There was a lot of unknowns about Oleg Sosunov heading into the season, but the Russian defenceman has been answering any questions put forth fairly quickly.

Through four games this season, Sosunov has been playing big minutes and has been a key part of the Moose Jaw Warriors’ 4-0-0-0 start to the WHL season.

After going without a point last season in Russia, Sosunov found the back of the net twice in last Friday’s 5-4 overtime win against the Regina Pats at Mosaic Place.

He said it was a really special moment to score his first WHL goal.

“I’m just trying to do my best, work hard, nothing special,” said Sosunov. “I’m really happy when our team wins, it doesn’t matter how much I score, it only matters when we win.”

The six-foot-eight defenceman has already been a headache for opposing teams to play against and he’s just getting started, according to head coach Tim Hunter.

“Once he gets comfortable with the ice, the speed and processing the game like the rest of the guys do, he’s going to be an exceptional player. His hockey IQ is really high,” said Hunter.

“When it comes to April and May, he’s going to be one heck of a player in this league.”

Sosunov has a good grasp of the English language and that’s helped him fit in quickly with his teammates, on and off the ice. One thing that has stood out for Hunter has been the way that Sosunov interacts with his teammates on the bench.

“He’s a great person, he apologizes to a teammate when he makes a mistake, which you don’t see very often in today’s society, and he just means well,” said Hunter.

“He’s way further ahead in his development than we thought he’d be and we know the Tampa Bay Lightning are just as thrilled.”

Sosunov’s size is no doubt an advantage in the physical game as he’s laid some crushing hits already this season, but his six-foot-eight frame also comes in handy when defending against a player entering the zone due to his reach.

Sosunov said he has really enjoyed moving from the big international ice to playing on the North American sized surface here in Moose Jaw.

“It’s easier for me because I’m tall and I have a long reach with my stick so it gives me an advantage,” said Sosunov.

The Warriors are hoping Sosunov continues to make strides and helps them towards their ultimate goal of a WHL Championship and a trip to the Memorial Cup in Regina in May.

Sosunov only has winning on his mind.

“This is a good start to the season and our team is a really good position right now,” he said.

The Warriors will return to the ice on Friday when they host the Kootenay Ice at Mosaic Place.