WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Preview: Warriors Prepared for Showdown with League-Leading ICE

Published on February 16, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


After a good week of practice, the Moose Jaw Warriors are focused and prepared for Friday night's showdown with the Winnipeg ICE.

The Warriors will welcome the ICE into the Moose Jaw Events Centre as Winnipeg makes its final trip to the Friendly City this season.

"They're a quick team, they're skilled, they're number one for a reason," Warriors forward Ryder Korczak said.

While Winnipeg is leading the Western Hockey League with a 41-7-1-0 record this season, the Warriors have played them hard, especially on home ice, posting a 2-1-0-1 record with both wins coming at home.

Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary said playing a disciplined game will be key.

"We want to play them five-on-five, but also discipline within our structure and within our line changes," he said. "All these small details, they become much more important when you're playing against a really good team."

The Warriors are coming off an 8-4 loss in Regina last Saturday, which snapped a three-game winning streak.

O'Leary said the team has had a good week of practice as they look to rebound from that loss.

"It's been a great week, we've got a little bit of everything this week, we had some fun, got a bit better and we checked," he said.

Checking was what the coaching staff identified as an area that need cleaning up following Saturday's game in Regina.

"Against Regina, we scored enough goals that we should be able to win that game, but I just thought we were a little bit loose through the neutral zone and giving up opportunities that we don't need to give up," O'Leary said.

"Playing against Winnipeg is no different, they're really dangerous off the rush, but when we check, we give ourselves a chance."

Korczak said limiting the chances for the ICE is imperative for the team to have success.

"We've been sharpening up that part of our game and coming into tonight should be pretty good," he said.

"We need to know who's out on the ice, their top guys, shut them down, play them hard, play a pro-style game."

Friday's game will also see the Warriors' organization honour the past as it's Conexus Warriors & Legends Hall of Fame night with Paul Dyck and Kevin Masters heading into the hall.

Both alumni were honoured during a banquet on Thursday night, which the team attended.

"It's a great opportunity for our players to see what it means to be a Warrior," O'Leary said. "The franchise has been around now for almost 40 years, so any time we can celebrate the past, it helps here in the present."

Korczak said the team is honoured to be a part of the weekend.

"Playing for them is an honour and it's going to be a big night for sure," he said.

The Warriors and ICE face-off at 7 p.m. on Friday night. Click here to purchase tickets.

Tune into all the action on WHL Live, starting with the Pre-Game Show on IKS Media Warriors Live at 6:45 p.m. on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Check out the Moose Jaw Warriors Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 16, 2023


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.

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