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WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Dowhaniuk Ready to Get Going with Warriors

December 8, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Logan Dowhaniuk hit the ice with his Moose Jaw Warriors' teammates for the first time on Thursday after being traded for the first time in his WHL career.

"It's bittersweet because I've been [in Edmonton] for so long and it's my hometown, but they're in a rebuilding state right now and for my last year of junior, I want to go big or go home," Dowhaniuk said.

The 20-year-old defenceman was acquired by the Warriors in a swap with the Oil Kings on Wednesday and hopped on a plane to get to the Friendly City ahead of a pair of weekend games.

"I'm really excited to get going with the guys, I met them today, so I'm really excited to get going," Dowhaniuk said.

Coming off a WHL Championship win last season, the Oil Kings have made a number of changes this season. Dowhaniuk said he wasn't surprised when he was told that he was being traded after playing 208 games with Edmonton.

"Kirt [Hill, the Oil Kings' general manager] actually talked to us 20-year-olds before the season started and said if there's any chance for us to move to some teams that are going to go for it, we'll do that for you guys and I really appreciate that, so I'm super excited to be here now," he said.

In 24 games this season, Dowhaniuk has one goal and 10 points. He had eight goals and 36 points in 62 games last season, while adding three goals and 11 points in 19 playoff games on the way to the Ed Chynoweth Cup.

Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary said he will fit in well to Moose Jaw's defensive core.

"He's a good two-way defenceman," he said. "He had a good first practice with us, he'll fit in seamlessly, he competes without the puck, he can make plays with the puck and we're just looking for him to slide into our top-four with Lucas Brenton, Denton Mateychuk and Max Wanner."

Dowhaniuk believes he can produce points offensively, but is focused on taking care of his end of the ice.

"My first goal is just to keep the puck out of the net and do my role, play defence," he said. "If I get a chance to help in the offensive end, I'll definitely do that, but the main goal is just to keep the puck out of the net."

The Sherwood Park, AB product said he prides himself on being a consistent player.

"It's a huge part of my game, just coming in day in and day out and consistently doing what I can do," he said.

"I've learned a lot from guys over the years, especially last year, we got three guys now that are playing in the NHL, so those guys come in and they really showed me and the rest of the team just how to be pros every day."

Dowhaniuk was an assistant captain this season with the Oil Kings. He said he isn't a vocal leader, but will try to lead in other ways.

"Especially on the ice, if I'm out there, I'm going to hit somebody and gain some energy, so I'll do something like that," he said. "If something needs to be said, I'll say it, but other than that, I'm more of a lead by example kind of guy."

Dowhaniuk will make his Warriors' debut, wearing number 14, this weekend when the team hosts Calgary on Friday and travels to Medicine Hat on Saturday.

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