The Moose Jaw Warriors are excited to announce the signing of the team’s top-three picks from the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.

First round pick defenceman Marek Howell and second round selections, forward Lynden Lakovic and defenceman Brady Ness, have all signed their WHL Standard Player Agreements with the organization.

“It’s an exciting day to announce these signings and it means a lot to the organization to have these three players, who where all in our top 25 list, commit to the Warriors,” Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger said.

All three players stand in over six-foot-three, but are each different types of players that will complement each other during their time with the organization.

“All three players are different and will all bring something different to impact the game,” Ripplinger said. “We are looking forward to watching them grow as players and as individuals.”

The Warriors used their 16th overall selection in the first round to take Howell from the Calgary Royals under-18 AAA team.

The six-foot-three defenceman has five goals and eight points in 20 games this season and plays a hard-nosed throwback style on the back-end.

He said he’s excited to be a part of the Warriors’ organization.

“I’m really excited, I’ve heard nothing but good things about the organization,” Howell said.

With their 27th overall pick in the second round, Moose Jaw went with six-foot-five forward Lynden Lakovic from West Van Academy under-18 prep team.

In 13 games this season, he has three goals and six points.

“I was pretty shocked when I went to Moose Jaw, it felt amazing, just a great opportunity and I’m happy to be a part of such a good organization,” Lakovic said.

Eight picks later at 35th overall, the Warriors landed six-foot-three defenceman Brady Ness from the Edmonton CAC Canadians under-18 AAA team.

Ness has one goal and eight points in 25 games this season.

“I was very excited,” he said. “I know how good of an organization it is, so just filled with excitement.”

All three players are now eligible to play in five regular season games with the Warriors this season and can join the team after their under-18 seasons have wrapped up.