Top prospects stand out at Warrior camp

The future has come quickly for the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Blink and you'll miss 16-year-old Warrior prospects Quinton Howden and Nathan MacMaster's seamless progression from nervous kids last year to leaders on their respective rookie teams.
If you're a defenceman and you blink, chances are pretty good you've just let one or the other blow by you on a break to the net.
Both players had five games each of WHL experience last season, the maximum allowed for 15-year-olds. Both said it has helped them at this camp.
"I got to know the flow of the game and how everything works and how quick it is," said Howden. "I feel a lot more prepared and ready to go."
This season, both players will be eligible for full-time WHL duty. Howden has been penciled in by many since he was the first overall pick in the 2007 bantam draft.
"I just have to take everything in as it comes," said Howden, who scored 50 points in 37 games for the Eastman Selects Manitoba Midget AAA league. "I'm looking forward to each day and working as hard as I can to try and make this club."
Howden worked hard on his skating in the off-season, and the results show the gifted scorer and playmaker has added a bit of pace to his game.
"I went to some powerskating camps and tried to improve on everything I could to try and make this team," said Howden.
MacMaster, with speed to burn, played midget AA with the Calgary Blackhawks last season.
"Last year, I felt a little uncomfortable at camp not knowing any of the players or the coaching staff," he said. "Playing with the team this year, I really felt I got to know everybody and that made me feel a little more comfortable out there. I felt like I was able to play my game a bit better."
MacMaster has adjusted well, and he and Howden have performed well for their respective teams.
"My speed allows me to see the ice a bit more and create plays," MacMaster said. "I think I'm a playmaker and my speed obviously helps that."
Warrior general manager Chad Lang was suitable impressed with what those two young players had to offer, as well as the rest of the listed players and invitees.
"I think both those kids did what was needed to prepare for camp," said Lang. "They got a taste of it last year, and then played a few games on our US Swing last year they were well-prepared for what our expectations were. They just have to continue to compete and be consistent. Both of them . . . were leaders among the young guys and you can really tell that they've elevated their game."

Corey Atkinson can be reached at 691-1260