2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Moose Jaw Warriors

Welcome to The Hockey News 2024-25 season preview series. From August 29 to September 20, THN's WHL duo will examine some of the biggest storylines facing each team this season. Today's edition is focused on the Moose Jaw Warriors, who are just a few months removed from the grandest stage in the CHL.

2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 44-21-0-3, 91 Points (2nd East Division)
Playoffs: Defeated Brandon 4-0
Defeated Swift Current 4-1
Defeated Saskatoon 4-3
Defeated Portland 4-0 (Clinched WHL Championship)
Defeated by London Knights (Memorial Cup)
Key Departures: Denton Mateychuk (D), Jagger Firkus (F), Atley Calvert (F)
Key Additions: Noah Degenstein (D), Landen McFadden (F) 

After the conclusion of the Warriors' 2024 Memorial Cup run that saw Moose Jaw get knocked out by the mighty London Knights, the reigning WHL Champions knew they would be looking at a trajectory similar to the 2022 Edmonton Oil Kings; once at the top of the WHL mountain, now looking to rebuild and regain that spot once again.

Although many of Moose Jaw's top scorers have graduated to the pros, there's still plenty of winning experience throughout the roster. Many valuable lessons were learned, especially since only four games were lost en route to the penultimate CHL tournament; three of them at the hands of the only team to finish ahead of them in the Eastern Conference, the Saskatoon Blades.

Defencemen Brady Ness, as well as Vojtech Port and Kalem Parker will all be expected to step up on the blue line this season, in the abscence of Denton Mateychuk. Up front, Brayden Yager and 2025 NHL Draft prospect Lynden Lakovic will lead the charge in place of the likes of Jagger Firkus and Atley Calvert.

While not boasting the embarrasment of riches they did a season ago, Moose Jaw still has youth that are eager to prove themselves. A pair of 2007-born forwards, Landon McFadden will carry a point-per-game+ season into his first WHL campaign, and Noah Degenstein looks to permanently bring his imposing frame into the Warriors lineup.

It will be a season of change for Moose Jaw, but if their young prospects play to their potential, it will not be a surprise to see them in the postseason picture come April 2025.

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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