Moose Jaw Warriors - Feed

NEWS | King promoted to Head Coach

Elizabeth Black — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:00:52 +0000

Moose Jaw, SK – Moose Jaw Warriors General Manager Jason Ripplinger has announced that Associate Coach Scott King has been promoted as the organization's new Head Coach. “Scott has been with our organization for a decade, and knows what our goals are on and off the ice. This is an opportunity that he has been working to achieve for a while, and is the right fit for our team moving forward,” said General Manager Jason Ripplinger. “From an organization standpoint, being able to hire from within is a goal of ours. Scott is familiar with how we operate on a day-to-day basis, and understands the development process for our players to reach the next level,” Ripplinger added. From Saskatoon, King originally joined the Warriors in 2015 – 2016 as a skills coach; the following year he was named an assistant coach, and in 2023 – 2024, he took on an expanded role as an Associate Coach. “I am incredibly excited and honoured for this head coaching opportunity. I want to thank the Warriors Board of Directors and Jason (Ripplinger) for their belief and trust in me and my skills,” Scott King said. “My family and I are rooted in Moose Jaw now, and we have seen firsthand how the Board and the entire community are full of good people that care about the team and its success.” “Junior hockey is a special time in a player's life, and we want to ensure that we are doing everything we can as an organization and a staff to support, develop, and create a positive, competitive, and supportive environment where every player has the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential on and off the ice,” King added. “Knowing the majority of the roster, I look forward to continuing to build relationships with the current group as well as the new players and staff who will join us. Creating a team that commits, communicates, and holds each other to a high standard.” King played in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets in 1996 – 1997, and had 40 goals and 97 points in 68 games. He went on to play 18 seasons of professional hockey in the AHL, ECHL, and in Germany in the DEL, which is the highest division in German Ice Hockey. He played for Canada on four occasions in the Deutschland Cup and was with Adler Mannheim at the 2009 – 2010 Spengler Cup. After 13 years in Moose Jaw, Mark O’Leary is departing the Friendly City after accepting an assistant coach position with the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League. “The Warriors want to thank Mark for his years of dedication to our organization and our community. His passion for this club was on display every day,” Ripplinger said. “Mark has worked hard throughout the years, and it’s that work ethic that has earned him this opportunity at the next level. We could not be happier for him and his family.” From Owen Sound, Ontario, O’Leary joined the Warriors in 2012 as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate coach for the 2018 – 2019 season. He took over as head coach on January 6, 2020. In six and a half years, he leaves Moose Jaw as the organization’s all-time leader in games coached (416) and wins (191). He was the head coach who led the Warriors to their first WHL Championship in 2024.

TRADE | Warriors add veteran goaltender Switzer from Tigers

Elizabeth Black — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:00:08 +0000

MOOSE JAW, Sask. - The Moose Jaw Warriors have acquired 2007-born goaltender and 2025 WHL Champion Jordan Switzer from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, a 2029 second-round pick, and a conditional sixth-round pick in 2030. “Adding a goalie with the experience Jordan has will help our team keep building from the backend out,” said General Manager Jason Ripplinger. In 44 games last season with the Tigers, Switzer (6’1, 185lbs) posted a record of 30-7-2-2 with a 2.85 goals-against average and .889 save percentage. In 10 appearances in the 2026 WHL Playoffs, Switzer registered a 2.70 goals-against average and .898 save percentage along with a 7-2 record, including one shutout victory. In 78 career regular-season appearances in the WHL, Switzer has earned a record of 54-14-4-2, a 2.78 goals-against average, and a .894 save percentage. Switzer was drafted by the Medicine Hat Tigers 111th overall at the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.

Warriors add Hlady, Karapita to Hockey Operations Staff

Elizabeth Black — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 19:00:08 +0000

