New Moose Jaw Warriors goaltender Bailey Brkin has proved he can play hockey, which is a much more fun game to play than the waiting game.

Brkin, 20, has been working out in his hometown of Sherwood Park, Alberta, waiting since he was released by the Spokane Chiefs in early August to get a call from a WHL team interested in his services.

Brkin said he's grateful for the chance.

"I can't even describe how I'm feeling right now, I'm so thankful that I have an opportunity to play in the league again," he said. "I was waiting at home and just trying to get as good as I possibly can in the two weeks I had. If you have a longer summer, you get more of a chance to get better. I'm just ready to showcase that I've gotten better over the summer."

Last season, he played in 45 games for the Chiefs, getting a .914 save percentage and two shutouts to go with his 27 wins and 2.75 goals against average. Then, in the playoffs the team upset the Everett Silvertips in five games en route to an appearance in the Western Conference final against the Vancouver Giants.  

Two seasons ago, he split time with the Chiefs and Kootenay Ice, winning 11 games out of 30 appearances. 

Brkin brings his experience to the team and knows what he brings to a young team. 

"I'm a veteran goalie in the league now, as crazy enough for me to say it... but I'm going to be here to have character int he room, and bring my skills out there on and off the ice," he said. 

Brkin's Western Hockey League debut was with the Swift Current Broncos at the end of the 2016-17 season when he started and finished a 10-5 loss to the Warriors. With the playoff positions settled, it was a chance for the Warriors to go full bore on a green goaltender for some personal milestones, and Jayden Halbgewachs potted four goals and three assists that night to conclude the season with 50 goals and 51 assists for 101 points. 

That seems like a distant memory now as Brkin prepares for the start of the season with the Warriors by playing in one of the two pre-season games this weekend against the Brandon Wheat Kings. They play Friday here and Saturday night in Brandon. 

Live from Mosaic Place, 'Voice of the Warriors' James Gallo has the pregame show tomorrow night on Country 100 at 6:55 p.m.