Ryan Bowen skates up ice during Warriors rookie camp last year at Mosaic Place.

Ryan Bowen is getting a crash course in what it takes to play in the Western Hockey League.  The 2013 fifth round Bantam Draft pick has joined the Moose Jaw Warriors on their current road trip through the US Division.

“There guys are top end players, each one of them, and it's just an honour to be out here practicing with these guys and competing with them,” said the 15-year-old from Penticton, BC.

Although he hasn't gotten into a game yet since joining the tribe in Portland, Bowen is seeing the day-in and day-out grind that comes with playing in the WHL and on the longest road trip of the season.

“When I'm out here with these guys, the speed is a lot faster and the strength is a lot stronger,” said Bowen.  “I've now got to learn how to deal with that and apply it into my game.”

Bowen took part in the spring prospects camp, his first WHL training camp and then his first WHL preseason game after being selected by the Warriors with the 94th overall pick last May.  Coming out of those experiences gave Bowen a good idea of where he needed to do to get his game to that level and he's been working at improving ever since.

“Just getting bigger and stronger,” explained Bowen on what his focus has been.  “I want to be able to compete with these guys, and I believe I can, but I've just got to keep pushing hard.”

After being listed at 5-foot-9 and 135lbs on draft day, Bowen is playing his season at the Okanagan Hockey Academy listed as an inch taller and ten pounds heavier.

“I've gotten bigger, heavier and I'm developing quite a bit (at OHA),” said Bowen.  “We've got a great coach and a great team, and they're really helping me out.”

Bowen is teammates with fellow Warriors prospect, goalie Brody Willms, on the OHA Midget Prep squad.  He's posted nine goals and 21 points in 30 game so far this season.

Getting his first taste of the regular season WHL during this road trip, Bowen says that's just pushing him more to want to be a part of the team next year and for years to come.

“I love it up here, I love stepping on the ice with bigger and better competition, and pushing myself everyday to get better, that's what I love about the game,” said Bowen.

Ryan Bowen will no doubt be one of the players to watch for the Warriors heading into next year's training camp.