Bowen Aiming For Bigger Role
(Courtesy Marc Smith, DiscoverMooseJaw.com) Ryan Bowen had a solid first season with the Moose Jaw Warriors, but there was no doubt some room for improvement.
The 1998-born forward knew that, put in some good work during the offseason to come back stronger and looks ready for a breakout season.
“Last year, I was sort of on the perimeter, but this year, I’ve got more weight on me, I’m a little bit taller, so I’ve got to use my big body in front and put in the trash,” said Bowen.
He did just that in the Warriors’ preseason opener on Tuesday, scoring a goal on a scramble in the crease that put Moose Jaw in front by two goals in their eventual 2-1 win over the Swift Current Broncos.
Bowen added 15 pounds to his six-foot-two frame during the offseason and looks more confident on the ice because of it.
He said he learned what it takes to play at a high level in the Western Hockey League last season and worked to make sure he was going to be at that level coming into this season.
“I feel a lot stronger and ready to take on anything out there,” said Bowen.
In 70 games last season, Bowen had nine goals and 15 points as he played in a bottom-six role for much of the season.
With Brayden Point and Dryden Hunt both graduating after last season, the Warriors have some openings in their top-six that Bowen is in line to help fill this season.
“I need to show Alan (Millar) and Tim (Hunter) that I can play in this league and I can be one of the top players out there,” he said.
“I’ve just got to play my game, that’s fast skating, puck moving, controlling the play, finishing my checks and being good defensively, that sort of thing. If I do those things, then I should have no problem.”
A strong start to the year could be big for Bowen as he said he had to deal with some confidence issues last season. The Penticton, BC product scored in the first game of the season, but then scored just once more in the next 29 games.
“I just need to take it shift-by-shift, it’s a long game, a long season and anything can happen,” Bowen said. “I just need to keep my confidence up, last year I got a bit down on myself, but this year, I feel a lot more confident being a second year player and hopefully I can just keep that through the whole season.”
This season is a big one for Bowen as it’s his NHL Draft year and he admits that is in the back of his mind going into the season, but added that you can’t focus on it.
“I’m just hoping that I can do my best and get drafted,” said Bowen.
“I want to put up decent numbers, but more than anything I just want to be a contributing player to this team.”
Bowen and the Warriors are in Regina on Thursday to take part in the Pats’ Preseason Tournament at the Cooperators Centre. They square off with the Saskatoon Blades at 3 p.m.
