Warriors gear up for first preseason games

The Moose Jaw Warriors have been outsiders when it comes to exhibition games so far this season, but that's about to change soon.
The Warriors will head up to Saskatoon for the Ice-Breaker preseason tournament, where they will play games Saturday against the Swift Current Broncos and Sunday against the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The games are a chance for the Warriors' coaching staff to see how well the players have the systems down.
"There's going to be a number of guys who are going to be accustomed to what we're doing and it should be second hat to them," said Warriors coach Dave Hunchak. "On the other side, we have put some wrinkles into what we're doing and it could be a case of knowledge overload too, with guys overthinking."
Even though several teams have begun their exhibition schedules already, the Warriors have been hunkered down at the Civic Centre getting in some key practice time. Between the intersquad game and when the puck drops Saturday, Hunchak and assistant Kevin Higo will have given the Warrior hopefuls a lot of information to comprehend and try and execute.
With the graduation of players like Frazer McLaren, Joey Perricone and Terrance Delaronde, there are a lot of young players on the team looking at getting a bigger role this season. Knowing that, getting those younger players the last week and a half worth of practice with the systems was important.
"You look at our group, we're going to have a nice mix of young guys and old guys," said Hunchak. "I think the young guys, first and foremost, have to get comfortable with their environment and their surroundings. It's a big step for them . . .
"The pace is going to be a lot different and it's going to take them some time to adjust."
Hunchak wants the team to be hardworking and fast, and he wants that to start this weekend.
"We certainly believe we're a team that has the capability of being physical, which isn't going to change, but on top of that we want to be a skating hockey club as well," he said.
This weekend is also a chance for the team to start thinking about personnel decisions, particularly on the blueline.
"Our numbers are big and there's been a great battle on the backend position," Hunchak said. "Up front, our numbers are fairly down, but the big question is going to be goaltending. They're all going to get an opportunity to show their stuff this weekend and prove to us why they should stay with the team."

Corey Atkinson can be reached at 691-1260