Defenceman Spenser Jensen is pointless in four games since joining the Warriors

They may not have to face the Seahawks defence, but the Moose Jaw Warriors know they’re in for a battle on Tuesday night when they take on the Seattle Thunderbirds.

“They have a really big team and they’re really physical in Seattle,” said defenceman Spenser Jensen.  “I think just keeping it simple, if you don't have a perfect play, just chipping it out is the most important thing.”

The Warriors have dropped the first two games of their six-game US Division road trip.  After falling 8-2 to Portland on Friday, the team responded with a strong effort in a 4-3 shootout loss to Everett that wasn’t without controversy.

In the loss to the Silvertips, the team battled back in the third period with Tanner Eberle scoring two goals to force overtime.

“It was good for us that we were able to come back in that game,” said Brayden Point, who has multiple points in five of his last six games, including three assists on Saturday.  “It showed lots and we proved to ourselves that we can play with these teams over here and we can skate with them.”

After getting a couple of days off to bond and refocus for a busy week ahead, the Warriors are ready to go for their only battle of the season with the Thunderbirds.  The team feels that Seattle’s size could work as an advantage for them in this meeting.

“(Playing a big team) is obviously tougher than a smaller team, but we have a good work ethic and playing those kind of teams is better for us because we can use our speed and skill down low,” said Point.

Avoiding getting pinned their own zone will be key as always for the Warriors if they hope to come away with two points.

“(First passes) have to be crisp and we’ve got to have better breakouts and better neutral zone play, but I think we’ll be ready for Seattle,” said Point.

In their only meeting last season, the Thunderbirds picked up a 4-3 shootout win over the Warriors at Mosaic Place on November 3rd.

The Warriors will be hoping for some reinforcements after missing three players on Saturday against Everett due to injuries suffered on Friday in Portland.  

Jack Rodewald (jaw) was back practicing with the Warriors on Monday, but had the full face mask back on after taking a hit to the jaw on Friday.  He could play against Seattle.  Reid Zalitach and Zach Sawchenko both sat out on Monday with lower body injuries, no word on how long either will be out.

The Warriors and Thunderbirds hit the ice at 9:00pm Saskatchewan time on Tuesday night.  Voice of the Warriors James Gallo will have all the action on Country 100, starting with the Pre-Game Show at 8:40pm.

Homecoming For Brown

The Moose Jaw Warriors might be 1,600 kilometres away from home, but there will be a strong contingent of black and red in the stands on Tuesday night at the Showare Center.

Warriors rookie defenceman Tyler Brown, who’s from Olympia, Washington, is expected to have over 100 family and friends in the stands for their meeting with the Thunderbirds.

“I’m excited to play in front of all my family and friends once again,” said the 16-year-old.  “It’s a hometown game for me, so I want to get in there and get a win.”

Brown’s parents started out with two suites booked for the game, but that number has grown to four, which should make for a strong cheering section for the tribe in the visiting rink.

“We’re going to have a lot of fans backing us up, so hopefully that can help us change momentum in the game, get some swings going, or help us get energized in the second or third period,” said Brown.

After playing his first WHL game in his home state on Saturday in Everett, Brown feels he’s ready for what the experience will be like on Tuesday against the Thunderbirds.

“It was good to get out there and get a game in before going into Seattle,” said Brown.

The rookie defenceman has seen his ice time increase since the WHL Trade Deadline and he’s hoping to take advantage of any opportunities he gets throughout the second half of the season.

“I just try to go simple and easy plays, nothing too complicated, just doing the right plays all the time,” said Brown.

27 games into his WHL career, Brown is still searching for his first WHL point.  Getting it in Seattle could make for an even more special night.