There have been some memorable milestones this past year to 18 months, especially for the stalwarts who are still going, as if they were in their mid twenties.
Remarkable as it is, the games keep churning away and the Devils are still finding ways to keep themselves in front and being the team to beat this early EIHL season.
From all the battles, the long home stands and wayward road form, there are still more milestones to write home about, literally, as well as some streaks to be looked at closely.
Here are my top 5 players to keep a beady eye on across this weekend and beyond in October;
1. Josh MacDonald
It might be an obvious choice, but his production so far demands it, as without that the team might be struggling to win games or even stay in them.
He currently leads the league with points (7) and goals (5), in fact,, if you look at the picture below, as a Devils fan, it is beautiful.
Beyond the box score, he has fashioned a very good trait and habit, by scoring in each of the 5 regular season games so far.
With cup action coming up this weekend, he will be looking to extend his points there (6) and snap a two game skid, which would hopefully see the extension of his regular season form.
2. Riley Brandt
Brandt has been honing his skillset to more than just a battering ram on ice, becoming a play maker, sniper and veteran gamer, that gets under opponents’ skins without taking penalties.
More than just a glue guy, he has become a veritable hockey player, shedding the old, tired trope and putting the doubters to sleep.
He requires three more goals for 50 all time EIHL, which with upcoming opponents, that could see the tally edge ever closer.
His points streak extends to the last 4 regular season games, plus 5 in both EIHL competitions, if he can add more this weekend, that would be a great run.
3. Kristoff Kontos
Kontos is 5 apples away from 100 across all EIHL competitions, which going by last weekends’ form, looks to be on target.
However, his point streak in the cup looks promising, with the last three games all seeing contribution from him (5), so will that form continue against tough opponents, especially on the road to his old club?
His TOI is steadily improving, much in part to depleted resources to select from and line switches. The combination of Brandt and Barrow for him has been a great back up to the MacDonald line.
4. Kohen Olischefski
He has been involved in nearly all situations offensively to start this campaign, his strongest yet as a Devil, with 7 points from 12GP so far this season.
He is level on cup points with his first as a Devil, so with 3 games to spare, it might get a boost and he also had a better start in his five regular league games this season, with 3 points so far.
Not to mention, he is 4 games from 150 all time EIHL and 6 points from 100 in the EIHL too. Those milestones are closing in fast.
5. Ryan Barrow
Barrow has been put into a tight spot this season, which has stifled his output, but not by his own play.
He is a leader for chance generation amongst forwards, yet the line mates he has been deployed with, have been woefully subpar to help him gain the line.
Since injuries and recognition of needed line switches, he has rebounded, with a 3 game point streak in the cup to boot with 5 points.
He is also 2 apples shy of 100 across the EIHL, if only he had capable line mates to start this season and that feat would have happened sooner.
Shoutout – Bayley Harewood
He is leading all Devils Brits in points and has found himself easily settled with greater ice time and responsibility within the coaches system.
On Sunday vs Stars, he reached 50 EIHL games, which is a fantastic feat for the 23 year old. A true vector for excitement on the ice, he has had a terrific start already.
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