Moose Jaw Express Pedersen Column
With the Hunt Family in Sunrise, FL
Rod Pedersen’s 10 Sports Things Re-printed With Permission Of The Moose Jaw Express
1 – IN THE HANGAR: It’s still very early – the season’s only a month old – but the Moose Jaw Warriors stand 10th in the WHL’s East Conference with a 3-3 record at press time. They’ve been socking it out within their own division as they continue to get acquainted with each other but the team can make some hay with a big homestand upcoming in October. It’s your chance to get an eyeball of them yourself (vs Seattle Oct 24, vs Brandon Oct 27, vs Regina Oct 30 and vs Everett Oct 31).
2 – ON THE BENCH: Warriors Assistant Coach Darrin McKechnie told Country 100 that Moose Jaw needs to be more urgent. “We have to get better at that,” McKechnie told James Gallo. “We have to dictate the play, rather than react. We have to be first on pucks, willing to take the hits to make plays, support the pucks and get ‘em out. They don’t always have to be fancy breakouts. We just have to get the puck out and live to fight another day.”
3 – CHECKER: Did we tell you Mossbank, SK product Darrin McKechnie is in his first year on Scott King’s staff with the Warriors? “Checker” toiled with the Moose Jaw Midget Pla-Mors in the 80s before spending one season with the SJHL’s Yorkton Terriers, two seasons with the Regina Pats (1986-88), four seasons with the University of Regina Cougars and one season with the ECHL’s Wheeling Thunderbirds). He then enjoyed a long career with the Regina Police Service while also coaching the Regina Pats Canadians U18 team. Wonderful guy, great coach, and a longtime family friend!
4 – #TIMETOHUNT: Doug & Renae Hunt say hello. Their son Daemon played 163 games with the Warriors (2017-22) and now is a defenceman with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. I bumped into the Hunts at the Florida Panthers home-opener against Minnesota on Oct. 10 and we had a great visit. The family calls Calgary home now after stints in Moosomin (that’s where I first met them) and Brandon and they had nothing but glowing things to say about Daemon’s time in Moose Jaw. That’s what you hope all your players’ families say when it’s all said and done.
5 – RED & WHITE: Rookie Warriors goaltender Dylan Mingo of Peachland, BC has been named to Hockey Canada’s U17 Team White roster ahead of the U17 World Challenge. Team Canada White will begin their tournament against Team Czechia on November 1st, before facing Sweden on November 3. This year’s U17 World Showcase is being held in Oakville, Ontario.
6 – DUB EAST POWER RANKINGS: 1) Brandon, 2) Saskatoon, 3) Red Deer, 4) Swift Current, 5) Medicine Hat, 6) Calgary, 7) Lethbridge, 8) Edmonton, 9) Moose Jaw, 10) Regina, 11) Prince Albert.
7 – SJHL POWER RANKINGS: 1) Weyburn, 2) Flin Flon, 3) Warman, 4) Melfort, 5) Humboldt, 6) Melville, 7) Yorkton, 8) Nipawin, 9) Battlefords, 10) Kinderlsey, 11) La Ronge, 12) Estevan. Last week the Bruins signed Head Coach/GM Drew Kocur and Assistant Tucker Neuberger to contract extensions.
8 – BET ON THE RIDERS: At press time the Roughriders were carrying a 4-game losing streak but star tailback AJ Ouellette – who has Moose Jaw ties – told the Rod Pedersen Show this week, “Anytime you got Corey Mace & Trevor Harris, I’m putting my money on those guys!” The Green & White host Montreal on Saturday, five days after the Alouettes rocked ’em 44-24 on Thanksgiving Day Monday in the first of a home-and-home series. Now, the Riders’ magic number is 2 to clinch a playoff spot, with two games remaining. It would be shocking if the Riders went from winning the Grey Cup to missing the playoffs. But nothing surprises me anymore.
9 – CFL POWER RANKINGS: 1) Montreal, 2) Edmonton, 3) BC, 4) Toronto, 5) Saskatchewan, 6) Calgary, 7) Winnipeg, 8) Hamilton 9) Ottawa. … The CFL moved the times of the Division Semifinal games up to accommodate Trick Or Treaters.
10 – RANDOM THOUGHTS: Life’s too short for bitterness. … Sylvester Stallone was born in Hell’s Kitchen. … “Charlotte” is the most popular girl baby name in 2026. … AJ Ouellette’s baby daughter’s name is “Isla”. … Get your Moose Jaw Miller Express season tickets in time for Christmas, and before they sell out!
Y’er welcome,
RP
(For Moose Jaw sporting tips and scoops, email Rod at pedersenmedia@outlook.com)
