Miles Warkentine lets a shot go during preseason action in 2011 against Swift Current.

Four Moose Jaw Warrior prospects are in Wilcox, Saskatchewan this weekend for Team West’s 68 man camp in preparation for the 2012 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge coming up in December in Quebec.  2011 draftees Miles Warkentine, Josh Uhrich, and Tanner Lewis along with Kendall Fransoo will be battling with players from the Saskatchewan and Manitoba for position on the depth chart.

“It’s a big opportunity for sure, coming here is a little different than past years,” said Warkentine.  “You have Manitoba kids (along with Saskatchewan players) here; you get to know those guys.  You have to put yourself up against them and see who you have to beat to make the team,” he added.  Warkentine was one of two first round picks by Moose Jaw in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft and was selected 16th overall.

“I’m just coming in and trying to do the best that I can,” said Uhrich, who was a second round pick by the Tribe in 2011.  “There’s a lot of good players here, you have to be on your game, learn from your mistakes and play your best hockey.”

Tanner Lewis (6’0”, 158lbs, centre) was picked in the 9th round of the 2011 Bantam Draft and played last season with the Midget AAA Southwest Cougars, he had three goals and nine points in 39 games.  Fransoo (5’10”, 165lbs, defensemen) played last season with the Notre Dame Hounds of the SMAAAHL, in 41 games he had seven assists and eight points and racked up 112 penalty minutes.

Warriors Assistant General Manager of Hockey Operations Rob MacLachlan is Team West’s head scout, attending the camp are some of Saskatchewan’s and Manitoba’s top players eligible for the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.  After the camp is completed management and coaches will have the next couple of months to trim the roster down to the players who will represent our region at the tournament.

Past Warriors who have taken part in the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge include Torrin White, Carter Hansen, Morgan Rielly, Quinton Howden, and Dylan McIlrath.