IN THE VERY BEGINNING
Hockey in Moose Jaw goes by many names. The “Warriors” name can be traced back to as far as 1926, when the Moose Jaw Warriors, a member of the Prairie Hockey League played for a single season. With a 13-12-2-3-3 record, the Warriors soon became the Moose Jaw Maroons from 1927-1928. Next, the Maroons became the Millers from 1937-1942.
In 1938 until 1966, the Moose Jaw Canucks were part of the SJHL and WCJHL. The Moose Jaw Pla-Mors of the SSHL and WCSHL played in 1958-1971. The Moose Jaw Canucks became part of the WHL for just two seasons in 1966. They were part of the SJHL from 1968-1984.
HOME SWEET HOME
Opened in 1959, the “Crushed Can” has been home to hockey for 51 years. Designed by Saskatchewan architect Joseph Pettick and Vancouver structural engineer J.L. Miller, the Civic Centre won the Massey Medal for architecture. The innovative cable structure roof that gives the building its unique shape was an ingenious and cost effective solution that allowed such a large building to be constructed on a modest budget, while maintaining an unobstructed view of the arena surface from all seats. At the time it was built it was the largest cable structure in Canada. It is sometimes called "The Crushed Can" because of its unusual shape.
The building was officially opened as The Moose Jaw Community Centre on September 19, 1959, with a gala event hosted by Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas, and featuring a performance by Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars.
The main reason for the building was a fire that destroyed the old arena rink on Ross Street in the fall of 1955. City Council then appointed a group of citizens to oversee plans for a new building. From the opening night program: "The project is the largest of its type undertaken in the City. Its history is one of courage, energy and enthusiasm unhampered by adversity."
A CANUCKS TALE
The Moose Jaw Canucks were one of the founding members of the Western Canada Junior Hockey League (today known as the WHL). The franchise itself was founded in 1934 and ended in 1984. The Canucks played in a number of different leagues.
1935-48-: Southern Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League
1948-56: Western Canada Junior Hockey League
1956-66: Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League
1966-68: Western Canada Junior Hockey League
1968-84: Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League
In the summer of 1966, the Canucks were one of five SJHL clubs that left the provincial league to join franchises in Calgary and Edmonton in the new Western Canada Junior Hockey League. The league was considered a "rebel league" by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, and thus denied the right to compete for Canadian junior hockey's top prize, the Memorial Cup.
In the WCJHL's inaugural season, the Canucks won the league championship despite finishing 4th in the overall standings. The following year, the Canucks would lose out in the league semi-finals after another 4th place finish.
Concerned about the WCJHL's poor reputation with the CAHA and hoping to once again compete for the Memorial Cup, the Canucks, along with the Regina Pats and Weyburn Red Wings, would leave the WCJHL to return to the reborn SJHL. Following the reorganization of junior hockey in 1970, which saw the Western Canada Hockey League gain Tier-I status, the Canucks attempted to rejoin the WCHL but were denied. The Canucks would remain in the Tier-II SJHL until the arrival of the Warriors.
THE WARRIORS ARE BORN
In 1984, the Canucks folded to make room for the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors when Winnipeg’s franchise was transferred to Moose Jaw. The four year old Winnipeg Warriors now called the Crushed Can home. The inaugural season for the Warriors was a memorable one.
FIRST’S FOR THE FRANCHISE
The 1984-85 season, the Warriors had a 21-50-1 record. Placing only above the Brandon Wheat Kings in the standings, the Warriors very first captain fell near the top of the scoring race in the WHL. Mark MacKay scored 66 goals and 74 assists. As a 20 year old, Mark led the very first Warriors team in scoring. Team mate Kent Hayes scored 114 points in the opening season. Theoren Fleury, as a 16 year old scored 75 points. Mike Keane wracked up 141 PIM along side Kelly Kozack who had the most PIM’s with 163. Other members of the first team include: Troy Edwards, Kelly Buchburger and Sheldon Kennedy. Prince Albert won the league this season when they defeated Kamloops in 4 straight.
