It's the second weekend of the Western Hockey League season, and the Moose Jaw Warriors rookies have been learning on the fly.

There's a lot to take in when it comes to the differences between midget prep and the Western Hockey League, but 16-year-old rookie forward Eric Alarie has been picking up on those differences.

“Just keep your legs moving all the time because the game is really fast,” he said. “In the d-zone, you’ve got to get the puck out and use the boards.”

The Warriors play the Brandon Wheat Kings in a home and home series, starting tonight in Brandon and concluding tomorrow at Mosaic Place.

Four members of the Warriors are from Brandon, among a total of eight that are from Manitoba. Alarie, who is from Winnipeg, has enjoyed playing with so many Manitobans so far.

“It’s been nice playing with the other Manitoba guys, you know them a little bit better,” he said. “Playing Manitoba teams you just want to beat them a little bit more.”

Alarie had an assist last weekend agaists Regina and has been getting significant ice time in his first two games.

“It’s been my home province team,” he said. “I’ve followed them since I was little.”

The Warriors might be on the young side compared to other teams in the division, but there is still a place for the veterans. Alarie have been helped out by the veteran presence of some of the Warriors more experienced linemates.

“They’ve been really helping me go through little details on the d-zone and they’ve really helped me there,” he said. “The guys have communicated well with me.”

One of those helpful veterans has been forward Carson Denomie. Denomie is co-leading the league in goals and is entering his third full season in the Western Hockey League.

He feels the biggest adjustment is starting their games quicker and faster is the adjustment they need to make to get ready for this weekend against the Wheat Kings.

“With the opening weekend under their belts we’ll be ready for Brandon this weekend.”

The Warriors and Wheat Kings will be on the air on Country 100 tonight starting with the pre-game show at 6:10 p.m.

Voice of the Warriors James Gallo will have the play by play at 6:30.