West Kelowna Warriors made a few roster moves ahead of Friday's pre season opener

Photo: Deerfield Academy

The West Kelowna Warriors have made a couple of roster moves ahead of their first pre season game Friday night.

Seventeen-year-old goaltender Justin Katz has committed to the team after two seasons of USHS Prep hockey in Deerfield, Mass.

Warriors head coach and GM Simon Ferguson calls Katz a "technically sound" goaltender who never gives up on loose pucks and always competes.

"We watched him a lot throughout the season and was one of the best 04 goalies in US Prep. We had an opportunity to bring him to camp and he has continued to impress us on and off the ice,”said Ferguson.

Katz, who said he wasn't able to play many games due to COVID, says fans can expect to see a player who will do whatever it takes to win.

"I’m a very competitive person, so I’m excited to get going this season and I’m looking forward to competing with the guys ," he said.

In a corresponding move, the Warriors dealt defenceman Corey McCann to the Blackfalds Bulldogs of the Alberta Junior League for future considerations.

McCann was one of nine defencemen still on the pre season roster fighting for ice time at the time of the trade.

“We believe Corey is going to get the opportunity to play the key minutes he needs in order to attract opportunities to earn a scholarship," said Ferguson.

The Warriors have 23 players on their roster heading into Friday's pre season opener, including 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goaltenders.

They kick off a home-and-home with Salmon Arm Friday night at Royal LePage Place.

Fans will be allowed back in Royal LePage Place at 50 per cent capacity to start. Everyone entering the building, including fans, will be required to show proof of full vaccination.