Mark Stone (RW, 6’2, DOB 1992, 6-178/10)
2008-09 WHL Brandon 56-17-22-39 -5 27pim (ppg 0.69) 10th pts
2009-10 WHL Brandon 39-11-17-28 +13 25pim (ppg 0.71) 9th
2010-11 WHL Brandon 71-37-69-106 +14 28pim (ppg 1.49) 1st all-star
2011-12 WHL Brandon 66-41-82-123 +45 22pim (ppg 1.86) 1st
2011-12 WJC Canada 6-7-3-10 +10 2pim (1.66) 1st
Nearing the end of a fantastic year where he finished second in scoring in the WHL (behind Brendan Shinnimin) and was a star in the World Junior Championships for Canada, Mark Stone was signed before the season began and will play in Binghamton next year. The year he was drafted he was projected as a fourth-line player (ranked #119 by Central Scouting), with Red Line Report saying, “Big winger has nice hands, but skating issues drop him on our list. Stride saw improvement this season, but is still a problem – heavy footed and has a short stride. Has good hands in close and a decent passing touch, but tends to be a garbage goal scorer and we’ve only seen rare glimpses of an accurate shooting touch. Makes accurate passes and is especially adept at finding linemates in transition. Very good at protecting the puck, but skating keeps him from being able to drive the net with authority. Despite good size and decent strength, doesn’t use the body at all. Tends to be a bit timid in board battles and doesn’t initiate much contact. Progress stalled this season due to broken thumb and concussion.” The injuries referenced by RLR played a big role in his stock falling at the draft (as did his place on a stacked Brandon team, with Stone playing third line minutes). Hockey Futures says, “The size and hands are there as is the willingness to work the boards and get to the dirty areas. In the offensive end he has good instincts, an underrated shot and impressive passing skills. His hockey IQ is way up there and his anticipation allows him to get in good position on both ends of the ice. The one noticeable weakness is his choppy stride which he’s working on and has spent time with the Ottawa skating coach improving his foot-speed. Smart on the ice and well-spoken off of it, Stone has the talent, intensity and work ethic to get himself to the NHL in time.” Here’s Stone being interviewed after scoring the OT winner at this year’s rookie tournament, and here’s a goal from the World Junior Championships.
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eyeonthesens 
I can’t wait to get Stoned
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