WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Korczak off to a Strong Start

Published on October 25, 2019 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Ryder Korczak was a key piece in the blockbuster draft-day deal that sent Jett Woo to the Calgary Hitmen. Through 11 games this season, the Yorkton forward has turned into just what the Moose Jaw Warriors were looking for.

Korczak sits seventh in the Western Hockey League in scoring with 16 points in 11 games. His 11 assists are fifth in the league and lead the Warriors.

"I'm getting a lot opportunity here and I'm just trying to take it and run with it," Korczak said.

The 17-year-old forward has surpassed his point total from last season when he finished the year with 15 points in 50 games during his rookie season with the Hitmen. Korczak is just three goals off of last year's total with five so far this season.

Korczak said a focused offseason has allowed him to hit the ground running this season with his new team.

"I went to Calgary to train and Crash Conditioning did a good job with me of getting in shape and building my confidence for this year," Korczak said.

"I'm getting more opportunities; ice time and the coaches believe in me and I feel like I can take that opportunity and go with it."

Korczak is following in the footsteps of his older brother Kaedan Korczak, who is in his third season with the Kelowna Rockets and was selected in the second round by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Korczak says that he's able to learn from his brother and what it takes to bring his game to the next level, "He told me to soak in the experiences, the years go by fast, so just soak it in," he said.

The Warriors are built around a core group of 11 17-year-olds this season and Korczak is a key part of that group. Despite being a younger player on the team, he's taking on a leadership role.

"I'm a younger guy, but I'm trying to help out the guys my age and just try to help them through the process because I remember what I went through last year," he said.

Korczak had the opportunity to face-off with his former team last week, picking up two goals in the Warriors' 7-3 loss in Calgary.

The former second-round pick by the Hitmen says he goes into every game looking to make an impression and that will continue to help him as the season progresses.

"I just try to start every game like it's my first game and try to make an impression and just stick with my game," he said.

Korczak will have another opportunity to make an impression against his former team when the Warriors host the Hitmen at Mosaic Place on Friday night. The game will also be Woo's first game back in Moose Jaw since the trade.

The Pre-Game Show hits the air at 6:40 p.m. on Country 100 and puck drops at 7 p.m.

The Warriors' weekend continues on Sunday when they make their first trip of the season to the Bridge City to take on the Saskatoon Blades at 2 p.m.

Check out the Moose Jaw Warriors Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from October 25, 2019


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