Moose Jaw Warriors

The Moose Jaw Warriors were one of the lucky ones when it came to playing games during the COVID-19 pandemic. The only question now is just how much that same luck will extend into next fall. The Warriors were one of seven Western Hockey League teams who saw action in the East Division Hub, a plan that saw all the teams in the division joined by the Swift Current Broncos for a 24-game mini-season in Regina. Games took place at the Brandt Centre, players and staff were housed in the University of Regina dormitories. Things went off without a hitch — the East Division was the only one to get through their full slate of games, with each of the other three divisions having teams hit by the pandemic and games cancelled. Now the question is what happens next. The Warriors will theoretically return to the ice for training camp at the end of August and break camp two weeks later before taking the ice for a series of exhibition games through September. Their 68-game regular-season home opener would be slated for late September, with the regular season ending in April. All contingent on how things turn out with the pandemic in the coming months.

Moose Jaw Miller Express

Of all the major sports organizations in Moose Jaw, few have been hit harder by the pandemic than the Moose Jaw Miller Express. The Western Canadian Baseball League squad saw their 2020 campaign cancelled on May 28 after months of speculation with regards to COVID-19 and how the pandemic was affecting Alberta and Saskatchewan. Hope remained eternal, though, and the team went full steam on recruiting in the off-season, signing players from all over the United States and even bringing in a handful with NCAA Division I experience and potential. Then came the announcement on May 26. The WCBL decided to go with only Canadian players for the 2021 season due to difficulties with U.S. talent crossing the international border, and given the lack of time for recruiting and preparation for such a scenario, the Miller Express decided to opt out of the campaign. They weren’t alone — the other three Saskatchewan teams took the same route, with the WCBL eventually finding themselves with four Alberta teams playing a modified season. Now, the Millers turn their eye to 2022. Fortunately, that just means more time to get Ross Wells Park renovations even further along, with the goal of offering a vastly improved fan experience at the ballpark next summer.

Greg Lawrence

Saskatchewan Party MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow This summer, visit the new pool at the Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, located 20 minutes northeast of Moose Jaw.

Learn more at saskatchewan.ca 306-694-1001 • 412 Lillooet Street West • greglawrencemla@sasktel.net