FIRST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE (1985-86)
The 1985-86 team was coached by Barry Trapp with assistant coach Greg Kvisle. This season had 17 year old Theo Fleury topping the Warriors scoring charts with 108 points. As a 20 year old Kent Hayes added 92 points to his name. Mike Keane wracked up 83 points. Kelly Buchberger, as an 18 year old banked an incredible 206 PIM’s. Lyle Odelein joined the squad this season, along with Jerome Bechard who played four games as a 16 year old. The Warriors acquired Pat Beauchesne in a trade with Medicine Hat. The Warriors man between the pipes was Darryl Gilmour.
The Warriors rivalry with the Regina Pats could stem back to the first round of the 1986 playoffs, where the Warriors defeated the Pats 3-0. The Warriors would face Medicine Hat in the next round, where they would be defeated 4-2. Medicine Hat would go on to win the title after beating Portland in a game 7. Kamloops would defeat Portland in 4 games to 1.
FLEURY CONTINUES HIS SUPREMECY (1986-1987)
The Warriors 86-87 team was once again led by Theo Fleury in the scoring race. Eighteen year old Fleury scored 61 goals and 68 assists. Fleury was again in the top 5 scorers in the entire league. Trevor Jobe scored 87 points for the tribe this season. Edwards put in another 78 points and Keane 70 points. Jerome Bechard and Pat Beauchesne led the team in PIM’s with 163 & 151 respectively. A major acquisition for the Warriors came from the Swift Current Broncos in Blair Atcheynum for Tim Logan and Terry Baustad.
For the second consecutive year the Warriors met up with the Regina Pats in the first round of playoffs followed by the Medicine Hat Tigers. The Tigers would lose to the Kamloops Blazers in the final.
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY (1987-1988)
This season marked the Warriors worst record, only winning 18 games. Although not a good showing as a team, Theo Fleury continued his scoring blaze with 68 goals and 92 assists totalling 160 points. Fleury tied in scoring with Swift Current’s Joe Sakic. Lyle Odelein scored 58 points, 166 PIM’s. Blair Atcheynum banked 48 points. Jerome Bechard was in the box for over 280 minutes, topping Theo Fleury’s 235 PIM’s.
The Warriors would finish last in the entire league this season. Medicine Hat would go on to win the WHL Championship vs Kamloops 4-2.
ATCHEYNUM FORGES ON (1988-1989)
With Gerry James at the helm, the Warriors began their first season without Theo Fleury. Blair Atcheynum scored 70 goals and a total of 138 points. Rob Harvey had 85 points, Rob Reimer came in with 49 points. Jerome Bechard, as a 19 year old had 242 PIM’s. Steve Young was close behind with 224 PIM’s.
The Warriors acquired Scott Barnstable from Prince Albert. Warriors Derek Kletzel joined the tribe for a single game this season. The Warriors would head into playoffs ready to face the Medicine Hat Tigers. The Warriors took the Tigers in three straight. In the conference semi-final, the Warriors lost to the Swift Current Broncos. Swift Current would go on to defeat Portland for the WHL title.
HARVEY HELPS WARRIORS CAUSE (1989-1990)
Greg Kvisle with Assistant Coach Lorne Molleken led the 89/90 team to a 28-41-3 record. Rob Harvey led the team in scoring with 102 points. Jarome Bechard had 93 points and 195 PIM’s. Rob Reimer added 77 points. Other familiar names included Chris Bright, Kevin Masters and Derek Kletzel. Jason Fitzsimmons and Jeff Calvert held down the crease for the Warriors. The Warriors did not make the playoffs this season. Kamloops would be the WHL Champions this season.
KLETZ SCORES 100 (1990-1991)
With a 31-39-2 record, the Warriors team featured Derek Kletzel as the top scorer with 100 points. Rob Reimer was close behind with 99 points. Kevin Smyth, only 16 years old wracked up 75 points. Other members of the 90/91 team included: Chris Schmidt, Travis Thiessen, Scott Thomas, Scott Barnstable and Todd Johnson. Jason Fitzsimmons and Jeff Calvert split the season between the pipes.
The Warriors faced the Broncos in the first round, taking the series 3-0. The Warriors would not make it out of the 2nd round against Lethbridge. Lethbridge would fall to Spokane in the final 4-0.
BABCOCK BEHIND THE BENCH (1991-1992)
Famed coach Mike Babcock was the bench boss this season. Chris Schmidt led the way with 114 points. Kevin Smyth added 85 points. Marc Hussey had over 200 PIM’s. Jason Fitzsimmons played in 60 games for the home team. Drafted players Curtis Brown and Ryan Smyth joined the team for a couple games. Kent Staniforth set the record for PIM’s with 338.
