Everyone in hockey loves a power forward. All coaches love a power forward that has skill and plays with an edge. Its no wonder why the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners traded with the Blind River Beavers for Samuel Wilbur when they were looking for that type of skilled power forward with an edge.
For the second time this season Wilbur was named one of the NOJHL’s three stars of the week.
In 42 games this season Wilbur has amassed 62 points. Tied for 4th in NOJHL scoring with another Pre Draft player, Brett Wagner. Wilbur is second in the NOJHL in assists, and second in power play goals.
Last season Samuel Wilbur finished sixth in the NOJHL scoring race with a total of 55 points. Having already exceeded last seasons point totals, Wilbur has another 14 games remaining to build on his totals.
If junior hockey is about developing players and continual improvement, Samuel Wilbur is one of the poster children for that ideal.
The six foot two inch, two hundred pound Saginaw Michigan native was playing Tier III junior hockey for the Tri City Ice Hawks, now members of the MNJHL just two seasons ago.
From Tier III where he produced 47 points in 28 games, to moving up to Tier II and continuing to produce at an increased pace. That is the definition of developing players.
Many who have seen Wilbur believe there is at least one more level of play for him to reach. With 14 games to go in the Gold Miners schedule, many will be waiting to see if he can elevate his game again as they head into the playoffs.
Joseph Kolodziej – Publisher
