Howden golden in return to Warriors lineup

By Matthew Gourlie

A lot can change in a month.

When Brett Howden left to join the Canadian world junior team, his Moose Jaw Warriors looked a lot different than they do now.

Friday he returned to the lineup for the first time since winning gold and he and linemate Jayden Halbgewachs each had three goals and two assists in an 8-2 Warriors win over the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Brett Howden

“I come back and it feels like we’re at another level,” said Howden who netted his 100th career WHL goal. “It’s really nice to see. Everybody is contributing. It’s really cool to see and it’s exciting.”

Howden and Halbgewachs were joined by Ryan Peckford — who wasn’t on the team when Howden left — and formed a potent combination.

“I hadn’t seen Pecks play before, but he’s a great addition. He works hard and he’s great fit with our line I think,” Howden said. “Our chemistry clicked right off the bat. It’s pretty easy to play with guys like that, especially when they’re working hard and doing the right things.

“It just felt like everything was going our way tonight. You have those nights where you get lucky and you have other nights where you play pretty well and you get robbed by the goalie or don’t get any bounces.”

While the Warriors faithful welcomed Howden back, they also got their first look at Kale Clague, wearing No. 51 for the red and black. The former Brandon Wheat Kings star picked up an assist and was a plus-four in his debut after Wednesday’s blockbuster trade.

“From a team standpoint there’s not much more you can ask for there, but personally I think you will definitely be seeing more and a better Kale Clague,” said the 19-year-old defenceman. “I flew into Brandon late (Thursday), had to pack up all of my stuff and then drive here (Friday) morning. It’s tough. I took seven days off and hadn’t skated since the tournament. You lose your timing and your lungs pretty quick, but I’m going to get through the weekend, play the best that I can, then there will be time to practice and keep getting better.”

Clague won a WHL title in Brandon and he described it as where he grew up. While he said it wasn’t easy leaving, he is excited by the opportunity he and the Warriors have this season.

Kale Clague

“I’m lucky enough to come to a great team like Moose Jaw and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Clague said. “I want to come here and be the best version of myself and help this team win games.”

Moose Jaw has now won eight straight and have at least a point in 22 of their last 23 games.

The Warriors led 7-2 by time they got their first power play, so head coach Tim Hunter deployed his third and fourth lines, leaving fans to wait to see what Clague could add to an already potent power play.

Justin Almeida and Brandon Klatt also scored for the Warriors. For the third time in five games, the Warriors fourth line scored a goal. That unit continued to earn a regular shift.

Edmonton captain Colton Kehler scored both Oil Kings goals.

Josh Dechaine allowed five goals on 12 shots, while Todd Scott made 24 saves and allowed three goals in relief.

Adam Evanoff started for the second straight outing for Moose Jaw and made 17 saves.

Howden, Clague, Hunter and Oil Kings athletic therapist Cheeseman were all honoured before the game after winning gold at the world juniors.

Warriors defenceman Matthew Benson served the second game of a three-game suspension for a a checking to the head major in Edmonton a week earlier.