WINNIPEG – Manitoba Moose forward Mason Appleton is the American Hockey League’s player of the week.
Appleton played a big part in Manitoba’s current three-game win streak with the club now holding the second most points in the entire AHL this season.
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Appleton, 21, led the league with six points over the last seven days. The rookie netted three goals and three assists, scoring the game-winning goal in last week’s win over the Chicago Wolves as well as Sunday’s triumph over the Laval Rocket. Appleton’s early season success in his first year as a pro even has him a bit surprised.
“I expect big things of myself so I think I’m a really hard worker,” Appleton said. “I approach each day as a new day and a new opportunity to capitalize on it. I’m really happy with how my season has gone so far and I look to hopefully keep doing the same things.”
In 18 games this season, Apppleton has five goals to go along with 11 assists. His 16 points is good for second in Moose scoring and third in AHL rookie scoring.
“It’s what we do here,” head coach Pascal Vincent said. “We’re giving people opportunities to play their game and guys like Mason is taking advantage of the whole thing. First things first, he’s doing what’s right to earn his ice time and he’s earning everything that he’s got.”
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The product from Green Bay, WI was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the sixth round, 168th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Appleton and the Moose will look to sweep their four-game homestand when it concludes on Tuesday against the Laval Rocket at Bell MTS Place.
WATCH: Mason Appleton after getting chosen the AHL Player Of The Week