Moose Jaw, SK – Moose Jaw Warriors General Manager Jason Ripplinger has announced the additions of Mitchell Karapita as the organization's new Athletic Therapist and Scott Hlady as the new Equipment Manager. “With their experience, adding Scott and Mitch to the organization will help with our player experience and continue to build the culture and environment that we strive for in Moose Jaw,” commented General Manager Jason Ripplinger. Originally from Jedburgh, Saskatchewan, Karapita spent the last two years as the Assistant Athletic Therapist with the Calgary Wranglers in the American Hockey League. Before joining the Wranglers, he spent two years as the Head Athletic Therapist and Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Prince George Cougars. In 2024, he was an Athletic Therapist for Hockey Canada at the National U17 Development Camp. From Brandon, Manitoba, Scott Hlady spent last season as the Assistant Equipment Manager with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League. Before joining the Moose, he spent 22 years as the Equipment Manager for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Karapita and Hlady take over for Layne Richardson and Tanner Arnold, both of whom have accepted jobs in the American Hockey League. “Not only do we feel our organization does a great job helping players prepare for the next stage of their careers, but the development of our staff is also just as important,” commented Ripplinger. “Tanner and Layne have done a great job for us over the years. They have worked hard to earn this opportunity, and we are excited for them. We would like to thank them for all that they have done for the Warriors.” Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.

Warriors’ goaltending prospect Mingo named to Canada’s U17 Summer Selection Camp Roster

Elizabeth Black — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:00:06 +0000

MOOSE JAW, Sask. - Warriors signed goaltending prospect Dylan Mingo has been named to the Team Canada U17 Summer Selection Camp roster. Mingo was drafted 41st overall at the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. Following training camp, the product of Peachland, British Columbia, signed his WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Playing with RHA Kelowna’s U17 Prep team last season, Mingo recorded a .922 save percentage, a 3.11 goals-against average, and a record of 11-3-0. In three playoff appearances, Mingo earned a 1.67 goals-against average, a save percentage of .955, and a perfect 3-0 record, helping the team win the CSSHL U17 Prep title. Mingo made his first start on February 20th at Temple Gardens Centre in Moose Jaw against the Prince George Cougars. In his two combined appearances, Mingo posted a 3.18 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. Mingo joins Warriors’ alumnus and goaltending coach Adam Evanoff, who was named a camp goaltending coach. The final U17 Team Canada prospects will represent their country at the U17 World Challenge in Oakville, Ontario, from November 1-7, 2026. Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.

A letter from Golf Tournament Chair Todd Hudson

Elizabeth Black — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:00:25 +0000

To our sponsors, golfers, alumni, and community supporters, On behalf of the Warrior Golf Committee, I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Warriors Alumni Golf Tournament another tremendous success. Once again, the tournament was full, and that does not happen by chance. It happens because of the business community, which continues to rally behind this event year after year. For 15 years, local businesses have stepped up to provide financial support for this tournament and the Moose Jaw Warriors Education Fund. That kind of long-standing support means a great deal to our organization and has helped make this one of the top fundraising events in the entire WHL. Every dollar raised through this tournament supports the Education Fund, helping Warriors players pursue their goals beyond the rink. With the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, this tournament continues to provide meaningful support for the young men who come through our program. Another key to the success of this event is the continued support of our alumni. Year after year, former Warriors make the effort to return to Moose Jaw, including Theo Fleury, who has been one of the tournament’s most dedicated supporters and has been on hand for most of the tournaments to date. Their continued return says a lot about this community. For many of our alumni, Moose Jaw was more than just a stop in their hockey careers. It was a place that welcomed them with open arms, supported them, and became part of their story. As their lives and careers have taken them in different directions across Canada and around the world, that connection remains. It is a reminder of the lasting impact this community has on the young men who come through the Warriors organization, and one of the reasons this event remains such a meaningful success. This year was also special for another reason. In addition to raising money for the Warriors Education Fund, the group came together in support of another little Warrior in our community, Wells Hodnefield. Wells is living with MPPH Syndrome, an ultra-rare brain disorder, and is believed to be just the 76th documented case worldwide. A round of golf with Theo Fleury was donated, auctioned, donated back, and re-auctioned 12 times, raising an incredible $73,000 to help the Hodnefield family with Wells’ specialized treatments and ongoing support. Reflecting on the night, Theoren Fleury shared, “Moose Jaw has always had a very special place in my heart, so the other night what I witnessed was exactly what Moose Jaw is all about. I was grateful to be able to provide some joy and happiness for Wells and his family. Thank you to the community of Moose Jaw for stepping up and making a difference!” It was a powerful reminder of what this community can do when people come together. The partnership with our sponsors provides important stability for this event and shows a continued belief in the Warriors organization, our players, and the community this tournament supports. A special thank you goes to our presenting sponsor, HK Henderson | Navacord, for making a three-year commitment to the Warriors Alumni Golf Tournament. We also want to thank Velocity Ford for once again returning as our Million Dollar Hole-in-One Shootout Sponsor. Thank you as well to all of our major sponsors, gold sponsors, hole sponsors, prize sponsors, media partners, and supporters who make this event possible. Media Partners Golden West Radio Moose Jaw Express I also want to thank every golfer who took part, the alumni and current Warriors who joined us, the volunteers, Hillcrest Golf Club, Moose Jaw WA WA Shrine Club, and our entire golf committee. The dedication of this committee is a major part of what makes this tournament successful. Their continued support, energy, and time behind the scenes make the event better every year. It is truly a pleasure to work with and be part of a community like Moose Jaw, where our businesses and community members continue to step up and give their support in so many ways. On behalf of the Warrior Golf Committee and the Moose Jaw Warriors, thank you again for your continued support. Todd Hudson Warrior Golf Committee Chair

