The Moose Jaw Warriors have a wealth of defencemen returning this season and more in their prospect pool, which means competition is fierce for those final few roster spots on this year's squad.

Two 17-year-old defencemen are hoping that they can do enough to outshine the other roster hopefuls and earn spots on the Warriors.

Matthew Sanders got a taste of the Western Hockey League last season, dressing in six games with the Warriors. He said he took a lot away from that experience to help him prepare for this season.

"Things are going really well, getting some games in last year and getting to learn from guys like (Brett Howden, Brayden Burke, and Kale Clague), so coming into this camp, it makes things easier," said Sanders.

"Watching those guys prepare and see how they handle themselves after games as well really helped me a lot. Their work ethic translated for me in the gym and on the ice when I was training this summer."

Alek Sukunda was a sixth-round pick by the Warriors two years ago and he's blossomed into a strong two-way defenceman. The Burnaby, B.C. product is happy with what he’s shown so far during camp and preseason action.

"Everyone has a good shot (at making the team), but I've put in a lot of work this summer, I especially worked on my skating so that I wouldn't be behind in the league," said Sukunda.

Sanders was originally selected by the Warriors in the fifth round of the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft. He had three goals and 15 points in 35 games with the Calgary Buffaloes Midget AAA team last season.

In six games with Moose Jaw, Sanders was held without a point and finished plus-one.

Sukunda posted five goals and 15 points in 36 games with the Vancouver NW Giants, before he finished the season with the Powell River Kings in the BCHL, picking up two goals and three points in 12 games.

Coming into this season, both defencemen will need to find their way into a deep defensive core that features NHL second-round draft picks Josh Brook and Jett Woo, as well as 20-year-old Brandon Schuldhaus and top prospect Daemon Hunt.

Matthew Benson also dressed in 49 games and Brendan Kwitakowski spent 22 games with the Warriors before finishing the season in the AJHL.

Sanders wants to bring a bit of everything to the Warriors and hopes that will earn him a spot with the squad.

"I want to bring character; even though I'm young, I want to bring leadership and a physical presence, be someone who can block shots, kill penalties and get involved in the rush as much as I can," said the Calgary product.

"The strength of our team this year is our deep d-core, so whenever you get the chance to play, you have to make the most of it."

Sukunda feels that his game has progressed to the point that he can contribute to the team this season.

"I can be an all-around player, I like to be physical and get a little dirty, but I like to bring some good offence and defence at the same time," said Sukunda.

"It's amazing having guys like Josh Brook, Schuldhaus and Woo around you, you get to learn from them and they're great leaders on and off the ice."

The Warriors' roster hopefuls will have two more chances to impress this weekend as Moose Jaw finishes their preseason schedule with a home-and-home against the Brandon Wheat Kings. The regular season opens next weekend.