The Moose Jaw Warriors will be opening up their regular season Friday night with a game at Mosaic Place, taking on the Saskatoon Blades.

Things may look a bit different however for fans attending, as this will be the first game where residents will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Masking will also be required.

Ryan McIvor, General Manager of Mosaic Place.

"Fans aged 12 and over must be able to verify that they've received their two doses of the vaccine. Fans 18 years and older will need to provide proof of vaccination and photo ID matching their vaccination record. Showing your 'I Stuck It To COVID' sticker is NOT proof of vaccination."

The Moose Jaw Warriors will be offering pre-screening for proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests Friday afternoon. It will take place from noon to 4:30 at the Mosaic Place box office, and anyone who gets pre-screened will be given a wristband that will allow them to skip the screening ahead of the game.

McIvor says those attending who are not getting pre-screened should aim to get to the rink a few minutes earlier than usual, and says that with this new system in place, they're expecting some hiccups.

"For all of those workers working the game and for all of the public - let's be patient and kind. They're going through a new process checking vaccination records, and sometimes those are uncomfortable conversations. We just really want people to be aware that everyone is doing their very best based on Government regulations that are being articulated to us. We're just asking that people be patient and kind as we are working through this."

The Inaugural Moose Jaw Warriors Horseshoe Tournament will kick off the day starting at 1:00 pm at 69 River Street (Across from Mosaic Place) Fans are invited to take in the tournament which is raising money for the Warriors Education Fund. The tournament will also feature a beer garden and live entertainment and is for those 19 and over.

Beginning at 4:30 on the front pad of Mosaic Place is the all-ages event. Carnival games, food, and more. The pre-game fun will wrap up by 6:30 to give fans a chance to get to their seats for puck drop at 7:00.

And as always, each Moose Jaw Warriors game this year will be broadcast on Country 100.7FM with the voice of the Warriors, James Gallo.