With 40 games in the books, here are the 6 stories of the season so far that really turned our heads.
6) Ryan Ellis (Boston Banshees)
While he plays in the shadow of Erik Karlsson, Ellis leads all blueliners with 15 goals.
5) Nick Foligno (Boston Banshees)
While we’re on the subject of the Banshees, Nick Foligno – a bottom-sixer for most of his Gump career – leads the league in points with 57.
4) Mark Stone (Vancouver Night Train) and Mike Hoffman (Winnipeg Falcons)
The two highest scoring rookies so far this season were both 4th round picks – Mark Stone at 61st overall in 2013 and Mike Hoffman at 62nd a year later.
3) Max Pacioretty (Boston Banshees)
Another Banshee? Boston leads the league in goals, so it’s no surprise they’re well-represented, but what’s amazing about Pacioretty is that all but two of his league-leading 31 goals have come at even strength.
2) Steve Mason (Winnipeg Falcons)
Alongside Vancouver’s Pekka Rinne, Steve Mason has some of the best stats among goalies so far this season. With a GAA of 1.99 and save percentage of .940, this 2012 free agent draftee has gone from the lost-and-found bin to starter status. Which leads us to…
1) The Winnipeg Falcon
Led by Mason, and Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn up front, the Falcons are currently second in the Plante Conference. After 10 straight seasons of failing to qualify for the playoffs, could this be their year?
Gump Worsley Memorial Hockey League 