Ginnell Excited to Get Going with Warriors
October 13, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Moose Jaw Warriors News Release
Riley Ginnell has been flashing a big smile during practice over the past few days at the Hangar.
The 20-year-old forward was acquired by the Moose Jaw Warriors on Tuesday from the Brandon Wheat Kings, filling the team’s third overage spot.
“I was pretty pumped,” Ginnell said about the deal. “I wanted to go to a winning team, this team’s very skilled and they just needed a little extra boost for a playoff push, so I’m glad to give that to them.
“I enjoyed my time in Brandon, but I’m excited to get going here as a Warrior.”
Standing in at six-foot-four and 205 pounds, Ginnell adds size and more importantly, grit to the Warriors’ lineup.
He said he tries to play a power forward style of game.
“I’m a big, two-way winger, try to bring a little sandpaper, a little grit to the game, I can score, a little offensive and a big body out there,” Ginnell said.
The Calgary product has slotted onto a line with star forward Jagger Firkus and Brayden Yager this week in practice.
Yager said Ginnell will be a good addition to the line.
“He’s got some size and some skill, he’s also a tough kid too, so he’s going to give me and Firky a little room out there and also be able to put the puck in the back of the net,” he said.
Ginnell said he knows what his role on that line will be and he’s ready to play it.
“I’ll get the puck, give it to them and let them do their thing and protect them a bit out there, so they can do what they do,” he said.
Ginnell broke out last season with the Wheat Kings, finishing with 14 goals and 34 points in 62 games. He added a goal and two points in six playoff games.
He said he put in good work during the offseason with his sights on finishing this Western Hockey League career on an even higher note.
“I want to excel my game to another level, I think we’re on the right path here,” Ginnell said.
Ginnell has played the past three seasons in Brandon, playing in 113 WHL games and posting 21 goals and 47 points.
Coming from an East Division rival, he said he knows what the Warriors are all about.
“They work hard every night, they a skilled team, they’re always a dangerous team, so I’m really excited to get going with them,” Ginnell said.
“I’ve always liked playing in this rink, it’s big, it’s bright, so it’s going to be awesome.”
Ginnell will make his debut with the Warriors this weekend when Moose Jaw hosts Red Deer and Lethbridge at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.
Ginnell said he’s looking forward to it.
“We’ve had a good week in practice and we’re prepared to go, so it should be good,” he said.
The Warriors host the Rebels on Friday night and the Hurricanes on Saturday.
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