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WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Yager Gains Valuable Experience with Penguins

October 5, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Brayden Yager's first training camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins was a fruitful one for the 2023 first round pick.

The Moose Jaw Warriors forward returned to the Friendly City with a wealth of knowledge from the veteran-laden National Hockey League team.

"The older guys and the staff made me feel super welcome," Yager said.

Heading to a team that has a rich history like the Penguins and led by some of his hockey idols, like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, was a dream come true for Yager.

The 18-year-old forward said they made it easy for him to transition into being their teammate.

"It doesn't feel real at the start, you watched those guys growing up and want to be like one of them, it was so cool just trying to follow them around without being annoying and just learn as much as I can," Yager said.

"They were awesome though, not even just on the ice, but off the ice as well, after skates we would hang out in the hot and cold tubs and try to learn what they're doing to take care of their body and talking to them about anything."

On the ice, Yager said he knows he needs to continue working on his improving his speed and strength.

"That's going to be a big thing, obviously it's going to be hard throughout the year to put on weight, but that's one thing I'm going to try and do is make sure my eating habits are really good," he said.

"Also after practices and stuff, do a bit extra to gain some strength."

Yager suited up in two preseason games with the Penguins, scoring in the shootout to help lift Pittsburgh over Columbus in his first game in front of the home crowd.

He said the Penguins' staff was really pleased with his showing during camp.

"The one thing they told me is make sure that I keep good habits," Yager said. "I'm a good enough player where the points will take care of themselves and make sure I'm not cheating the game."

Yager returned to the Warriors last weekend with a bang, scoring three times and finishing with five points in two wins.

He said getting to step back into the lineup with Jagger Firkus, who is also fresh off a trip to an NHL camp made it really easy.

"I've played with [Jagger] for a couple of years now and he's awesome to play with and that definitely helps him," Yager said.

With the Warriors looking to continue to build towards another playoff run, Yager said he's excited for the season ahead.

"The big picture is to win a championship, I think that we have the guys to do it," he said.

Yager and the Warriors go for their fourth straight win on Friday night in Lethbridge.

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