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WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Warriors Ready to Start for Second Half Push

December 29, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Moose Jaw, SK - The Moose Jaw Warriors went into the Christmas break on a high note with a win in Brandon.

After 13 days off, the team will be looking to pick up where they left off when they face the Regina Pats at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Friday night.

"It was nice to get away for a little bit, but at the same time, it's just getting back to work," Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary said.

The team returned to the ice for practice on Boxing Day and worked to shake off the turkey legs ahead of a big Trans-Canada Clash.

"The break was awesome, it was super important, just to recharge and get ready for this big second half," Warriors forward Lynden Lakovic said. "These first couple of games are real big and we're all super pumped to get back."

The Warriors posted an 18-14-0-2 record over the first 34 games of the regular season and went into the break sitting third in the Eastern Conference.

O'Leary called the team's first half a work in progress.

"We finished the first half with a win, which is great, but I know we can be better, we will be better," he said. "To a man, there's more in there as a group and looking forward to starting on Friday night."

Consistency is the focus for the Warriors heading into the second half as the team looks to build its game for the post-season.

"Even in the games that we lost and points in the game where we're playing really good hockey, so consistency within the game," O'Leary said. "When it's working, let it continue to work, stay with the plan and over the next three or four games, that's what we're looking to do."

The Warriors open the second half with two of their next three games against the rival Pats, starting on Friday night at the Hangar.

Lakovic said the Trans-Canada Clash is a fun way to kick-off the second half.

"It's always an entertaining game and first game back, it's going to be a high energy game, pretty physical and it's going to be a good one," he said.

Regina is coming in off a 5-4 loss in Brandon on Wednesday night. The Pats sit ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 13-16-3-2 record.

O'Leary said they will force the Warriors to work right away.

"Effort and compete, it's no secret, that's their bread and butter," he said. "We've had some really good games with them and we'll need to be at our best."

The Warriors and Pats face-off at 7 p.m. on Friday night.

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