Warriors take its first preseason match up game against the 2012-13 Defending NCHL League Champion Devon Barons last night at the Spirit Centre by a score of 4 - 2. Bringing together a mix of players in the first test of the inaugural Warriors team. Young, smaller, but fast skating team went up against a larger and more experienced team Devon Barons to open the season. The Warriors surprised the Barons quickly by scoring 16 seconds into the opening period to go ahead 1 - 0 and set the tone for the rest of the game. The score was 3 - 0 Warriors after the first period and after the second period score was 3 - 1 Warriors. The frustrated Barons started playing a little rougher in the third period to take the momentum away from the speedy Warriors and with 6:22 remaining in the third the Barons #3 Aaron Fedyk took a major charging penalty and a game misconduct. The Barons could not take the Warriors off their game and took the win 4 - 2. It wasn't for a lack of trying on the Barons as they placed 75 shots in the game on the Warriors netminders, but both goaltenders Marcus Johnson and Chris Kuhar played outstanding and at times standing on their head or stacking the pads to keep the Barons at bay. "The team played well, tough and stayed to their game. Everyone contributed to the result, said Coach Kuhar. I really don't think the Barons or even our fans new what to expect from this team. It was real exciting to see this level of hockey back here in Westlock. The coaching staff have identified some areas that we need to work on, but that's the purpose of having an exhibition game to see where you are at. Very pleased with the outcome."

 

The Warriors go into the next weekend with the regular season home opener on Saturday October 19, 2013 at the Spirit Centre, warm up at 8:00 pm and game start at 8:30 pm against the Edson Ice. The Warriors look forward to seeing the fans come out to cheer the team on.