Firkus Attracting National Attention with Strong Start
November 22, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release
Jagger Firkus has put together one of the best starts to a season in the Moose Jaw Warriors' 40-year history.
The Seattle Kraken prospect currently leads the Western Hockey League with 22 goals and 43 points in 21 games this season.
"It's been a consistent year for me so far and the team's starting to get rolling now too," Firkus said.
The hot start has led to the Firkus Circus receiving recognition among the best young players in the game on Wednesday as he was ranked 48th on TSN's 2023 list of the top-50 NHL-affiliated players and prospects aged 23 or younger.
Firkus was the only player currently in the Canadian Hockey League to make the list.
Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary isn't surprised by any accolades that come to the Irma, AB product.
"He's been our best player," O'Leary said. "It's not only the work he does with the puck - the skill, the goal scoring, the playmaking ability - but for me, it's the game without puck, the work he does to get the puck and the work he does, whether it's the penalty kill or just checking, he puts a lot of effort and compete behind his game."
Firkus has led the Warriors in scoring each of the past two seasons, scoring 36 goals and 80 points in 2021-22 and then topping that with 40 goals and 88 points last season.
He's well on his way to setting new career highs this season, averaging a career-best 2.05 points per game through 21 games so far.
Firkus is also making his mark in Warriors history, currently sitting 15th all-time in points with 227 after passing Ryan Smyth with three points last week.
He's also five goals away from moving into the top-10 in career goals, currently sitting with 105 and tied with Blair Atcheynum and Matt Higgins for 13th all-time.
O'Leary said Firkus has been leading the team all season.
"He's the loudest guy in the room, whether things are going well or not going so well, you can count on Firky to bring that same energy and enthusiasm," he said.
"When you have guys like Jagger to lead the way in the energy department, it's huge for any team."
Firkus and the Warriors are getting set to battle the Swift Current Broncos on Friday night at the Hangar.
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