But for just over two weeks last month, it was all as eye-opening an experience as there could be.
Prior to the Warriors facing the Saskatoon Blades in their home-and-home season-opening series this past weekend, the 19-year-old Yorkton product was in training camp with the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers. It was the first taste of the highest level of the sport for Korczak, and one he looked back on after a practice leading up to the home opener.
“It was a great experience in New York, but it’s definitely nice to be back in Moose Jaw,” Korczak said. “It’s a great group of guys and a great coaching staff and management, it’s going to be an exciting year. There’s lots to take away from New York that I’ll try to bring back to Moose Jaw here.
“It’s pretty cool seeing those big guys there, (Mika) Zibanejad and all those guys, it’s definitely something special and I’ll cherish the memory. It was a privilege to be there and I’m not taking it for granted.”
To say the least, Korczak is a confident hockey player. But even a highly-touted prospect will be a little wide-eyed when it comes to skating alongside guys he’d only seen on Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts and in video games.
“The first couple of days it was a little bit surreal, but as the days went on it got a little bit better,” Korczak said. “I was able to get more comfortable seeing them every day, but when you’re right there it’s something really special… toward the end of camp I was a lot more comfortable, and that’s when I play my best. So I was able to settle in a lot more as it went on.”
In the end, the Rangers -- who selected Korczak in the third round, 75th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft this past July -- were happy with what they’d seen from their young prospect.
“They told me I had a good camp, they think I’m one of the top guys in the WHL and they have high expectations for me, so that’s definitely what I’m going to be focussing on,” Korczak said.
It didn’t take long for Korczak to get back into the swing of things, either -- he had two assists in the Warriors’ home opener, a 7-1 win over the Saskatoon Blades on Friday, and added another helper in Saturday’s 4-2 loss in Saskatoon.
“It’s definitely pretty cool being back here and seeing the guys again,” Korczak said. “ This is a special group and this is going to be a big year. I keep saying I’m excited for it, but I really am, I’m excited to see our fans and it’s going to be a great season.”
