Korczak Leaves Lasting Impact on Warriors
Published on May 2, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release
Ryder Korczak put together one of the best careers in Moose Jaw Warriors history.
The Yorkton product wrapped up his Western Hockey League career last week when the Warriors lost out in the second round to the Winnipeg ICE.
"It was special coming back here for my fourth year in Moose Jaw," Korczak said. "It was pretty special seeing the guys here, making friends for life, there's a tight group here and it's special to be a part of."
Over his four seasons with the Warriors, Korczak played in 195 career games, putting up 74 goals and 231 points.
He finished with the 13th most points in Warriors' franchise history, while his 157 assists are sixth all-time in team history, behind only Theo Fleury, Chad Hinz, Brayden Point, Nathan Paetsch and Brett Howden.
"These guys brought me in when I was 17, they gave me the opportunity to play and I'm just grateful for that," Korczak said. "[Jason Ripplinger], Alan Millar, Mark O'Leary and Tim Hunter, they brought me and if I didn't get that opportunity, I wouldn't be here now and have an NHL contract."
The Warriors acquired Korczak from the Calgary Hitmen in a draft-day trade that sent Jett Woo to Calgary in 2019.
Korczak instantly became a star for the team, posting 67 points in 62 games during the 2019-20 season.
After putting up 16 points in 17 games during the COVID-19 hub season, Korczak was selected by the New York Rangers in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
He followed that up by leading the Warriors into the second round of the 2022 WHL Playoffs with 25 goals and a career-high 79 points in 68 games.
Korczak started the 2022-23 season with the Hartford Wolfpack in the American Hockey League, playing in five games before rejoining the Warriors for the rest of the season.
The 20-year-old put together his best season to date, posting a career-high 28 goals, and 69 points, in just 48 games.
"I know it was tough for him to come back from pro, but you'd never know it, the way that he carried himself in games, in practices, in the dressing room, it was like having another assistant coach," Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary said.
"He's a professional and he exemplified what we want to be about.
O'Leary said Korczak coming back this season made the Warriors into a different team.
"You look at any successful team, it starts with high end players down the middle and to Korczak and [Brayden] Yager for ups, that's a big difference and Ryder was one of the best players in the league all year," he said.
Korczak credited the Warriors with helping him develop into a two-way player.
"When I came in here when I was 17, all I was worried about was offence, putting up numbers and then moving on to the pro levels and now I'm more worried about the defensive zone," he said. "I grew my 200-foot game a lot and I'm definitely proud of that."
O'Leary said Korczak committed to growing his all around game to make himself into a more complete player.
"Any young player that comes in, he's a great example to use," he said.
"He's highly skilled, he's creative, he's got all the ability to put up points, we saw that again this year, but the trust that we have in him and in all situations, whether we're down a man, up a man or in the D-zone, that takes buy in from him."
Korczak was a big part of the locker room, serving as an assistant captain for the past two seasons.
"He's an infectious personality, a great kid and really excited to see where he goes," O'Leary said.
Jagger Firkus, who billeted with Korczak for the past two seasons, said he's had a big impact on him.
"He's done so much of me," Firkus said. "He's been a great guy in the room for everyone, he's a leader on the team, we're going to miss him a lot, not only the stuff he does on the, but he's super meaningful in the room."
While Korczak made a big impact on the ice and in the locker room for the Warriors, he was also a fan favourite during his time in Moose Jaw, always stopping to sign an autograph, give a high-five or talk with a fan.
"It's meant the world, seeing signs in the rink, seeing jerseys in the stands," he said. "This is a very special place to play, even going to the grocery store and people are recognizing you, it's pretty cool, you're like a hometown hero, so it's been special."
Korczak's season isn't done as he's been reassigned to the Wolfpack, joining them for their Calder Cup playoffs.
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