None other than captain Daemon Hunt, who is back in Moose Jaw after spending the last two weeks skating in the Minnesota Wild prospects camp and main training camp.
The 19-year-old defenceman was returned to the Warriors by the National Hockey League team on Saturday, capping off another professional hockey showing for one of the top rearguards in the Western Hockey league.
“It was a good experience while it lasted, but now that’s in the past and I’m excited for the season and the home-opener here,” Hunt said. “It’s going to be exciting for the city and for the guys as well, we haven’t played in front of our fans in a while. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Hunt -- the Wild’s third-round pick, 65th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft -- felt he was a lot more comfortable in and around training camp having spent time playing professional hockey with the Iowa Wild last season.
“I think you get more comfortable and the nerves are a little bit less each time,” Hunt said. “You get to know some of the guys on the coaching staff and the scouts and stuff like that. Then every year you get stronger and more mature, and just with experiences playing in games, it gets easier year after year.
“You’re learning how to be a pro, act like a pro and play like a pro, it’s a different animal compared to being in junior. You’re playing against full-sized men and competing for a job, it definitely takes a lot, but I love the challenge. I want to play hockey for a living, I love competing and being a part of it all.”
Of course, it’s a little different when you have the likes of Kevin Fiala bearing down on you on the rush and Matt Dumba alongside you among the D corps…
“It’s still a little bit surreal lining up against guys who you played in video games or were just watching on TV,” Hunt said with a grin. “But at the end of the day you’re there for a reason and have to enjoy the moment, playing against them and being part of that process. It was pretty good and pretty fun.”
The good news is that Hunt made a positive impression, and the Wild are looking forward to seeing their young prospect progress.
“That was great to hear and they’re excited to have me back next year,” Hunt said. “They just told me to play the way I can, be a pro every single day.”
Now, it’s time to get back down to work here in Moose Jaw. And with the team quickly taking shape as players return from NHL camps in quick fashion -- it’s expected the Warriors could have their full line-up, including Martin Rysavy (Columbus) and Max Wanner (Edmonton), on opening night -- Hunt is looking forward to seeing what the 2021-22 crew can accomplish.
“It’s nice to see all the guys back and to see the roster come together and the guys come together. It’s exciting, it’s going to be great and I’m looking forward to it.,” Hunt said. “Everyone loves to watch hockey around here and watch the Warriors. I think for us, it’s different with fans and if people can come out to the games, it’s going to be awesome. There will be a little bit of nerves, too, but we’re just going to go out there and play the way we can and win some games.”
