Korczak Proud of Team and Personal Growth this Season
Published on May 26, 2022 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release
It was this month three years ago that the Moose Jaw Warriors acquired a 16-year-old Ryder Korczak from the Calgary Hitmen in a blockbuster draft day trade.
Korczak came to Moose Jaw to usher in a new era for the team.
The Yorkton product and the organization grew immensely over the past three seasons, culminating in a run to the second round of the WHL Playoffs this season.
"When I came here at 17, we were really about redeveloping, weren't the best team and then bring in some new guys, we developed and that's pretty cool to see how far we've came," Korczak said after the season.
For the Warriors, the team went from the bottom of the Eastern Conference during Korczak's first season to being a top-four team and holding home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs this season.
Korczak said this year's team was special and they showed a lot of growth.
"To start our season, we knew of each other, but throughout the course of the year, we really became tight knit and we bought in really well," he said.
On a personal level, Korczak put together the best season of his Western Hockey League career, posting 25 goals and 79 points while playing in all 68 games.
That success led to the third round pick signing a three-year, entry level contract with the New York Rangers earlier this month.
He said he was proud of how his game evolved at both ends of the ice.
"I thought my season was pretty good, a little more two-way game, got my defensive zone established," Korczak said.
Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary credits Korczak with committing to becoming a better all-around player.
"Ryder's always had the skill set to make players and be creative, but the maturity of understanding the difference between the junior game and the pro game and what he has to do," he said.
"To his credit, he's accountable to it, he takes ownership with what he needs to improve on and the biggest thing is realizing what it was and then being honest in your evaluation and making sure that you're improving in those areas."
Korczak said the coaching staff in Moose Jaw has helped him progress as a player to be ready for the next step in his career.
"[Scott King] out there individually, just helping me with whether that's my shot or my skills; [O'Leary] always on my back, pushing me; and [Gord Burnett] defensively," he said. "We have a good coaching staff here and I'm definitely proud of them too, it's been awesome."
After signing his rookie deal with the Rangers, Korczak's focus is now on playing professional hockey next season.
He said getting bigger and stronger is the key to his offseason.
"My main goal is just to get stronger, I'm not very big, so just to go up against those guys, putting on some weight will definitely help," Korczak said.
Western Hockey League Stories from May 26, 2022
- Bear Hughes Signs Contract with Hershey Bears - Spokane Chiefs
- Korczak Proud of Team and Personal Growth this Season - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Edmonton Puts ICE on the Brink - Winnipeg Ice
- T-Birds Even Series with Overtime Win - Seattle Thunderbirds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