PRO SIGNING | Moose Jaw’s Calvert signs two-year ELC with Pittsburgh Penguins

Elizabeth Black — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:38:09 +0000

PITTSBURGH, PA. - Moose Jaw’s own Atley Calvert has signed an NHL entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Calvert recorded 13 goals and 36 points through 38 games with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL in the 2024/2025 season before being called up to join the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins of the AHL. Over parts of two seasons, Calvert tallied 25 goals and 52 points through 96 regular-season games with the club. Calvert was part of the Moose Jaw Warriors' historic run to the 2024 WHL Championship, where he became part of the franchise’s first league title in their 40-year existence. On the run to the Memorial Cup, where the team placed third, Calvert tallied eight goals and 20 points through 20 games. During his final season, Calvert earned the title of highest-scoring Moose Jaw-born Warrior with 105 goals and 220 points through 237 regular-season games. Calvert will return to Moose Jaw for the upcoming HK Henderson | Navacord Moose Jaw Warriors’ Alumni golf tournament coming up on July 3rd.

DRAFT | Warriors add forward, goaltender at 2026 CHL Import Draft

Elizabeth Black — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:53:43 +0000

MOOSE JAW, Sask. - The Moose Jaw Warriors have completed the 2026 CHL Import Draft by making two selections ahead of the 2026-2027 season. With their first round selection, the Moose Jaw Warriors selected Finnish skater Rasmus Kamarainen 15th overall. In the second round, the Warriors took Slovakian goaltender Samuel Hrenak 76th overall. Hrenak was drafted 71st overall by the Winnipeg Jets at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Playing last season with the Assat U20 team in Finland, Kamarainen recorded 16 goals and 36 points through 43 games. Kamarainen (5’11", 176 lbs) has represented Finland at the U16, U17, U18, U19, and U20 levels, totalling 13 goals and 31 points in international competition. “We wanted to add an older forward this year,” said General Manager Jason Ripplinger. “He’s really highly skilled, [he] competes, and scores goals.” Kamarainen is the first Finnish player to be drafted by the Moose Jaw Warriors. In nine games with the Fargo Force of the USHL, Hrenak (6’3”, 190lbs) posted a 7-1-1 record with a goals against average of 2.20 and a .918 save percentage. With team Slovakia at the U18 Championship, Hrenak earned a 1.62 goals against average, a .925 save percentage, and a record of 4-1-0. “He’s a big goalie; he moves well, [we] watched a lot of video on him,” said Ripplinger. “We’re looking forward to him hopefully joining us [for the upcoming season].” Hrenak is the third goaltender ever selected by the Moose Jaw Warriors at the CHL Import Draft. Ripplinger notes that the team has had good communication with both players’ representation after they were drafted earlier today. Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.

SIGNING | Warriors announce signing of 2010-born defenceman Miller Watkins

Elizabeth Black — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:52 +0000

MOOSE JAW, Sask. - The Moose Jaw Warriors have signed 2010-born defenceman Miller Watkins to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. “We are excited to have Miller join our organization. He has elevated his play since we drafted him,” said General Manager Jason Ripplinger. “Miller is a very reliable player; he thinks the game well and has the ability to play in all situations.” In 28 games last season with RHA Kelowna’s U18 Prep team, Watkins (6’1, 165lbs) notched two goals and 14 points. Watkins added three more assists on the team’s journey to winning the CSSHL U18 Prep Championship. The product of Kelowna, British Columbia, was named to Team British Columbia at the 2025 WHL Cup, where they earned silver in the tournament. Watkins is the fifth member of the Warriors 2025 WHL Prospects draft class to sign their WHL scholarship and development agreement with the team. Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.

