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WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Hartney's Impact Felt Through Generations of Warriors

January 24, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Last spring, the Moose Jaw Warriors lost an integral part of the organization with the passing of Rose-Mary Hartney.

Hartney served as the Education Advisor for 39 years with the Warriors, joining the team in its first season in Moose Jaw.

"When I think of Ms. Hartney, I think of a very caring, positive and selfless that helped countless number of students over years with Vanier [Collegiate] and the Moose Jaw Warriors," Warriors alum Brennan Wray said.

Hartney worked as a teacher at Vanier Collegiate for 38 years and continued to work with the Warriors following her retirement, including helping the players navigate their schooling during the 2021-22 season which saw players learning remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"She had a huge impact on my life during my time in Moose Jaw," Warriors alum Joey Perricone said. "When I got there when I was 16 years old, I wasn't sure what to expect from a schooling standpoint, but she was there to help me along the way, she was super patient even when I probably didn't deserve it."

During her time with the Warriors, Hartney helped hundreds of players reach their educational goals and made sure the players stayed as committed in the classroom as they were on the ice.

Sam Fioretti, who played with the Warriors from 2010-14, is currently studying to become a doctor at the University of Alberta. He said Hartney made the transition to a new school seamless when he joined the Warriors.

"She allowed us to succeed while playing hockey and having the intense schedule that we did," Fioretti said. "Additionally for myself, she was willing to offer help as I continued taking university courses throughout my time in Moose Jaw, she was invaluable resource."

Zach Sawchenko went on to play with the University of Alberta Golden Bears following his time in Moose Jaw.

He said Hartney made sure he was ready to take his schooling to the next level as well.

"I know a lot of former players like myself that ended up using the WHL Scholarship are very, very thankful that we had Rose-Mary to help develop a foundation for us to balance both life in the Western League and school at home," Sawchenko said.

In honour of Hartney, the Warriors are wearing a special edition decal on the team's helmets throughout the season.

Torrin White spent four seasons with the University of Lethbridge after wrapping his career with the Warriors. He said Hartney held the players accountable no matter where they ended up after their time in Moose Jaw.

"The tools she gave us allowed us to pursue whatever we wished to pursue whether it was the NHL, university or the workforce," White said. "The lessons she taught played a big part in the success so many Warriors alumni have had."

Hartney was inducted into the Conexus Warriors & Legends Hall of Fame in 2012 and that same year, she was also honoured with the Western Hockey League's Distinguished Service Award.

Greg Gardner, Chief Operating Officer with the WHL, said Hartney had a passion for helping the players succeed in life.

"She was not instrumental in providing the leadership and support for the Moose Jaw Warriors players in education, but really helped set the standard across the WHL in what it means to be an education advisor," he said.

The Warriors will wrap up the organization's celebration of Saskatchewan Literacy Week by honour Ms. Hartney before Friday night's game against the Medicine Hat Tigers.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 24, 2024


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