After a mid-season malaise, the rookie class of 2025 broke out of their slump with a massive effort in week 15.
Leading the scoring was Vegas forward Adam Poitras, who had a career high 7 points on 2 goals and 5 assists. He also added his customary 5 loose balls and a caused turnover as he continues to impact the game in all areas.Â
Speaking of, Calgary’s Brayden Mayea had a remarkable night in the Roughnecks win over the Bandits on Saturday. He finished with 3 goals, 3 assists, and 13 loose balls in the game and he was crucial in that major upset. Given how the trade deadline went, it seems that Mayea and his teammates play was the impetus Calgary needed to officially chase a championship this season.
Rochester’s Graydon Hogg had the best night of his career in Vegas, finishing with 4 goals and an assist on just 5 shots. That brought his yearly point total to 18 on the season as he continues to flourish with his teammates.
Duke teammates and rookie leaders Brennan O’Neill and Dyson Williams both had good nights in their battle against each other, albeit not in the goal column. They each finished with 4 assists.
Meanwhile Saskatchewan’s Brock Haley and Vancouver’s Jonathan Peshko (since traded to Albany) both had 3 points on 2 goals and an assist each.
Four more players made their debut this weekend, with a pair of defenders in San Diego in Jacob Power and Justin Sykes (since traded to Vegas) getting into games for the first time. Each player ended up with 2 loose balls in the game.
In Buffalo, Riley Isaacs made his career debut as well, scooping 5 loose balls. What a place for the young defender to play his first game in front of 19,000 in Banditland.
And in Halifax, Christian Watts made his season debut for the Thunderbirds, scoring an assist. He played in two games for the Bandits last season but is still considered a rookie.
Defensively, Toronto’s Jake Darlison led the group with 3 caused turnovers and a blocked shot. Jack Follows and Zac Masson each had a block and a CT as well. Adam Poitras also had the aforementioned CT.
Thanks for reading the rookie report, check back next week for more!