Western Hockey League announces 2026 Preseason schedule

Elizabeth Black — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:07:19 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the complete schedule for the 2026 WHL Preseason.

The 2026 WHL Preseason features 56 games stretching from Sunday, August 30, through Sunday, September 13, including stops in communities outside of WHL Club markets, providing an opportunity for hockey fans in other areas of Western Canada to enjoy the thrill of WHL hockey.

The 2026 WHL Preseason schedule begins Sunday, August 30, when the Seattle Thunderbirds visit the Everett Silvertips at 1 p.m. PT.

Headlining the 2026 WHL Preseason schedule is inter-league action featuring the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, who visit the Victoria Royals for a pair of games Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5, at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

The Edmonton Oil Kings and Prince George Cougars will play a pair of games in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. – Friday, September 4, and Sunday, September 6, while seven other communities will also host WHL Preseason action – see below for complete details.

The 2026 WHL Preseason schedule once again features two U.S. Division tournaments, including events hosted by the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans.

Everett’s seven-game tournament at Angel of the Winds Arena is slated to run from Friday, September 4, through Sunday, September 6, featuring all six U.S. Division Clubs, along with the Vancouver Giants.

Tri-City’s five-game preseason tournament at Toyota Arena in Kennewick, Wash., is scheduled for Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, featuring the Portland Winterhawks, Seattle Thunderbirds, Spokane Chiefs, Wenatchee Wild, and the host Americans.

The 2026-27 WHL Regular Season schedule will be released Tuesday, June 30.

