Moose Jaw Warriors captain Brayden Point turned in another solid season that saw him suit up for his country and make his professional debut.

On Saturday, March 28, Point skated for the Syracuse Crunch in his first American Hockey League game. He was signed by the Lightning to a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday along with an AHL amateur try out contract, which enabled him to play for the Crunch. While he did not register a point, Point was impressive and showed flashes of the offensive flare he possesses.

For any young player making the jump to pro hockey there will always be a bit of a learning curve. Not only is the competition bigger and stronger, but the game itself is also a little faster. While it might take Point a few games to get acclimated, Syracuse Assistant Coach Stacy Roest is not worried. “He’s such a smart player.” Roest said. “He knows where to go without the puck. As a smaller guy, he has to stay moving.”

Roest explained with all of the call-ups to the NHL’s Lightning it never hurts when you can add an offensive player like Point. “He moves the puck well and is pretty nifty with it,” Roest said.

The Calgary, Alberta, native will be looking to make an impact on a Crunch team poised to make a good run at the Calder Cup this year.

Point played the 2014-15 season with the Warriors in the Western Hockey League, where he racked up 38 goals, a new career high, and 87 points in just 60 games. He was just four points shy of matching his career high for points (91) he accomplished in 72 games during the 2013-14 season.

At the conclusion of the WHL season, Point was named to the Eastern Conference First All-Star Team, a nod to his impressive season.

Point’s strong play earned him a spot on the 2015 Canadian World Junior team that would eventually go on to win the Gold Medal. He chipped in offensively with two goals and four points, including an impressive assist in the Gold Medal game against Russia.