The Moose Jaw Warriors opened up training camp with a busy day on Thursday.  First, the rookies and veteran were put through some fitness testing at the Field House, and then the rookies hit the ice for three practices and a scrimmage to end the day.

2012 third round Bantam pick Ryan Gardiner says he was happy with his performance on the opening day of camp, "It was tough, but just worked through the game.  I knew (the competition) would be tougher, but I stepped my game up and I'm liking it."

The 15-year-old defenceman was on the ice for the scrimmage on Thursday night at Mosaic Place and even dropped the gloves near the end of the game.  He says that's not something he was planning on doing coming into the camp, or has ever done before.

"The guy pretty much jumped me and I was like, 'Okay lets go'," explained Gardiner after the game.  "The only reason I was fighting was sticking up for myself and my teammates.  I don't want to be a fighter or anything like that."

16-year-old hopeful Colton McCarthy had a good game in the scrimmage, playing physical and showing some flashes of skill.  He says that's his game, "Using my body, getting it in deep and trying to bury some goals, that's my game."

McCarthy says it was a tough first day of camp, but he's liking the experience so far, "It was tiring, my legs are feeling, but just keep battling through."

Camp resumes on Friday morning with the veterans hitting the ice for practice at 8:00am and 9:00am.  The rookies will be back out for another scrimmage at 10:00am.

Story courtesy Marc Smith, DiscoverMooseJaw.com

Warriors Training Camp Schedule
Friday, August 24th
8:00am – 8:45am; Team 4 practice (Main Camp)
9:00am – 9:45am; Team 5 practice (Main Camp)
10:00am – 11:15am; Team 1 v Team 3 (Rookie Camp)
11:30am – 12:30pm; Goalie Session
2:00pm – 2:45pm; Team 5 practice (Main Camp)
3:00pm – 3:45pm; Team 4 practice (Main Camp)
6:00pm – 7:15pm; Team 2 v Team 3 (Rookie Camp)

Saturday, August 25th
10:00am – 11:15am; Team 4 v Team 5 (Main Camp)
11:30am – 12:30pm; Goalie Session
4:00pm – 5:15pm; Team 4 v Team 5 (Main Camp)

Sunday, August 26th
10:00am – 11:15am; Team 4 v Team 5 (Main Camp)
11:30am – 12:30pm; Goalie Session
6:00pm; Hamonic Cup