The U13 AA Warriors got their first practice Wednesday evening at the Kinsmen Arena.

Head coach Shane Smith said the kids and the coaches are looking forward to the season.

“It’s tough mentally for the kids right now, it’s kind of been a year where our 08s have developed really well and we only have one ‘09 as a first-year, and he’s an exceptional player,” said Smith after their first pick. “it was the first time our 08s have all been together… And now the uncertainty, you just don’t know, so first practice (Wednesday night) went really well. You just prepare, prepare, prepare, and be ready for whenever the puck may drop here.”

While they don't have a schedule yet, Warriors head coach Shane Smith said they want to get the players ready for when the puck will drop. That included a fairly high-intensity scrimmage-type scenario for that first practice.

“Basically as close to game-like intensity as you can,” said Smith. “You never know, it could be tomorrow, they might be able to say you can have an exhibition game So, high-temp, and be ready to go for that opening puck drop tomorrow, next month, January, whenever that may be so let’s get ready for puck drop.”

The Warriors made the league semifinal last year in the six-team South Saskatchewan Double-A Hockey League, bowing out in three games to the Yorkton Terriers. The Warriors have a few players left from last season, when they won 11 out of 26 games and made the league semifinal.

“(Carter) Hudyma, (Ryan) Gibbs, (Brodyn) Pladson and (Tyson) Ross are the guys that are returning,” said Smith. “The rest of our guys, our other 08 forwards, were playing (U13) A last year and had very successful seasons. We’ve got nine forwards that can put the puck in the net on every shift. It’s going to be a really talented group to come watch, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to see them play a game here. Hopefully sooner than later.”

One of the players they’ve added is Ryder Gilroy, a forward originally out of Weyburn. Gilroy scored 41 points in 25 games last season for the Wings.