Prince Albert defeated the Warriors in the first round in 4 straight games. Kamloops defeated Saskatoon in 7 games to win it all.
TRADE WINDS A BLOWING (1992-1993)
Trades were the story of the season. Schmidt, Johnson, Marble, Jesiolowski, Budai, Petruic, West, Hooson and Lebsack would all be dealt this season. Kevin Smith had 82 points, Grady Manson came in with 59 points. In Ryan Smyth’s rookie year he managed 33 points; fellow Rookie Curtis Brown scored 29 points. Rob Trumbley came close to knocking off Staniforth for the most time in the box with 308.
The Warriors would not see the playoffs this season, nor the return of Coach Mike Babcock. Swift Current would be named the WHL Champion.
TRUMBLEY SETS SIN BIN RECORD (1993-1994)
Head coach Al Tuer took over this season. A 21-48-3 record was what this year’s team accomplished. Ryan Smith led the team with 105 points—and was among the top scorers in the league. Jeff Hoad was acquired from Tri City. Hoad scored 77 points for the Warriors. The Warriors acquired Milt Mastad from Seattle. Rob Trumbley had 342 PIM’s—which set a Warriors franchise record.
The Warriors would not make playoffs for the second year in a row. Kamloops would take Saskatoon to seven games and steal back the title.
BROWN & SMYTH CARRY TEAM TO BEST RECORD (1994-1995)
Al Tuer continues his reign as Head Coach. Curtis Brown scored 104 points with Ryan Smyth banking 86 points. Grady Manson scored 75 points. Rob Trumbley still managed 236 PIM’s. Darryl Laplante joined the squad this season as a 17 year old and scored 66 points. Jody Lehman spent 65 games in net.
The Warriors record was 39-32-1 this season--- the best record in franchise history. The Warriors entered the playoffs 4th in the Eastern Conference, taking on the 5th place Tigers. The Warriors would not be able to defeat the first place Wheat Kings in the second round. Kamloops would continue their reign—defeating Brandon in 6 games.
GOODBYE LEHMAN, BROWN & MANSON (1995-1996)
This season was filled with trade moves. Warrior’s goaltender Jody Lehman was sent to Brandon. Trevor Anderson took over between the pipes. Curtis Brown was dealt to Prince Albert. Twenty year old Manson was sent to Tri-City. Reed Low joined the Warriors and put in 221 PIM’s. Darryl Laplante led the team with 82 points.
Brandon would be named the league champions after a win over Spokane.
HIGGINS & HINZ COMBINE FOR 174 POINTS (1996-1997)
A 36-29-7 record had the Warriors 4th in the Eastern Division. Matt Higgins led the way with 90 points. Chad Hinz, at 17 years old, had 84 points. Darryl Laplante added 80 points. Pavel Kubina made his Warriors debut with 44 points and 116 PIM’s. Donovan Nunweiler held down the crease for 56 games; backed up by Jason McLean.
The Warriors would face the Brandon Wheat Kings in the first round, defeating them in 6 games. Lethbridge would later knock off the tribe in 6 games and go on to win the Championship.
DEFEATED BY THE PATS (1997-1998)
Chad Hinz held his team scoring title with 77 points. Dustin Paul scored 46 points and Scott Schoneck with 47 points. With a 23-39-10 record, the Warriors were able to make the first round of playoffs against their Trans-Canada neighbours the Regina Pats. The Warriors would fall in 4 straight Pat wins. Portland would be named the WHL Champions.
RAIDERS ROLL OVER WARRIORS HOPES (1998-1999)
With Al Tuer out and Len Nielson in the tribe had a 39-31-2-0 record. Hinz continued to lead the team with 117 points. Chad Hinz, Jamie Ludmark and Dustin Paul both were in the WHL top scorers in the regular season. Brian Sutherby joined the tribe for 66 games. 15 year old draft picks Nathan Paetsch and Deryk Engelland were called up for two games a piece. Tim Barlow and Rastislav Stana split the time in net.
The Warriors would go on to a first round matchup with the Broncos. Taking Swift Current in 6 games, the Warriors would later fall to Prince Albert in 5 games.
