Warrior ways working for Sawchenko
Zach Sawchenko is the first to admit he plays behind a talented group with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Yet, anyone who has seen him play this season could argue the Calgary-born goaltender is the most talented of the bunch.
Sawchenko, 19, is having an outstanding year with the Warriors and is a big reason why Moose Jaw has been pushing the East Division-leading Regina Pats all year.
“The year has gone well, we have a real special group more than anything,” Sawchenko said. “It’s fun to play in front of these guys and night in and night out, we have a chance to win. We have guys like Brett Howden, Noah Gregor, Jayden Halbgewachs and Brayden Burke that can score and that kind of makes my job pretty easy. I’m just hoping I can make a few saves and let them take care of the rest.”
Sawchenko is in his fourth season with the Warriors, having been the starter for the past three years. In 46 games this year, the six-foot-one, 175-pound goaltender has a 29-11-6 record with a 2.68 goals-against average and .921 save percentage. With his 35-save performance in a 5-3 win against the Medicine Hat Tigers Saturday, Sawchenko surpassed his win total from all of last year.
Since joining the Warriors as 16-year-old for the 2013-14 season, Sawchenko has made a steady progression and is now among the top goaltenders in the league.
“I think being my fourth year in the league, I think I’ve just kind of matured,” Sawchenko said. “I’ve kind of learned how to deal with things better. It’s been a long four years in this league and I’m kind of learning the tricks of the trade now and it’s making things a whole lot easier.”
Sawchenko’s play was recognized nationally as he was named WHL and CHL goaltender of the week on back-to-back occasions in February.
The Calgary native and the Warriors have since continued to roll. The club is currently on a ninegame winning streak heading into Wednesday against Brandon.