The Moose Jaw Warriors had a trio of prospects bring home hardware from the Circle K Classic during the holidays/
Goaltender Josh Banini, defenceman Mason Renaud and forward Landen McFadden all suited up with the Edmonton Junior Oilers Blue and ended up winning the D final at the ultra-elite U18 AAA tournament in Calgary.
The trio were among six Warriors participating in the event with their respective teams.
It wasn’t the greatest of round robins for Edmonton, as they’d only managed a 1-3 record thanks to a 5-3 loss to South Kent, 5-3 loss to the Chicago Mission, 2-0 loss to South Alberta Hockey Academy and a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames.
That final victory was crucial, as it was enough to get them into the D semifinal, where they were able to pick their game up a notch.
That led to a 5-1 victory over the Warman Wildcats in their first playoff game, with all three Warriors figuring into things.
Banini got the start and finished with 13 saves and the win, while McFadden picked up a goal and an assist and Renaud had a single goal.
That sent the Oilers into the D final, where they’d score four third-period goals, including the game-winner with 55 seconds to play. McFadden had a goal and assist, with his helper coming on Edmonton’s final goal.
Banini played the final 45:20 after taking over in relief and had 26 saves while allowing two goals. Renaud didn’t have a point.
Bainini was the Warriors' eighth-round pick in the 2021 Prospects Draft, while McFadden was selected in the fourth round of the same draft and Renaud was listed by the Warriors heading into 2022 training camp,
Forward Aaron Sawatzky, the Warriors' first-round pick in 2023, suited up with the Airdrie CFR Bisons and two penalty minutes through four games as his team posted a 2-2 record and missed the playoff round.
Defenceman William Chabot and the Prince Albert Mintos had a single win in four games, with the Warriors’ 10th-round pick in 2023 held off the scoresheet throughout.
Goaltender Jonah Tonhauser, the Warriors’ third-round pick in 2022, did not play for OHA Penticton, who went 2-2 and missed the playoffs.
Shattuck St. Marys went unbeaten through the event and took a 3-0 win over the Phoenix Jr Coyotes to win their fifth Circle K Classic title.
