With the best record in the Western Hockey League heading into the Christmas break, the Moose Jaw Warriors started to put the finishing touches on the roster that they hope will push them deep into the playoffs.

The team made two big trades last week, adding some more depth to their forward group with those moves.

Vince Loschiavo and Ryan Peckford had three games to start to settle into their roles with the team before heading into the break and they both have shown well so far.

Loschiavo scored twice in Saturday’s 7-4 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings, giving him three goals in three games since joining Moose Jaw.

He said it’s been pretty easy joining a new team for the first time in his WHL career.

“Anytime that you go to a new team, it’s a little different at the start, but the guys and all the staff here made it a real easy transition for me and I couldn’t be happier,” said Loschiavo.

The 19-year-old forward is expected to add a veteran, proven scoring touch to the Warriors’ third line, while also providing a much needed right handed shot to the team’s forward group.

So far Loschiavo, who had 29 goals last season, has been living up to his sniper billing after getting off to a slow start to the season with Kootenay, posting just seven goals in 28 games.

“It was tough to leave Kootenay, I’ve been there for so long, but when I got here everyone was so welcoming, it’s a great place to play and I’m excited about the opportunity,” said Loschiavo.

“I’m willing to do whatever the coaches ask me to do, whether that’s provide offence or be a bit more of an energy guy, there’s a lot of high skilled guys here, so I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help this team win.”

18-year-old forward Ryan Peckford has two assists in three games since joining the Moose Jaw Warriors. (Photo: Marc Smith)

Peckford was caught a bit off guard when he was dealt from the B.C. Divison-leading Victoria Royals to Moose Jaw, but he said he’s looking forward to the fresh start in a new place.

“I wasn’t expecting to be traded, but I’m happy to come to a winning team,” he said. “It’s exciting to come here, make some new friends and meet some new people… I think Moose Jaw is going to be a good fit and I’m happy to be here.”

In his three games since joining the Warriors, Peckford has settled into the left wing slot on the team’s second line with Jayden Halbgewachs, and eventually captain Brett Howden.

Peckford has two assists in three games with the Warriors, pushing his season point total to 29 in 36 games.

“I’m a hard two-way forward, I fore-check hard and back-check hard, I’m a bigger body so I can make hits and also put the puck in the net, drive hard to the net and put in some greasy ones,” he said.

There was a theme to what Peckford was saying when describing his game and his “hard” mindset is what attracted the Warriors to Peckford and allowed them to feel comfortable moving veteran forward Noah Gregor to add him.

“I’ll fit in here really well, they play a fast, hard-paced game and they can score, so that fits my game really well,” he said.

“I can play the skill game, but when there comes times in games where there needs to be a little bit of grit, I can provide that as well.”

The Warriors have liked what they’ve seen from the two new additions in their short time with the team. They’re hoping that their impact comes over the next few months in the drive towards the post-season.

The Warriors are currently in their nine-day Christmas break. They will return to practice on Boxing Day and then head to Swift Current next Wednesday to start the second half of the WHL season.