2026 WHL Preseason Schedule

Visitor	Home	Date	Time	Location
Seattle	Everett	August 30	1 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Tri-City	Portland	August 30	2 p.m. PT	Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Portland, Ore.
Tri-City	Wenatchee	August 31	2 p.m. PT	Town Toyota Center – Wenatchee, Wash.
Prince Albert	Saskatoon	September 1	2 p.m. ST	SaskTel Centre – Saskatoon, Sask.
Medicine Hat	Lethbridge	September 1	7 p.m. MT	VisitLethbridge.com Arena – Lethbridge, Alta.
Swift Current	Regina	September 1	7 p.m. ST	Brandt Centre – Regina, Sask.
Penticton	Kamloops	September 2	7 p.m. PT	Sandman Centre – Kamloops, B.C.
Moose Jaw	Regina	September 2	7 p.m. ST	Brandt Centre – Regina, Sask.
Vancouver	Seattle	September 4	12 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Spokane	Portland	September 4	3:30 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Regina	Brandon	September 4	7 p.m. CT	Assiniboine Credit Union Place – Brandon, Man.
Red Deer	Calgary	September 4	7 p.m. MT	7 Chiefs Sportsplex – Tsuut’ina Nation, Alta.
Kelowna	Kamloops	September 4	7 p.m. PT	Sandman Centre – Kamloops, B.C.
Moose Jaw	Prince Albert	September 4	7 p.m. ST	Art Hauser Centre – Prince Albert, Sask.
Edmonton	Prince George	September 4	7 p.m. PT	Tumbler Ridge Arena – Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
Saskatoon	Swift Current	September 4	7 p.m. ST	InnovationPlex – Swift Current, Sask.
Tri-City	Everett	September 4	7 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
London (OHL)	Victoria	September 4	7:05 p.m. PT	Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre – Victoria, B.C.
Seattle	Spokane	September 5	2 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
London (OHL)	Victoria	September 5	4:05 p.m. PT	Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre – Victoria, B.C.
Portland	Everett	September 5	6 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Kamloops	Kelowna	September 5	6:05 p.m. PT	Prospera Place – Kelowna, B.C.
Lethbridge	Medicine Hat	September 5	7 p.m. MT	Co-op Place – Medicine Hat, Alta.
Swift Current	Moose Jaw	September 5	7 p.m. ST	Southland Co-op Centre – Assiniboia, Sask.
Calgary	Red Deer	September 5	6 p.m. MT	Marchant Crane Centrium – Red Deer, Alta.
Brandon	Regina	September 5	6 p.m. ST	Chief Denton George Memorial Multiplex – Ochapowace, Sask.
Prince Albert	Saskatoon	September 5	7 p.m. ST	Warman Home Centre Communiplex – Warman, Sask.
Tri-City	Wenatchee	September 5	6 p.m. PT	Town Toyota Center – Wenatchee, Wash.
Edmonton	Prince George	September 6	12 p.m. PT	Tumbler Ridge Arena – Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
Wenatchee	Vancouver	September 6	12 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Seattle	Everett	September 6	4 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Regina	Moose Jaw	September 8	7 p.m. ST	Temple Gardens Centre – Moose Jaw, Sask.
Kamloops	Penticton	September 8	6:35 p.m. PT	South Okanagan Events Centre – Penticton, B.C.
Kelowna	Penticton	September 9	6:35 p.m. PT	South Okanagan Events Centre – Penticton, B.C.
Red Deer	Lethbridge	September 10	7 p.m. MT	VisitLethbridge.com Arena – Lethbridge, Alta.
Saskatoon	Prince Albert	September 10	7 p.m. ST	Art Hauser Centre – Prince Albert, Sask.
Wenatchee	Seattle	September 11	3 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Moose Jaw	Brandon	September 11	7 p.m. CT	Assiniboine Credit Union Place – Brandon, Man.
Swift Current	Medicine Hat	September 11	7 p.m. MT	Co-op Place – Medicine Hat, Alta.
Edmonton	Red Deer	September 11	7 p.m. MT	Marchant Crane Centrium – Red Deer, Alta.
Prince Albert	Regina	September 11	7 p.m. ST	Brandt Centre – Regina, Sask.
Portland	Spokane	September 11	7 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Victoria	Everett	September 11	7:05 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Seattle	Portland	September 12	2 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Medicine Hat	Swift Current	September 12	5 p.m. ST	LSB Legacy Wickenheiser Centre – Shaunavon, Sask.
Calgary	Edmonton	September 12	6 p.m. MT	Glenn Hall Centennial Arena – Stony Plain, Alta.
Brandon	Moose Jaw	September 12	6 p.m. ST	Temple Gardens Centre – Moose Jaw, Sask.
Kamloops	Prince George	September 12	5 p.m. PT	West Fraser Centre – Quesnel, B.C.
Regina	Saskatoon	September 12	7 p.m. ST	SaskTel Centre – Saskatoon, Sask.
Penticton	Kelowna	September 12	6:05 p.m. PT	Prospera Place – Kelowna, B.C.
Spokane	Tri-City	September 12	6:05 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Victoria	Vancouver	September 12	7 p.m. PT	Jon Baillie Arena – Port Coquitlam, B.C.
Victoria	Vancouver	September 13	2 p.m. PT	Langley Events Centre ARENAS – Langley, B.C.
Wenatchee	Tri-City	September 13	2:05 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Prince George	Kamloops	September 13	5 p.m. PT	Sandman Centre – Kamloops, B.C.
Lethbridge	Calgary	September 13	4 p.m. MT	7 Chiefs Sportsplex – Tsuut’ina Nation, Alta.

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

TRADE | Warriors acquire Griffin Darby from Portland Winterhawks

Elizabeth Black — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:00:43 +0000

MOOSE JAW, Sask. - The Moose Jaw Warriors have acquired 17-year-old defenceman Griffin Darby (2008) from the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for a 2027 CHL Import Draft first-round pick, a 2027 fifth-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2028 sixth-round pick. “Adding Griffin gives us more depth on our blue line. Griffin makes a good first pass, plays a good two-way game, and can play against top players,” said General Manager Jason Ripplinger. “He will bring experience, character, and leadership to our dressing room.” Darby (6’0, 176lbs) was originally a first-round pick of the Winterhawks at the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. In 110 games with the Winterhawks over the last two seasons, Darby has recorded two goals, 20 points, and 62 penalty minutes. Originally from Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Darby notched his first WHL goal on February 12, 2026, when the Winterhawks hosted the Victoria Royals. With the Swift Current Legionnaires in the 2023-24 season, Darby notched four goals and 25 points through 39 games. In the 2022-2023 season, Darby led the Swift Current U15 AA Broncos defencemen with six goals and 35 points through 28 games. Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.