18-year-old defenceman Alexey Sleptsov has 18 points in 33 games this season with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Adjusting to life in the Western Hockey League can be tough for any teenager for Canada, but try adding in a language barrier and moving to a new country.

That's what Alexey Sleptsov dealt with last year in his first season with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

However, this season has seen the defenceman from Moscow, Russia more open in dealing with his teammates, the media and everything that comes with playing at the major junior level.

“I'm learning English better, I can do an interview now,” said Sleptsov after practice on Monday. “Last season one guy come to me and asked my name and I didn't know what he said. Second season, I like it.”

Being able to communicate better has also helped Sleptsov on the ice as he's been able to better understand what his coaches are asking of him, as well as his teammates. The 18-year-old has developed into a key piece of the Warriors' defence.

“I know a lot of the guys (now), new coach, we like him,” said Sleptsov. “I like Moose Jaw, it's a good club, good stadium, we have the booster club, good people.”

In 33 games this season with the tribe, Sleptsov has registered 18 assists, which are just three less than his total in 66 games last year. He is still searching for his first goal of the season after posting four last year during his rookie campaign.

The skilled, offensive defenceman is a regular on the power play for the Warriors and he said that's the part of his game that he's been focused on the most.

“Brayden Point goes to World Junior and we play not so good on offence, I want to help more on offensive zone,” said Sleptsov.

Sleptsov missed four games for the Warriors in November with a concussion, but is feeling back to 100-percent now after the Christmas break.

“After concussion, I had a little bit problem with physical, it's a little bit harder for me, I feel not so good for a couple days after,” he said. “I feel good now and I can help team, I know it.”

The Warriors came out of the Christmas break with back-to-back losses to the Brandon Wheat Kings in which they could muster just two goals in the two games.

“It was maybe too much rest, we have one practice before the game and not everybody be ready, little rusty,” said Sleptsov.

Going into a meeting with the Regina Pats on Wednesday night, Sleptsov said their focus remains on getting the offence going.

“We need a couple more goals, the first game back we had zero goals and the second just two goals, it's not so good,” he said.

The Warriors will host the Pats for the New Years Eve game at 7:00pm on Wednesday night at Mosaic Place. The Pre-Game Show hits the air at 6:40pm on Country 100.

New Years Eve Bash... The Moose Jaw Warriors will be hosting a New Years Eve Bash again this year as they invite you to join them in closing out 2014 and ringing in 2015.

The bash will be held at the Moose Jaw Ford Curling Centre in Mosaic Place following the Warriors meeting with the Regina Pats.

Bash tickets are $35 each and available at the Mosaic Place Box Office and online at mjwarriors.com.

Stothers to All-Star Game... Former Moose Jaw Warriors head coach Mike Stothers is heading to the AHL All-Star Classic as the coach of the Eastern Conference team.

Stothers is in his first season as head coach of the Manchester Monarchs, who are affiliated with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. The Monarchs are 22-6-1-1 on the year, the best record in the Eastern Conference, which gives the All-Star Game spot to Stothers.

The game will be played January 25th and 26th in Utica, New York.