If there’s one common theme in Mason Appleton’s hockey career thus far, it’s that he doesn’t seem to stick around in one place very long before moving on to the next level.

The 22-year-old, who played last season with the Winnipeg Jets’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Manitoba Moose has quickly become not only one of the elite prospects in the Jets organization, but one of the most promising across the entire League.

Growing up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Appleton played his minor hockey for the Green Bay Jr. Gamblers, and from there suited up for his high school team and Team Wisconsin for the next four seasons until being drafted third overall in the 2014 USHL draft by the Tri-City Storm.

Upon joining Tri-City, Appleton took his game to another level.  In 61 games with the Storm, he accumulated 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points. An effort that gained the attention of multiple NCAA D1 hockey programs as well as NHL scouts.

His big season in the USHL was good enough for the Winnipeg Jets to take a flyer on him, selecting Appleton in the 6^th round, 168^th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. A day Appleton will never forget.

“It was a dream come true,” said Appleton. “I wasn’t too sure if, when, or where I was going to get drafted, so I went into it with an open mind and just enjoyed the process and was very happy to be a Winnipeg Jets draft pick.”

Surely a confidence boost that would help Appleton progress into the next stage of his career, after one season in the USHL, Appleton felt he was more than ready to make the jump to play NCAA D1 Hockey.

Which school he would attend was the question. With multiple offers on the table, one six-hour trip across Lake Michigan would solidify Appleton’s decision.

“I knew I wanted to play in the Big 10,” said Appleton. “From there I had a couple of different options, and it came down to Wisconsin and Michigan State.  I really enjoyed my visit at Michigan State and that’s why I choose to go there.”

Appleton felt attending Michigan State to play hockey was instrumental in his development on the ice, and the person he grew into off the ice. His two years there shaped him into the person he is today and left him with memories he will cherish for the rest of his life.

“I’ll never forget the overall experience at school, like going to some of the football games, hanging out and being around the guys,” said Appleton. “For hockey, some of my best memories are when we beat Michigan. That rivalry is something that I will always cherish and will be a part of me for the rest of my life. I had an unbelievable two years and loved every minute of it.”

After a dominant first two seasons at Michigan State where Appleton scored 53 points over 72 games, it didn’t take long for the Winnipeg Jets to come knocking with an entry-level contract. An opportunity Appleton had not planned for, but one he felt was right for his career.

“I never really thought about it. My goal was to be good where I was and have a solid college career. But then the opportunity came to sign, and it was something that I thought was right for me and best for my development.”

The Jets assigned Appleton to the Manitoba Moose to begin the 2017-18 season where his game would again rise to another level. The rookie would go onto play all 76 regular season games, scoring 22 goals and adding 44 assists for a total of 66 points. A remarkable first season that would earn him First Team AHL All-Star honors, most assists and points by an AHL Rookie, and the Red Garret Memorial Award as the AHL’s Rookie of the Year.

On paper, Appleton had a phenomenal first year. But he did note some challenges that came with making the transition from the NCAA to the AHL.

“There were some obvious challenges, like guys being much bigger, stronger, and faster.  But I think one of the biggest differences for me was just the length of the season and the wear and tear on your body going from playing 35 games to 76.”

Appleton credits a combination of his personal work ethic and competitive nature with the support from his teammates and coaches for the success he had this past season.

“When I joined the Moose, the leaders on the team did a great job showing me the way and giving me little pointers here and there,” said Appleton. “It’s an honour to win the awards that I did, but I was also very fortunate to play with great players that definitely helped me achieve that success.”  

Appleton was also quick to point out the help that veteran player and former PHPA Player Rep Darren Kramer provided when educating the younger guys about the PHPA. “Kramer was a good guy who helped introduce me to the benefits and programs offered to us from the PHPA.  He’s really involved with it and did a great job explaining it to all of us which really helped a lot of the guys.”

Appleton’s success helped the Moose to a third-place finish in the Western Conference this past season, where the team advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs before being ousted by the Rockford IceHogs.

Following Manitoba’s second round exit from the playoffs, Appleton along with several other Moose teammates were called upon by the Winnipeg Jets to serve as ‘Black Aces’ during the Jets’ Stanley Cup playoff run, to practice and workout with the team. An experience, Appleton says motivated him that much more for this upcoming season.

“It was really motivating to have a good summer and do all I can to try and earn a spot on the Jets roster throughout training camp,” said Appleton. But, that wasn’t the case and I’m going to work real hard with the Moose and be the best player I can be there. I just want to focus on being the best player I can be where ever that is.”

In terms of his game and what it will take to make it to the next level, Appleton understands more than anyone the steps it will take for him to crack the Jets lineup.

“For me, it’s been the same for the past few years.  My skating is one thing I feel I’ve been working really hard to improve. Also, getting quicker and stronger on my feet is something I worked on this past summer. My overall strength and ability to protect the puck and create separation from guys with my body and feet is something I’ve really focused on as well.”  

Starting the 2018-19 season with the Moose, the sky is the limit for what Appleton can achieve this year.  Given the success he had last year and the hard work he has put in over the summer, Appleton is aiming to continue the trend of not staying in one place for too long.  Even if that’s just down the hall of the MTS Center to the Jets’ dressing room.