Justin Almeida was the key piece that came to Moose Jaw last year in the blockbuster deal that sent Nikita Popugaev to Prince George.

After playing 33 games with the Warriors to finish last season, the 18-year-old forward is comfortable in his new home and looking to make a big impact during his first full season in Moose Jaw.

“Getting to know the guys and becoming better friends, and then on the ice and gaining trust from the coaches, I feel like I’ve found my role here,” said Almeida, who had a goal and four points in Sunday’s Black and White Intersquad Game to close out training camp.

The Warriors had 86 players in camp and Almeida said he’s coming away impressed with the talent that was on display.

“We have some high end players here, even our young guys, they’re pushing the older guys to get better every year, so it was a really good, competitive camp and that just makes our team better,” he said.

Almeida’s game is built around speed and skill, and he put the improvements that he’s made in those areas on full display throughout training camp over the weekend.

The Kitimat, B.C. product said he worked on improving his speed over the offseason with his sights on a big season.

“Obviously trying to get bigger and strong is the main thing, but I worked on in tight stickhandling,” he said.

“I have more confidence in my game after how last year ended.”

In 33 games with the Warriors, Almeida posted seven goals and 15 points after posting four goals and 13 points in 37 games with the Cougars prior to the trade.

Almeida showed that he can take on multiple roles, playing in the top-six or on the team’s third line. He said he’s excited to be a part of this year’s team and contribute in any way he can towards their success.

“Our team has a great opportunity, we have a lot of returning guys and our high end players coming back and personally I want to do my best to help our team,” he said. “If the team has success, everybody will have success.”

The Warriors will have seven players heading off to NHL training camps during the preseason, and possibly into the regular season, Almeida knows that will be a good chance to shine for him.

“There will be a bigger role in those games for me and just show the coaches that I’m ready for that and can carry that into the regular season,” said Almeida.

The Warriors open the preseason coming up on Tuesday night when they host the Swift Current Broncos at Mosaic Place. Puck drops at 7 p.m.

Admission to the game is by donation with all the proceeds going to the Canadian Mental Health Association in memory of former Warriors prospect Ethan Williams.