WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Mateychuk Ready to Lead Warriors Once Again

Published on August 22, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Last season, Denton Mateychuk became the 35th player in Moose Jaw Warriors' history to wear the 'C' as the team's captain.

It was a learning experience for the 19-year-old defenceman and one that he feels helped him grow as a leader heading into the 2023-24 season.

"I learned a lot throughout the year from the players and coaches about what it takes to be a leader," Mateychuk said. "I'm going to bring that back again this year and try and elevate it."

Mateychuk and the Warriors return to the ice at the Hangar coming up next week when the team opens training camp next Thursday.

He said he's excited to get back to Moose Jaw for the start of training camp.

"Once August hits, you start realizing that it's just around the corner, so you get even more excited," Mateychuk said. "It's going to be a good camp and excited to get the season going."

After posting a career-high 57 assists and 65 points this past season, Mateychuk is looking for more going into his third full season with the Warriors.

Mateychuk has had a busy offseason once again. The Columbus Blue Jackets' first round pick has put in a lot of work on and off ice to improve his game.

"Off the ice, just being faster, my agility and my upper body strength, those are things that could really improve my game this year," he said.

"Then on the ice, my shot, that was a big thing for me, and then just keeping up with my skating, all the tendencies you have on the ice, just making sure they're all dialled in for the season."

Mateychuk got his first taste of the pro level last year after being selected by the Blue Jackets with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, including suiting up in a pair of preseason games.

The Dominion City, MB product was back in Columbus over the summer for the team's development camp.

"It's definitely great, it shows you what that next level is like and what you have to do to get to that level," Mateychuk said. "During the summer, it's really big, you get to play a little bit of competitive hockey against over guys, so that's really good.

"Development camp was really good, competitive, hard skates, I thought it was really good."

Mateychuk said he felt more at home at Blue Jackets' camp during his second go-around.

"You get more comfortable every time you're out there and definitely this summer, I felt like I was ready to rock. Going into development camp right after the draft last year, it's a bit nerve racking, so you're just kind of feeling it out and really excited, but I felt more comfortable and ready this time."

While his focus has been on the ice and in the gym this summer, Mateychuk said he's also been able to relax and recharge for what he's hoping is another long run with the Warriors.

"It's been pretty fun, I've gotten in quite a bit of golf and then also fishing - I love to go out and finish with my brothers, it's just a blast," he said.

"It's important that it's not always hockey on your mind because you can start to overthink things and it's big to take a little bit of time away from the rink, even if it's just on the weekend or after a skate, it's important to get your mind off it a little bit."

Training camp opens for the Warriors on Aug. 31 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre. Click here for a full schedule

Check out the Moose Jaw Warriors Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from August 22, 2023


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