Linden Penner in action with the Calgary Hitmen last season. (Photo courtesy of MJ Warriors)

The Moose Jaw Warriors’ forward group will have a bit more size going forward after a deal with the Calgary Hitmen on Wednesday.

The tribe acquired six-foot-three forward Linden Penner from the Hitmen in exchange for a conditional sixth round pick in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.

“We’ve been looking for this type of player for a little bit of time now,” said Alan Millar, Warriors’ general manager.  “We talk about balance and depth in our lineup and we feel he complements our real well.”

The Warriors have been adding more and more size up front throughout the offseason with Jack Rodewald, Brett Howden, Jiri Smejkal, Tanner Jeannot and Ethan Lazaro all standing over six-feet.  Penner will add to that.

“He gives us a good presence in there and he’s a real good complement to some of our younger, smaller players,” said Millar.  “The big body and experience — he played on a good team in Calgary last year — and we think he can help us.”

Penner, 19, made his WHL debut last season and finished with four goals, eight points and 33 penalty minutes in 39 games as he battled some injuries. 

“He was back at the end of the season and played in the playoffs,” said Millar.  “We got a chance to watch him in their opening game on Saturday night, so he was limited last year, but ready to go this year for us now.”

Originally drafted in the tenth round, 218th overall, by the Saskatoon Blades, Penner had a strong offensive season at the junior A level two years ago when he put up 14 goals and 34 points in 40 games with the AJHL’s Whitecourt Wolverines.

The Sherwood Park, AB native also attended the Calgary Flames’ 2013 spring development camp and put up two goals in an intra-squad game.  

The Warriors are expecting him to provide an edge to their lineup and help take some of the load off the younger players in the lineup.

Millar said Penner is excited about the opportunity ahead of him here in Moose Jaw.

“He understands that it’s a good opportunity here for him,” Millar said.  “He seemed real eager and excited about getting on the road and being a part of what we’re doing here.”

Penner is expected to be at practice with the Warriors on Thursday.  The tribe host the Regina Pats on Friday night at Mosaic Place.