It may be their first camp with the Moose Jaw Warriors, but both Mike Forsyth and Preston Amundson feel it may be their last chance to crack the roster.
The two rookie forwards were acquired in trades since the start of last season and are expected to push for roster spots. While the two Albertans play a different style of game, they both began camp Thursday with a single-minded goal to make the roster.
“This is my last year to make it,” said Forsyth. “I’m looking at it like it’s do or die. I’m going to leave everything out there and hopefully the coaching staff see something they like and see why they brought me here.”
Forsyth is a 6-foot-1 left winger who was acquired from Medicine Hat in the trade for Matt MacKay.
He played one game for Medicine Hat in the 08-09 season and spent last season with the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL. Forsyth netted seven goals and 21 points in 56 games. He also picked up 20 penalty minutes.
The 18-year-old felt the season of junior A hockey helped him prepare to make the jump to the WHL this season.
“It was a bit of a jump, but not too much. It was definitely good for me to play there — especially in Camrose,” said Forsyth. “The coaching there is unreal and they have a first-class organization. Boris (Rybalka) is a great coach and I learned a lot. He really helped me out and made me a better player.”
Amundson was acquired from Swift Current in a trade for Warriors defence prospect Matthew Franczyk on July 12.
“I think it was a better move and a better fit here. I’ll have a better opportunity to show what I’ve got,” said Amundson who admitted he was surprised to get traded.
“They wanted me to play wing (in Swift Current) and I’m better suited to playing centre, so that works well.”
Amundson spent last season playing midget AAA with Edmonton CAC. He had a quality season as he scored 22 goals and added 25 assists for 47 points in 34 games. He also added 72 penalty minutes.
For more please see Friday’s Times-Herald.