YOUNG GUNS DEBUT (1999-2000)
Neilson returned as head coach in 99/00. The Warriors record was 25-3-9-4 on the season, Jason Weitzel scored 64 points, Ben Kopp was had 60 points. Shawn Limpright led the team in PIM’s with 146. Names such as Jamie Ludmark & Nathan Paetsch continued to grace the score sheet. David Bararuk and Kyle Broadziak made their Warrior debut for a couple games a piece.
The Warriors would face the Calgary Hitmen in the first round and lose in 4 straight. Kootenay would take the title.
SUTHERBY STANDS OUT (2000-2001)
A new scoring leader emerged in Brian Sutherby with 77 points. Shawn Limpright lit up the score board with 74 points. Jason Weitsel had 66 points.
Nathan Paetsch, Brooks Laich and Kyle Brodziak stood out as young talent. Sean Connors and Tim Barlow split the time in the crease for the Warriors. The Warriors 34-29-4-5 record led them to a 3rd place East division finish and a first round match up with Kootenay. Red Deer would defeat Portland in the WHL Championship Series.
A DAZZELING FUTURE (2001-2002)
30-34-6-2 was the record. Future NHLers was the name of the game. David Bararuk led with 62 points. Nathan Paetsch, Brian Sutheby, Kyle Brodziak, Brooks Laich and Troy Brower were all on this year’s roster.
A first round match up was with none other than the Regina Pats. The Warriors would take them in six. The tribe would fall in six to Red Deer, who would go onto the finals and lose to Kootenay.
THE BEGINNING (2002-2003)
This season welcomed Curtis Hunt as Head Coach and with him came a ton of celebrated players. Future NHLers David Bararuk, Thomas Fleishmann, Kyle Brodziak, Nathan Paetsch, Dustin Boyd, Johnny Boychuk, Troy Brouwer, Ashton Rome and Kenndal McArdle all went onto successful professional careers.
The team had a 36-22-11-3 record and a first round match up with the Blades. Taking Saskatoon in six, the Warriors looked onto Brandon—who would knock them off in a game seven. Kelowna would be this season’s champ.
FORTY ONE WINS (2003-2004)
The best Warriors season up to this point in history was topped with a 41-22-8-1 record and a first place finish in the Eastern Division. Brodziak and Fleishmann topped the WHL scoring list. Brouwer, Boyd, Rome and Boychuk followed up the scoring leaders. Lane Manson, a beast on the blue line wracked up 253 PIM’s. Joey Perricone made his Warriors debut in 15 games. Mike Brodeur held down the fort for 41 games.
The Warriors knocked off the Pats in 4 straight wins. Next up, the Red Deer Rebels would defeat the Warriors in 6 games. Everett would be declared the champion.
BUILDING (2004-2005)
This season could be looked upon as the season that built the best team the Warriors ever created. Kenndal McArdle led the team as a 17 year old with 74 points. Dustin Boyd and Troy Brouwer followed close behind in scoring. The Warriors acquired Blair Jones from Red Deer in exchange for Ashton Rome.
Josh Lepp was acquired from Seattle. Joey Perricone played in 34 games this season. The Warriors were defeated in five games vs Brandon. Surprisingly only winning 14 games, the stage was set for the next season.
HISTORY IS MADE (2005-2006)
History would be written. A 44-20-5-3 season led to a first place finish in the Eastern Division. A record setting four Warriors topped the regular season scoring charts. Brouwer led the league with 102 points. Dustin Boyd came in with 90 points, Blair Jones had 85 points and Kenndal McArdle had 71 points. With an outstanding regular season, the team looked to Joey Perricone to continue the stand in net.
The home team faced Brandon in the opening round. Taking the Wheaties in six games, the next opponent would be the Calgary Hitmen. A game seven win catapulted the Warriors into the Conference Final with Medicine Hat. Winning the series in 5 games, the tribe had never seen the Conference Final, let alone the WHL Championship. The Vancouver Giants would sweep the Warriors in the series.
With their best season to date and Steve Young as the bench boss, the Warriors would break all previous records for the franchise.
THE AFTERMATH (2006-2007)
Riley Holzapfel was one of the only remaining big guns this season. Steven Gillen added 63 points and an acquisition of Jason Reese added another 46 points. Jason Bast had 39 points in his first full season with the tribe. Ryan Stanton, Chad Suer, Travis Hamonic and Kevin Smith had their first taste of Warriors hockey.
