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Five for Friday: Five Warriors to watch this season

A look at five players who will be in the spotlight for the Warriors this season

The 2019-20 WHL season officially starts today, Friday, Sept. 20. Your Moose Jaw Warriors will take on their rivals, the Regina Pats at the Brandt Centre. This will be followed by the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 21 with a rematch against the Pats. The Warriors have a few new faces this year. This week, we are focusing on five key players who will be crucial to the team’s success.

Brayden Tracey

Tracey had an incredible season last year, scoring 36 goals, 45 assists, and 81 points in 66 games. Throughout the season, he was named player of the week for the entire CHL, was the WHL player of the month in February, and was ultimately named the WHL Rookie of the Year. He was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round (29th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Tracey has since had a chance to experience his first pro camp with the Ducks.

Coming off such a whirlwind season, can Tracey do it again? Can his stats increase this season? One thing is for sure — the Warriors will rely heavily on his offensive output.

Daemon Hunt

Daemon Hunt is becoming an important part of the Warriors’ defence. While Hunt contributed seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 57 games for The Tribe last season, his top priority is helping the Warriors keep the puck out of their own net. Hunt is a star on the rise; he helped Canada earn a silver medal at the recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup. His progression is expected to continue as he anchors the team’s blueline.

Bailey Brkin

Goaltending might just be the most important position in hockey. The Warriors know this, and that is why they acquired Brkin last week. The overage netminder was brought in to help stabilize the team’s goaltending situation, with Adam Evanoff currently on the injury list. Brkin is a WHL vet who has played in over 70 games. Last year, as a member of the Spokane Chiefs, he helped backstop the team to the playoffs and was instrumental in the Chiefs’ first round victory over the Portland Winterhawks. 

Brkin had solid numbers last year — 27 wins, 2.75 G.A.A. and a .914 save percentage. He will be counted on to help the team get off to a solid start until Evanoff is able to return.

Eric Alarie

Brayden Tracey stepped in as a rookie last season and put up lots of points, so perhaps Eric Alarie can follow in his footsteps. Alarie was the Warriors’ top pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft (22nd overall). He had a brief run with the team last year, playing in two regular season games and suiting up for all four of the Warriors’ playoff games against the Saskatoon Blades. You can expect Alarie to use his size and skill to his advantage. He led the team in scoring in the pre-season, contributing five goals and five assists for 10 points in seven games. If he can find the scoresheet it will definitely help the team in the standings.

Ryder Korczak

Korczak is expected to take on a big role with the Warriors this season. The young forward was part of the blockbuster deal back in the spring that sent defenceman Jett Woo to the Calgary Hitmen. In 53 career WHL games, Korczak has eight goals and seven assists for 15 points. Korczak had a strong training camp. The hope is that his progression will continue and he will be able to chip in offensively this season. Given that he was traded for Woo, all eyes will be on Korczak this season.

Be sure to stop by Mosaic Place on Saturday to cheer on the Warriors! Don’t forget, there will be a special pre-game soiree, featuring an outdoor beer garden and entertainment. Tickets for the game are available through the Mosaic Place box office.

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