston Hoppe as a member of the Tisdale Trojans. In 42 games, Prpich recorded two goals and 24 points. As a member of Team Saskatchewan at the WHL Cup, Prpich added one goal and three points through five games played. Prpich made his WHL debut with the Warriors on February 10.  Charlie Tobin (F, 111th overall) In 28 games with Edge School’s U18 Prep team, Tobin registered nine goals and 18 points through 28 games played. At the Circle K Classic, Tobin added one goal and five points through six appearances.  Nash Bullman (F, 117th overall) In 35 games with the Regina Vics of the SMU18AAHL, Bullman recorded 15 goals and 46 points. In the playoffs, Bullman added four goals and six points through five games. Bullman was a call-up with the Regina Pat Canadians of the SMU18AAAHL, where he appeared in five games during the regular season and one game during the team’s playoff run.  RJ Thompson (F, US Priority - 2nd overall) As a member of Team MPLS Magazine, Thompson registered nine goals and 19 points through 21 games. With Eden Prairie High of the USHS-MN, Thompson recorded 22 goals and 46 points through 25 games, earning the title of highest-scoring freshman in the team’s history.  Derek Langkow (F, US Priority - 45th overall) As a member of Northern Alberta Xtreme’s U18 Prep Team, Langkow recorded four goals and eight points through 23 games. In the playoffs, Langkow added one goal and three points through six games. With the team at the Circle K Classic, Langkow posted one goal and two points in seven games as the team ranked second place in the tournament.  The first round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft will be held on Wednesday, May 6, beginning at 5:30 pm MT. The remaining rounds of the draft are scheduled for Thursday, May 7. Follow along on the Warriors social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram) for live updates during the draft.  Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/wutzke-reflects-on-impact-he-made-as-a-veteran-with-warriors Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:52:49 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/wutzke-reflects-on-impact-he-made-as-a-veteran-with-warriors MOOSE JAW, Sask. - In less than a season with the team, Chase Wutzke’s professionalism and confidence played an integral part in the Warriors' chase to the 2026 WHL playoffs.  “[Chase’s] hockey sense allows him to anticipate plays to put himself in good positions, and his athleticism and competitiveness allow him to make hard saves look routine,” said Head Coach Mark O’Leary. “Going into every game, Chase gives you a chance to win.”  Wutzke was acquired from the Red Deer Rebels as part of a blockbuster trade in November, with the Warriors sending six draft picks to the Rebels, including their 2026 first-round pick for Wutzke and a 2026 second-round pick. “I’m a confident guy, so I bring a lot of confidence to a team,” said Wutzke. “There are a lot of young guys on this team who look up to you, and you have to build off that.”  In 38 games with the Warriors this season, Wutzke posted a 13-19-3-1 record with a 3.47 goals against average and a career-high save percentage of .906. “You go into battle with your brothers every night,” said Wutzke. “I think the fans saw the boys really take it hard, but hopefully it brings them back better and bigger next year.”  After the Warriors’ last game, Wutzke was recalled by the Minnesota Wild organization and made his first pro start with the ECHL Iowa Heartlanders. In six games with the Heartlanders, Wutkze owned a 2-1-1 record with a 2.98 goals against average and a save percentage of .898. After the Heartlanders' season ended, Wutzke was assigned to the Minnesota Wild for their Stanley Cup Playoff run.  Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/oleary-trefny-preparing-for-iihf-u18-world-championship Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:00:41 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/oleary-trefny-preparing-for-iihf-u18-world-championship TRENCIN, Svk. - The Moose Jaw Warriors will have two representatives at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship. Head Coach Mark O’Leary will serve as an Assistant Coach for Team Canada, and import-rookie forward Jan Trefny will represent Team Czechia.  As a member of the Warriors coaching staff since 2012, O’Leary has posted a 191-187-23-14 record since taking over as Head Coach in the 2019-2020 season. He is the franchise’s leader in both games coached and games won.  Speaking to Discover Moose Jaw’s Avery LeBlanc, O’Leary said, “I don’t want to come back the same coach I was when I left. This is an opportunity to grow and learn.” O’Leary last represented Canada as Head Coach of U17 Team Canada Black at the 2022-2023 U17 World Hockey Championship.  This is also not the first time Jan Trefny has represented his home country. Trefny was named to Team Czechia for last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where the team posted a 2-2 record. In four games, Trefny notched an assist and was named player of the game in the team’s loss to the Canadians. In 60 games with the Warriors this season, Trefny potted 3 goals and 14 points. His first WHL goal came back in October. “I was trying to find myself at the start [of the season],” said Trefny. “At the end, I think [my game] was much better, so I’m happy with [where my game ended up], and I’m excited for next season.”  Trefny and Team Czechia kick off their campaign on Wednesday, taking on the United States. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 am CST. O’Leary and Team Canada will open their tournament at 10 am CST against the host team.  Season tickets for the Warriors’ 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/thorpe-looking-to-grow-his-game-in-the-offseason Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:58:30 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/thorpe-looking-to-grow-his-game-in-the-offseason MOOSE JAW, Sask. - After his sophomore season, Riley Thorpe hopes to take another step this offseason as he heads into his third year in the Western Hockey League.  “Riley has a great combination of skating and puck skills that produced some highlight reel goals,” said Head Coach Mark O’Leary. “We expect him to be a guy that we lean on in big moments and a key contributor in our top six forward group next year.”  In 67 games this season, Thorpe tallied a career high 16 goals and 37 points. Thorpe also dressed as a member of Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Showcase in February.  “I think growing my game offensively and defensively,” said Thorpe. “If this team wants to go far, I need to be at my best. I think I need to be not only producing but also defending.”  Thorpe notes that battling adversity throughout the season builds character for the team.  “Everyone wants to win, us, Moose Jaw as a whole, we want to see this team do well,” said Thorpe. “When you lose two seasons in a row, it's pretty tough, but you don’t want to feel that a third time. Coming into next season, [we’re] going to be super hungry and willing to do what it takes to make the playoffs.”  Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.  ]]> https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/carter-looking-for-productive-offseason Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:00:56 +0000 Marc Smith https://chl.ca/whl-warriors/article/carter-looking-for-productive-offseason MOOSE JAW, Sask. - As one of the youngest players on the Warriors’ roster this season, rookie defenceman Colt Carter made a name for himself right from the first puck drop.  “At only 16, Colt has shown a real professional approach to the game,” said Head Coach Mark O’Leary. “He has the hockey sense, agility, and puck skills that are going to make him a real fun player to watch, and his character makes him an absolute pleasure to coach.” Carter’s first goal came in his season debut, back on September 19. His second goal came the next night, and his third goal found the back of the net in his third game of the season just a week later.  Carter’s blistering scoring pace set him up to be the team’s Rookie of the Year at the annual Awards Night and earned him the honours of the second-highest scoring 16-year-old defenceman in franchise history. “I’m going to work on my compete this summer,” said Carter. “Obviously [I’m] going to build my skills and my game [to be more] dominant next year.” Carter notes that while the team battled adversity all season long, the ‘battle and compete’ mentality that the team became so familiar with will fuel the offseason and set them up for a strong start to the 2026-2027 season.  “I know we had a lot of one-goal games,” said Carter. “I think it’s going to be a big summer, putting in the work, we’re going to battle and come out strong.”  Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.]]>