With the Moose Jaw Warriors 2012-13 regular season inching closer the team will be looking to have last year’s young player’s step up and fill new roles.  Among the 2011-12 rookies was 16 year old forwards Carter Hansen and Torrin White, who were the Tribes first round picks in 2010 WHL Bantam Draft (Hansen 10^th overall and White 21^st overall).

Both players had their up’s and down’s as they learned the ropes of the league during their rookie seasons, in the end Hansen finished with eight goals and 18 points (and was the teams scholastic player of the year) while White had 10 goals and 17 points.

White went back to Alberta for the off season, while Hansen finished the school year off in Moose Jaw before returning to his hometown of Craven.  Although they were a province apart they both had similar goals during the summer, to work hard and improve themselves on and off ice so that they could make bigger contributions in their sophomore seasons.

“During the summertime I was trying to get a little bit faster,” said Hansen.  “I tried to build on (having) quick feet and (improve) leg strength so that I can have a bigger jump out there.  Hopefully I can use my speed more this year.”

“Obviously we lost a lot of guys (from last year) especially forwards so I knew I’d have to play a bigger role this year,” said White.  “I focused a lot on foot speed, this year I want to be a guy who puts the puck in the net, that’s my plans and that’s what I want to do.”

Heading into this season, which happens to be the their draft year, both Hansen and White feel they’re ready to step up and take bigger roles with the organization especially with what could be a young Moose Jaw roster.

 “I think watching guys like Howden, Braes, and Henry last year it got me ready to take on a bigger role this year,” said White.  “This is just the beginning for guys like us (Hansen), we’ll have a younger team so we’ll have to step up this year and contribute on and off the ice with scoring and leadership.”

“I definitely would like more of a pressure role out there and getting the puck for our goal scorers. Hopefully I can help out in any shape, way, or form,” said Hansen.  “It will definitely be hard getting into those close game situations with a lot of young guys coming up.  We have a lot of speed, we’ll have to use that during the season, and it’ll definitely help us out.”

The Warriors preseason continues September 7^th when they travel to Maple Creek to take on the Swift Current Broncos; the old rivals will lock horns again Sunday, September 9^th, 2pm at Mosaic Place.  The exhibition schedule concludes with a home and home series against Brandon September 14^th and 15^th starting the Friday in the Wheat City.  The regular season and home opener is Friday, September 21^st against the Broncos.

Reminder to fans that season tickets will be available for pickup starting Wednesday, September 5^th at 9am, they will be available throughout the rest of the work week during regular business hours at the Warriors Office located on the north side of Mosaic Place.  Season tickets can also be picked up Saturday, September 8^th from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday, September 9^th from 9am to 3pm.