There are two mindsets heading into this weekend's action for the Moose Jaw Warriors against the Brandon Wheat Kings to close out the preseason. For the rookies, it's one final chance to impress, but for the veterans, they just want to get past the games and onto the regular season.

"It feels like we've been here doing preseason for a little while, so it's going to be nice to get some regular season games going," said 20-year-old defenceman Brandon Schuldhaus.

The Warriors have posted a 2-2-0 record so far through the exhibition schedule and they will finish things off with a home-and-home against the Wheat Kings, who just so happen to be their opponent to open the regular season as well.

Schuldhaus said the team is looking strong heading into opening night, but there are still a few areas to work on.

"Having as many young guys as we have, we're just trying to get our systems and the game that we play as a team, getting all these new guys adjusted to that is something that we've been working on," he said. "We're going to be in a good spot coming into the first game."

The Warriors will be a team built around an experienced defensive group, but with Josh Brook still away at Montreal Canadiens training camp and Jett Woo currently out with an injury, Schuldhaus is the veteran leader among the defence right now.

He said he's enjoying his role so far this season, "Being a 20-year-old is a big responsibility, but being in the league for a few years, I feel a lot more comfortable and I'm looking forward to taking on a leadership role," said Schuldhaus.

"Having a lot of young defencemen, they're going to be watching me, so I'm just trying to set a good example on the ice and off the ice, and set the right tone for them."

Forward Peyton McKenzie rushes the puck out of the defensive zone during preseason action at Mosaic Place last week against Medicine Hat. (Photo: Marc Smith)

Young Forwards Confident

The Warriors will feature a lot of turnover up front this season, but they have some young forward that are hoping to make an impact with the team.

17-year-old Jesse Mistelbacher was injured during training camp, but he's shown no ill effects since getting back on the ice and suiting up in three preseason games.

"I was getting a little anxious not being on the ice, I wanted to fight for my spot and not being able to was kind of frustrating, but I've been battling through and just trying to get better every day," said Mistelbacher.

The Warriors have one 16-year-old forward remaining in camp heading into the final weekend of the preseason. Sherwood Park product Peyton McKenzie said he feels he's put together a solid camp and he wants to finish on a high note this weekend.

"I'm just trying to go out and play my game and whatever happens, happens," said McKenzie.

The speedy forward posted 22 goals and 50 points with the OHA Edmonton Prep team in 2017-18 after being selected with the 59th overall pick in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. He feels he can be a valuable piece of this year’s Warrior team.

"I bring a lot of energy and I'll play any role, do whatever is needed," said McKenzie. "Anytime that I can get in the corners and cause grief for the defenders is my strength."

Mistelbacher was listed by the Warriors last season and he’s impressed during his time in the organization. He said he's been trying to show the coaches what he's capable of over the past few weeks.

"I'm just trying to get better and show more as the games go on and get more competitive, I'm just starting to get confident at this level," said Mistelbacher.

In 48 games with the Eastman Selects midget AAA team last season, Mistelbacher registered 15 goals and 47 points, while picking up 52 penalty minutes.

He said his game fits in well with what the Warriors want out of their forwards, "I like to work hard, put in a lot of work on the ice and off the ice, even when I'm away from the rink, I'm thinking about hockey and how to get better, so that's what I want to do," said Mistelbacher.

The roster hopefuls will have two final chances to impress this weekend. The Warriors are in Brandon on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. and then they host the Wheat Kings on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.

This weekend marks the return of Warriors hockey to Country 100. You can catch all the action, starting with the Pre-Game Show, hitting the air five minutes before puck drop.