Now the only question is when the youngsters will appear in the line-up.
First-round draft pick Marek Howell joined second-round selections Lynden Lakovic and Brady Ness in signing their WHL Standard Player Agreements, with the team announcing the trio had officially joined the Warriors on Dec. 22.
“It was great to get the top three picks signed, our staff did their homework to make sure when we drafted these guys, we were going to sign them and have them play in the Western Hockey League,” said Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger. “It was a different year because there was a lot more time for them to think about things, like college and stuff, so there were some options out there… we want to make sure we’re committed to players the same way they’re committed to us and now they know they’re going to be part of the future.”
All three players said on www.mjwarriors.ca that they were excited to be joining the team, and for two of them, that meant a quick turnaround.
Both Howell -- a 6-foot-3, 180-pound defenceman -- and Ness -- a 6-foot-3, 171-pound rearguard -- will be arriving in Moose Jaw early this week to practice with the team during the Christmas break.
The 6-foot-5, 170-pound Lakovic is currently in COVID-19 protocols and will get his first taste of the WHL in the near future.
Interestingly enough, the timing of the 2021 Prospects Draft in early December means all three 15-year-olds are now eligible to play five games with the team and can join the Warriors full time once their respective club seasons are complete.
Normally, the Prospects Draft takes place toward the end of the regular season -- it was held on Apr. 22 in 2020 -- meaning players often have a bit of a wait before getting in the line-up.
“They could jump in at any time,” Ripplinger said. “We’re going to let them practice and see where they’re at during the week. Then if we run into some injuries or players who aren’t playing the right way, we’ll sit down and talk about it and see where they fit.”
Howell currently has five goals and eight points in 20 games with the Calgary Royals in the Alberta Elite Hockey League U18 AAA division.
Lakovic has three goals and six points in 13 games with West Vancouver of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League U18 Prep league and has also played two games with West Kelowna of the BCHL.
Ness has played 25 games with the Edmonton-based CAC Canadians in the AEHL U18 AAA loop and has a goal and eight points in 25 games.
Just as important as the team getting a look at the trio in the near future will be the chance for the players themselves to get an idea of WHL is all about.
“It’s a chance to give them a gauge and a chance to look at what they have to do, too, to make our hockey club,” Ripplinger said. “It can be pretty eye-opening for 15-year-olds coming into this league, so this will give them a taste of it all.”
The Warriors are back in action Tuesday when they host the Edmonton Oil Kings. Game time is 7 p.m. at Mosaic Place.
