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WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Warriors Add Size with First Three Picks in WHL Prospects Draft

December 10, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Size won't be an issue for the Moose Jaw Warriors top three picks in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft on Thursday.

The Warriors took two six-foot-three defenceman and a forward that stands in at six-foot-five.

"We really stressed on getting some size and character guys into the organization," Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger said.

"We got a lot of size in this draft, a lot of speed, good hockey sense and guys with character."

With their 16th overall pick in the first round, the Warriors went with Defenceman Marek Howell from the Calgary Royals under-18 AAA team.

Howell said it was a great feeling to hear his name called in the draft.

"It was really nice to feel like all my hard work is starting to pay off and just that first stepping stone," the Calgary product said.

Howell stands in at six-foot-three and 188 pounds. In 18 games this season with the Royals, he has four goals, six points and 10 penalty minutes.

He said the strength of his game is on the defensive side of the puck.

"I feel like I have good feet on one-on-ones, good gap and then I also feel that in the [offensive] zone, I can create quite a bit with my shot, I'm pretty good at getting it through," Howell said.

Ripplinger describes Howell as a throwback defenceman that can add some offence when needed.

"He's got every opportunity to make our club next year with his size and strength already, he's probably ready for our league," Ripplinger said.

"He's a good, puck-moving defenceman, who plays physical and smart."

In the second round, the Warriors' first of two selections was six-foot-five forward Lynden Lakovic from the West Van Academy under-18 prep team.

He said he's excited to be a Warrior.

"I feel amazing, I feel like it's such a good opportunity for me and I was pretty shocked I went to Moose Jaw," Lakovic said. "Just a great opportunity and I'm happy to be a part of such a good organization."

Lakovic has three goals and six points in ten games this season with West Van Academy.

He said he uses his size to his advantage.

"I play fast and I have versatility off the rush," Lakovic said. "I can play the skill game and I can play the dump-and-chase game."

Ripplinger feels Lakovic can be a key piece for the Warriors.

"Another kind of throwback, a big, strong power forward, he'll do anything for his team," he said. "In the WHL Cup, he was real physical, going hard to the net to score some goals and just a big presence all over the ice."

With their second selection in the second round, the Warriors went with Edmonton CAC under-18 AAA defenceman Brady Ness at the 35th overall pick.

"I was very excited," he said. "I know how good of an organization it is, so I was just filled with excitement."

Ness also stands in at six-foot-three and 171 pounds. In 21 games this season, he's posted one goal, six points and 18 penalty minutes.

He describes himself as a puck-moving defenceman.

"I like to create plays and join the rush, I'm very responsible in my own end, but I can also help the offence," Ness said.

Ripplinger agreed with that assessment.

"He's got a bit of skill, he's a good defender, good mobility, he's a player who can jump up in the rush, sometimes a little high risk at the blue line, but overall, this guy has the upside to a high ceiling to be a pro," Ripplinger said.

Overall, six of the ten players that the Warriors selected in the draft are over six-feet tall. The team took five players from Edmonton and seven in total from Alberta, in addition to one each from Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Manitoba.

The players are eligible to play five games with the Warriors this season after signing their standard player agreements.

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