2021 started off with a lot of unknowns for the Moose Jaw Warriors. Our #6 news stories of 2021 is the Warrior return to the ice.

In early January, the WHL announced intentions of hosting a shortened season after shutting down the season early in 2020 due to the pandemic, signalling the start of an off-season with a lot of uncertainty.   

On March 12, the hub season began in Regina with the Warriors sending 15 forwards, eight defencemen and two goalies. 

In total, the Warriors were able to play a shortened 24-game season, facing only Western Hockey League East Division teams with no fans in attendance. The Warriors ended the unique season with a record of 8-13-3, with no playoff games. 

While the team was housed in the dorm rooms of the University of Regina, isolated from friends and family, a bright spot for the organization was one of their own reaching a major milestone. 

Warriors Manager of Communications and Hockey Administration, James Gallo, called his 1000th game on the radio. 

Following the game, the team held a small celebration for the Voice of the Warriors.   

“Tanner Arnold (equipment manager) came over and he and Brooke Kosolofski, the long-time athletic therapist, they gave me the game puck which was great," Gallo said.   

“And then I finished up everything that I was doing, and Tate Popple came and grabbed me and Tate brought me into the locker room. The boys said some kind words to me and it was great.” 

The club also recognized Kosolofski earlier this month after working his 500th game on the bench. 

This year, many changes were made in the front office for the organization.   

In February, Alan Miller announced his resignation as the Warriors General Manager for a new gig with Hockey Canada. Then, Assistant General Manager, Jason Ripplinger, was promoted to GM. 

“Jason has been working hard over the last 20-plus years in the Western Hockey League.  He has earned this opportunity and he deserves the opportunity to lead his own team and hockey program,” said Warriors President Chad Taylor when the announcement was made.  “Jason has played a key role within our organization since joining us in 2017 and it will be exciting to see how this team grows under his leadership in the coming years.” 

In the summer, the league announced the return of a full 68-game schedule for the 2021-2022 season, meaning the team would be allowed to travel and finally play in front of their home crowd once again.   

Ahead of the season opener, more changes were made to the front office, with the announcement of a new Director of Business Operations, Jaret Schneider. 

October 1 marked the team's return to play at Mosaic Place, and for fans, the return of a sense of normalcy.   

Plans to play the entire season as usual changed when public health orders were adjusted, requiring all fans in attendance to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.   

In September, history was made at Mosaic Place during a contest between the Warriors and the Regina Pats, when the first-ever female linesperson worked a WHL game. 28-year-old Alex Clarke from Weyburn shattered the glass ceiling in downtown Moose Jaw.   

As the season continues for the club, the Warriors will return to action on New Year's Eve with a battle against the Red Deer Rebels. This will be the club’s last game in the facility named “Mosaic Place” as the rights expire for Mosaic Company with the arrival of the new year.   

All the action begins on Country 100 with the Voice of the Warriors, James Gallo at 6:40 pm with the pre-game show. The puck drops at 7 pm.