Three Moose Jaw Warriors took the next step in their young hockey careers on Monday.

The Warriors signed 2017 first round pick Daemon Hunt, sixth round pick Jackson Berry and 2016 sixth round pick Ethan Fitzgerald to their WHL standard player agreements following a successful weekend on the ice during training camp.

“It was really surreal, I’m still trying to soak it in and I’m really excited for my future here in Moose Jaw,” said Hunt, who was selected by the Warriors with the 15th overall pick in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft.

Hunt added that the organization is everything that he’s looking for in the next level of his hockey career.

“The coaching staff and the whole organization is everything that I need,” he said. “As a family, we took this process slow and I just thought Moose Jaw fits perfectly into my style of play, the coaching staff and everything just fits right into my game.”

Hunt posted 22 goals and 60 points in 36 games with the Brandon Bantam AAA Wheat Kings last season.

The 15-year-old defenceman put together an impressive first training camp with the Warriors. He was the best player on the ice during rookie camp and held his own once the veterans hit the ice for main camp.

Hunt said he felt like he was able to handle himself well.

“At the start of main camp, it was fast, but then I got a handle of the pace,” he said. “I was a bit nervous at the start, but I got the hang of it. All the guys are good and I just went out there and played hard and smart.”

The Warriors are excited to have their top pick from this year’s draft committed to joining the organization.

“We are thrilled with Daemon and his family’s commitment to the Warriors and the WHL,” said General Manager Alan Millar. “He is a smart, skilled young defenceman with a bright future.”

Goalie Jackson Berry slides across to make a save on Warriors forward Justin Almeida during Sunday's Black & White Intersquad Game at Mosaic Place. (Photo: Marc Smith)

Berry also had a strong first training camp with the Warriors and earned his WHL standard player agreement.

He said he’s excited to be a part of the Warriors’ organization moving forward.

“We are so honoured to be with such an amazing organization,” said Berry. “It took a while to make the decision, lots of talking with family and agents, but we came to the conclusion that this is the place for me and I’m very excited to see what the future holds here.”

The Chestermere, AB product didn’t allow a goal during rookie camp and showed well going up against the veterans during main camp.

Berry said he learned a lot from the experience.

“Main camp went very well, I had a couple of bad goals go in, but that’s hockey and I’ll move forward, but I thought main camp went great and I’m looking forward to the preseason,” he said.

Goalie Ethan Fitzgerald with Warriors head coach Tim Hunter after signing his WHL standard player agreement on Monday. (Photo: Moose Jaw Warriors)

Fitzgerald was a part of the 2016 draft class for the Warriors and he’s impressed during his season as a Warriors’ prospect, including taking part in Hockey Canada’s Under-17 Development Camp this summer.

He said he’s excited to finally have sign with the team.

“I came into camp looking to sign and looking to earn my spot here, so I came out with a happy result and I’m looking forward to getting in the preseason with the guys,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald played last season with the NWCAA Stampeders in the Alberta Minor Midget AAA Hockey League, posting a 3.06 goals against average and a 0.921 save percentage.

He said he was confident coming into this year’s training camp after making it to main camp last year and wanted to show the coaches where he’s improved over the offseason.

“My off-ice training has really taken a step up and getting to go to the U17 camp was an amazing experience with some of the top players from across Canada and pushed that bar a lot higher,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald should make his WHL debut on Tuesday night when the Warriors open the preseason with their annual rookie game against the Swift Current Broncos.

“I’m really looking forward to it, it’s been a dream of mine for a long time now, so I’m looking forward to coming in on Tuesday and making a big start,” he said.

The Warriors and Broncos square off at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mosaic Place. Admission is by donation with the proceeds going to the Canadian Mental Health Association in memory of former Warriors’ prospect Ethan Williams.