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WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Mateychuk and Firkus Excited About Top Prospects Game Opportunity

February 16, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


For the first time since 2016, the Moose Jaw Warriors will be sending multiple players to the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

On Tuesday, Jagger Firkus and Denton Mateychuk were among the 40 players named to the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

"Definitely excited to be a part of that game," Mateychuk said. "To see all the other top players and play in that game with them, that'll be a pretty cool experience."

Mateychuk was ranked ninth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its midterm rankings, while Firkus came in 33rd on the list.

Firkus said he's excited to play in the game and even more so to do it with Mateychuk.

"It's obviously really cool, it's going to be a cool experience," he said.

In 46 games this season, Mateychuk has collected eight goals and 42 points. His point total puts him fourth in the Western Hockey League among defencemen.

Mateychuk said he's looking forward to gaining the experience of playing in the game, but wants to put his best foot forward for NHL scouts.

"I want to be competitive, I want to be at my best for that game and I'm going to do everything I can to prepare for that," he said.

"[Scouts] are here for most of the games during the year, but it's a bit different when it's all the top prospects in one game."

Firkus leads the Warriors with 27 goals and 59 points in 49 games this season, which are good for ninth and sixth, respectively, in the WHL.

The Irma, Alberta product said as he's progressed this season he identified the Top Prospects Game as a goal.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I think I deserve that," he said.

"I came into the season just trying to do what I can do to help this team and we've had success in the second half, so obviously that's a big thing."

Mateychuk said he's not going to stray too far from what makes him successful here in Moose Jaw.

"It's going to be a good, there's a lot of skilled players there and I just want to play my game, I don't want to change that," the Dominion City, MB product said.

Firkus said he will have nerves going into the game.

"Nerves are a good thing," he said. "Going there, you've got to put the nerves behind you and once you get the first shift under you, you'll be fine."

In total, there will be 18 players from the Ontario Hockey League, 15 from the WHL and seven from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Firkus added that he's looking forward to playing with other players from all over Canada.

"It's going to be pretty cool and hopefully a good experience with Denton, it will be a good thing for both of us," he said.

The 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be played Wednesday, Mar. 23 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium in Kitchener, ON.

Check out the Moose Jaw Warriors Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from February 16, 2022


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