Marlies Follow Suit with Maple Leafs' Player of the Game Belt: First Belt Awarded To Rookie
Maple Leafs prospect Jacob Quillan notched his first career pro hockey goal on Saturday, earning him the Marlies' Player of the Game belt.
The Toronto Marlies kicked off their AHL season yesterday with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the San Diego Gulls. One standout player was 22-year-old undrafted prospect Jacob Quillian, who scored an impressive goal, earning the first Marlies Player of the Game belt, similar to the prize transferred from player to player by the Maple Leafs in the NHL after each win. Marshall Rifai, Roni Hirvonen and Nick Abruzzese tallied the other goals for the Marlies.
As per the Toronto Marlies on X:
1st Player of the Game belt goes to Q 👏''
Quillian played in seven games for the Marlies last season and set high expectations for himself during Maple Leafs camp, aiming to secure a spot on the team.
Last season, Quillian recorded just one point in seven games for the Marlies and primarily played in the ECAC for Quinnipiac University in the NCAA, where he had an impressive 46 points in 39 games.
Although Quillian did not make the Maple Leafs out of camp, he successfully secured a position with the Toronto Marlies out of camp for the first time in his career.
If he continues his strong performance, Quillan has the potential to become a solid depth NHLer in the near future, as he clearly has the talent, work ethic and drive required to succeed at the pro level.