Some major trades would see Kenndal McArdle go to Vancouver, Jesse Zetariuk & Carter Smith to Everett, and Ian McKenzie to Seattle. Joey Perricone would remain as the main man between the iron. The Warriors would fall short of playoffs this season. Vancouver would repeat as Champion.
A NEW LOOK (2007-2008)
Dave Hunchak took over from Steve Young after a less than perfect 06/07 season. Jordan Knackstedt led the way with 85 points. Eighteen year old Jason Bast added 79 points. Joel Broda was aquired from Tri-City and gave the tribe 50 points. Riley Holzapfel had 41 points this season.
The Warriors added Frazer McLaren, Ty Wishart, Keaton Ellerby and Ty Ariss to the roster. Joey Perricone stayed with the team as a twenty year old goaltender. Todd Mathews backed up Perricone. Ryley Grantham led the team in PIM’s with 163.
The Warriors would go on to a 37-21-6-8 record and a 4th Eastern Conference finish. The Warriors would lose out to the Hitmen in the first round of playoffs. Spokane would defeat Tri-City in 7 games in the final.
REBUILDING (2008-2009)
Coming off a steady season, it was time for the franchise to rebuild and recharge for what would hope to be a new start moving forward into a new facility in just 3 years. With only 19 wins, the Warriors would fall to a 6th place Eastern finish and only claim 41 points.
An entirely new look team would take to the ice after the January trade deadline.
Ryley Grantham & Ian Duval would be sent to Kelowna in exchange for Dylan Hood and Jesse Paradis. Thomas Karpov & Joel Broda would be sent to Calgary for Brendan Rowinski. Todd Matthews was sent to Kootenay. Brett Ward and Evan Fuller would head to Chilliwack for Brayden Metz. One of the biggest trades the Warriors would make would be for Jeff Bosch with the Regina Pats for Neal Prokop. The Warriors would also acquire Cody Smuk from Lethbridge.
Travis Hamonic would add 40 points to the Warrior effort along with 16 year old first overall draft pick Quinton Howden who had 30 points in his rookie season. Jeff Bosch and Deven Dubyk split the season in net.
CHANGE COMES (2009-2010)
Coming off a dismal season and a finalized plan for a new facility; a new man would be added to the Warrior organization. Jeff Truitt would become the first ever Director of Hockey Operations after the release of the last General Manager, Chad Lang. A new Director of Business Corey Nyhagen would take over on the business side.
With 17 year old phoneme, Quinton Howden leading the scoring race with 65 points, Jason Bast would play out his final season as Warriors Captain and MVP. The biggest trade deal would come in January when World Junior Team Member Travis Hamonic was sent to Brandon.
A season of injuries would keep the Warriors from getting the results that they were capable of. Jason Bast suffered a facial injury, Quinton Howden would suffer a collar bone injury late in the season, Ryan Stanton would miss games after Christmas due to illness and the most talked about injury would come to Travis Hamonic in the World Junior Tournament with a separated shoulder.
An emerging young group of stars and NHL prospects emerged in Quinton Howden, Dylan McIlrath, Kendall McFaull, Antonin Honejsek and Brandon Glover. A new era has begun and the future looks very bright.
BY THE NUMBERS
RETIRED
The Warriors have retired just three numbers in their 25 year history. Theoren Fleury’s #9 was unquestionable. Fleury may just be the most talented scorer to ever grace the Civic Center. Fleury scored an incredible 201 goals during his time in the Jaw.
#24 is the retired number of Kelly Buchberger. Twenty four is a great reminder of number Kelly’s brilliant hockey career. #25 was worn by Mike Keane, a dynamic Warrior who played along side the other two retired numbers
LUCKY NUMBER TWENTY
Among the many numbers to choose from, it seems something is tied to #20 and scoring. The number is the most popular and celebrated. Number 20 was first worn by Gary Cox in 1984 and Kevin Green in 1986. Blair Atcheynum started it off later in 1986, a future NHLer, Blair would start a trend of talented players wearing number 20.
Kevin Smyth, a leading scorer in 91-93—continued on the tradition. Next up in the number 20 was David Bararuk who led the 01/02 team in scoring. Finally, Jason Bast played his entire 5 year Warriors career in #20 and put up great numbers as the four time fan favourite and 3 time MVP in lucky number 20.
