Ryan Bowen came blazing into Moose Jaw Warriors’ training camp, scoring a highlight reel goal in his first scrimmage.

His strong play continued through the preseason, leading the Warriors with four goals and eight points, and into the regular season opener when Bowen scored his first WHL goal.

The Penticton, BC native heads into the Christmas break with five goals and six points as he adjusts to his rookie season of major junior hockey.

“I had a good preseason, but I started to slow down, but that was just because of the adjustment period and finding my confidence,” said Bowen, who finished the first half with a bang, scoring twice for the Warriors in their 4-3 overtime win against Regina.

Bowen had three goals over the final three games of the first half, which is a big confidence boost for him.

“I’m really looking forward to the games coming back,” said Bowen.

After his early success and struggles afterward, head coach Tim Hunter said Bowen has continued to work hard to improve his game.

“He showed that he can play, he showed he has the skill to play and the quickness, but he needs more strength, obviously, he’s a slight guy for a six-foot player,” said Hunter.

Bowen has continued to battle when he’s on the ice and found different ways to contribute to the Warriors during his 22-game pointless streak.  Hunter said that he wasn’t worried about Bowen during those struggles.

“When he gets a scoring chance around the net, he’s got the finish to put it home and he’s shown that,” said Hunter.  “He’s taken a lot of stick handling out of his game and he’s protecting the puck better.”

During practices at Mosaic Place, Bowen has put in a lot of work after practice to polish areas of his game that needed more work.  Bowen said that the Warriors’ coaching staff has really helped him.

“(Tim and I) talk all the time and he’s always helping me out with what I need to improve on,” said Bowen.  “Lears (Warriors’ assistant coach Mark O’Leary) always feeds me pucks so I can shoot, it’s good.”

Coming into the second half of the season, Bowen is looking to continue to show growth in his game as the Warriors push for a playoff spot.

“I need to work on my shooting, I’m good in tight, but in this league, my shots needs to get stronger, so I’ve been working on my shooting so that I have more confidence to shoot from anywhere on the ice,” said Bowen.

“I feel like I’m getting my confidence back and I’m hoping for a good second half.”

The Warriors return to the ice on Sunday in Swift Current against the Broncos.  Western Nissan Warriors Hockey will be on the air at 6:40pm with the Pre-Game Show on Country 100.