While training camp puts players under the microscope, Wednesday's Moose Jaw Warriors pre-season game will be more like looking into a crystal ball.
When the Warriors host the Swift Current Broncos (7 p.m., Civic Centre) in Western Hockey League pre-season play, their oldest player will be 18-year-old goalie Brandon Glover. The only other veteran slated to play is centre Joey Kornelsen.
“It’s an opportunity for a lot of the young guys to get into their first Western Hockey League game,” said Warriors head coach Dave Hunchak
who will dress five 15-year-olds and another six 16-year-olds.
While they may not be Warriors yet, Hunchak expects them to play like they are.
“I expect our guys to play to our team identity,” said Hunchak. “Our veteran guys have done a good job of teaching these young kids about work ethic and competing.”
While the Broncos are expected to bring a slightly more veteran team — they will have five 18-year-olds and eight 17-year-olds — the goal is to give both team’s younger players plenty of ice time.
The hope is that with less disparity in physical maturity, the younger players can put their best foot forward. Hunchak concedes that with six scrimmages in four days for most of the players, plus practices, there has been a lot to take in.
“With some guys it’s been a bit overwhelming and they’ve handled it fairly well,” said Hunchak. “For other guys it’s been overwhelming and they haven’t handled it very well. You try to do what you can to calm the waters.”
The Warriors believe they have a bright future with their two most recent bantam drafts. No one has greater expectations placed upon them than 16-year-old defenceman Morgan Rielly.
Taken second overall in the 2009 bantam draft, Rielly is coming off of a standout first season of midget hockey. He was named the Sask. Midget AAA Hockey League’s defenceman of the season and had 55 points in 43 games as his Notre Dame Hounds went on to win the Telus Cup.
“The biggest adjustment has been coming to camp and having to compete for a spot this year,” said Rielly. “It’s been hard, but it’s been a great time and a great experience.”
For more please see Wednesday's Times-Herald.