CAPTAINS CLUB
84-85- Mark MacKay
85-86- Kent Hayes
86-87- Mike Keane/Troy Edwards
87-88- Theoren Fleury
88-89- Devon Oleniuk
89-90- Jerome Bechard
90-91- Scott Barnstable
91-92- Derek Kletzel
92-93- Marc Hussey
93-94- Todd Dutiame
94-95- Rob Trumbley
95-96- Darryl Laplante
96-97- Darryl Laplante
97-98- Trevor Johnson
98-99- Garnet Jacobson
99-00- Scott Schoneck
00-01- Shawn Limpright
01-02- Sean O’Connor
02-03- Harlan Anderson
03-04- Kyle Brodziak
04-05- Masi Marjamaki
05-06- Troy Brouwer
06-07- Steven Gillen
07-08- Riley Holzapfel
08-09- Jason Bast
09-10- Jason Bast/Travis Hamonic
10-11- Spencer Edwards
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Troy Edwards was with the Moose Jaw Warriors for 3 seasons. Troy was Assistant Captain during the 1985-86 season and
Captain during the 1986-87. Troy accumulated a total of 82 goals and 105 assists for 187 points in 3 seasons with the tribe.
Following his junior hockey career, Troy went on to play in the IHL and AHL before deciding to play in the CIAU with the
University of Regina Cougars hockey team in 1990. In his final year of schooling, Troy took over the captaincy of the Cougars
and was named to the CIAU first team all-star and was named All Canadian. Troy went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in
Business Administration, majoring in Marketing & Finance by utilizing the Warriors Education Fund.
Mark Mackay was the Moose Jaw Warriors first ever Captain in 1984-85. That season, Mark accumulated a total of 66 goals and 74 assists for 140 points in 71 games. Following the 1984-85 season, Mark went on to a successful hockeycareer in Europe from 1985-86 to the 2000-2001 season. Mark accumulated an impressive 2,000 points in his
professional career. In 1995 Mark joined the German NationalTeam and was fortunate to play in 6 World Championships, 1
World Cup of Hockey, and 2 Olympic Games. While in Germany,Mark founded a Children’s Foundation called “Goals for Kids” to
help create a better life for underprivileged kids.
Kent Hayes was with the Moose Jaw Warriors for 2 full seasons. Kent was Assistant Captain during the 1984-85 season and Captain during the 1985-86. Kent accumulated a total of 126 goals and 118 assists for 244 points in 2 seasons with the tribe. Kent has had tremendous amount of success off the ice following his junior hockey career in business as an entrepreneur. Kent is part owner of Hayes Construction Company, a successful family run construction business based out of Calgary, AB. In additional to Hayes Construction, Kent and his wife have brought a Saskatchewan flare to Calgary as proud owners of Pazzer’s Saskatchewan Pub.
Mike Keane joined the Warriors in their inaugural season back in 1984 and played his entire WHL career with the Tribe. In his 3 years as a Moose Jaw Warrior, Mike accumulated 76 goals and 120 assists for 196 points in 185 regular season games. Following his time in Moose Jaw, Mike went on to an outstanding NHL career that spanned 19 seasons, Mike made 1,161 NHL appearances and tallied 168 goals and 302 assists for 470 points. Mike also represented his country on the International stage as a member of Team Canada at the 1987 World Junior Hockey Championships in Czechoslovakia. Keane has been a member of the AHL’s Manitoba Moose for the past 3 seasons in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba and continues to lead the team both on and off the ice as Captain the 2006-07 winner of the AHL’s Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award for being the player who best exemplified sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey.
Rob Harvey played for the Warriors from 1986/87-1989/90. Rob was Assistant Captain during the 1988-1989 and 1989-1990 seasons. Rob accumulated a total of 90 goals and 129 assists for219 points in 221 regular season games with the Tribe. Rob went on to a successful University hockey career at the University of Regina and utilized the WHL Scholarship fund in obtaining a Bachelor degree in Business Administration. Rob currently resides in Regina with his wife Kari and two daughters Jaylyn and Kennedy.
