Tanner Jeannot is entering his third WHL season and the Oxbow, Saskatchewan product is aiming to be more of a leader this year with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

The Warriors lost some key pieces from their leadership group last week, mainly two-year captain Brayden Point. They’ll need players like Jeannot to step up to fill that void and he’s up to the task.

“I know that I’m going to have a little bit more of a leadership role this year and I have a lot more confidence going into camp this year,” said Jeannot.

It was just three years ago that Jeannot was an unknown listed player coming into training camp. He surprised people with strong fitness testing and a good work ethic to earn a spot on the team.

He said he wants to help make sure that the players coming into their first camp with the Warriors feel comfortable and are able to play on top of their game.

“I know some kids are pretty nervous coming into camp, so I’ll just try to use my leadership role to make them feel welcome and have some fun,” said Jeannot.

“They just need play confident, play their game and don’t try to be someone that you aren’t; be respectful because there’s always people watching and you want to make a good first impression; and just have some fun.”

Jeannot followed up an okay rookie season with a breakout sophomore campaign for the Warriors last year. He increased his goal total from one as a rookie to 17 last year and his point total from five to 33.

The 19-year-old forward really found his groove in the playoffs, scoring six goals and 15 points in ten games.

Coming off that year, Jeannot isn’t satisfied and was focused over the offseason on continuing to improve his game.

“Just keep working hard and that’s what got me some success last year, and of course my teammates and working with them,” said Jeannot. “Hopefully we can keep going this year, I’m going to just keep working hard and hopefully things go the same way that they ended off last year.”

Jeannot’s stellar season last year also earned him some recognition from the pro level as he received an invite from the Minnesota Wild to take part in their development camp last month.

He will be heading with the team to take part in the Traverse City tournament next month.

“It was awesome, I learned a lot there, it was a really good experience,” said Jeannot. “Hopefully I can have a good prospects tournament.”

Training camp starts for the Warriors this week with rookie camp kicking things off on Thursday and Friday. Main Camp picks up on the weekend with the annual Black and White Game goes on Sunday.