There's been a lot to take in for Moose Jaw Warriors rookie forward Brayden Watts.

He made the jump from the Arizona Bobcats program to the Western Hockey League this year and to add to that, he's playing hockey in a new country this season as well.

The Bakersfield, California native has had to deal with snow in his day-to-day life for the first time and he said he's not a big fan of Canadian winters so far.

“The cold is pretty tough, I'm not use to it at all,” said Watts after wrapping up practice with the team on Tuesday at Mosaic Place.

On the ice, Watts is loving every minute of playing in the Great White North as he plays out a dream of playing major junior hockey.

The 2014 third round pick of the Warriors has had his growing pains, the same as any 16-year-old playing in the WHL, but he's shown flashes of the skill that got the Warriors' brass excited to draft and sign him.

“I think the season has been going well,” he said. “I'm getting use to the speed and the strength and all that... Initially it was a huge adjustment, the speed is way faster and everyone is a lot stronger, so I know now what I need to do over the summer.”

Watts has two goals and three points in 33 games this season with the Tribe. While the offence hasn't came to his game yet, Watts has been finding different ways to contribute to the Warriors.

He brings energy and hard work to whatever role the team has him playing from game-to-game and shift-to-shift.

“I'm just trying to take it step-by-step and hopefully just get ready for playoffs and keep moving forward,” said Watts.

Getting to practice with veterans like Brayden Point and Dryden Hunt has been a big benefit according to Watts.

“They're a great example because they show you how hard you have to work,” he said.

Watts adds that having fellow Bobcat alums Landon Quinney and Blake Bargar on the Warriors has helped with adjusting to being away from home in Canada.

“It's great having those guys around, especially Blake, he was on the team last year, so he's been able to help me a lot of stuff,” Watts said.

With the stretch run approaching, Watts is focused on trying to contribute to the Warriors' success anyway that he can and continue to develop his game as he wraps up his first WHL season.

The Warriors are back on the ice on Friday in Medicine Hat as they open a three-in-three weekend. They're home on Saturday to host Prince George and Medicine Hat on Sunday.