Kelly Buchberger was a member of the Moose Jaw Warriros in the 1984/85 inaugural year and played his entire WHL career with the Tribe. In his 2 years as a Moose Jaw Warrior, Kelly Buchberger accumulated 26 goals and 39 assists for 65points in 123 regular season games. Following his time with the Warriors, the Edmonton Oilers draft pick went on to play 2 seasons with the Nova Scotia Oilers of the AHL before playing for an impressive 12 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and a professional hockey playing career that spanned 17 seasons (EDM, ATL, LA, PHX, PIT). Kelly made 1, 182 NHL appearances and tallied 105 goals and 204 assists for 309 points. Following his professional career, Kelly went on to coaching the Springfield Falcons of the AHL and is now the Assistant Coach of the Edmonton Oilers.
Theoren Fleury was arguably one of the most famed and talented hockey players to set foot in the Crushed Can, Theoren Fleury is already a legend in Moose Jaw. Theo played in 274 career games from 1984-1988. He scored 201 goals, 271 assists-- totaling 472 career points. Fleury set Warrior records that stand to this day in most assists in a single season (92), most points in a single season (160) along with most career goals and points. In his second year of eligibility, he was scouted by the Calgary Flames at the age of 19 and was drafted in the 8th round, 166th overall. Fleury went on to an extensive NHL career, suiting up for over 1000 games in the NHL with the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. A Stanley Cup Champion, an Olympic gold medalist and now an author of a best selling book, “Playing with Fire, Thereon continues to find success in all areas of his life.
Scott Thomas, a four year Warrior veteran, donned the Warrior jersey from 1987-1991. Not only did he love the game of hockey, baseball was Scott’s second calling. Scott played baseball throughout his time in the friendly city. Playing in 209 games with the Warriors, Scott used his WHL scholarship to get a first rate education. Scott joined the University of Regina Cougars hockey team before transferring to the University of Saskatchewan and enrolling at the College of Education for 3 years. Scott would find his way to his true calling at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, where he earned his degree. Dr. Scott Thomas currently resides in Saskatoon where he owns and operates the Attridge Chiropractic Clinic. Scott and his wife Laurie have two kids, Evan and Jordyn.
WORLD JUNIOR WARRIORS
Every year near, Canada assembles its best players across the CHL to compete against the rest of the worlds premier athletes under the age of 20. Eleven Warriors have represented Canada in this prestigious display of talent and hockey’s elite junior players.
Theoren Fleury played for the red and white in 1987 and 1988. Team Canada was disqualified in his first appearance, but took home gold the following year. Mike Keane joined Fleury in 1987 as the two representatives for the tribe.
Another Warrior would not break the roster until 1994. Chris Armstrong helped Canada to take home the gold in ‘94. Ryan Smyth followed in Chris’s footsteps; winning the top prize in 1995. Curtis Brown would be the only Warrior in 1996 on Canada’s team.
A few years later, in 2000 Jamie Lundmark was part of the bronze medal team. In 2002, both Nathan Paetch and Brian Sutherby took home the silver. Nathan returned to the team in 2003 for a second silver medal. Dustin Boyd put on the maple leaf in 2006. Riley Holzapfel was a member of the team in 2008. Travis Hamonic represented the Warriors in 2009, where team Canada skated to a 2nd place finish. Quinton Howden joined Team Canada for 2010/11 rematch of the previous year and skated to a silver medal finish in Buffalo, NY.
OLYMPIC SIZED
The Winter Olympics only come around every four years. To be a part of the highest calibre sporting competition is of the highest regard. Some of the Warriors, and subsequently the worlds best hockey players have represented their country on the world stage.
In 1998, Theoren Fleury was a member of Team Canada at the Nagano Olympic Games. In 2002, at the Salt Lake City Games both Theo Fleury and Ryan Smyth were parts of the gold medal winning Canadian team. Rastislav Stana represented Team Slovakia in 2002. The first Warriors Captain, Mark MacKay joined team Germany for the 1998 and 2002 games.
At the Torino Games in 2006, Ryan Smyth returned to the world’s biggest stage along with Pavel Kubina, who took home a bronze medal with the Czech Republic team.
At the 2010 Olympics, Tomas Fleishmann and Pavel Kubina both played for the Czech team. Rastislav Stana once again represented Slovakia. Former Warriors head coach Mike Babcock was behind the bench for Team Canada’s gold medal performance.
