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WHEELING -- This season, unlike any other, has had its share of ups and downs but Wheeling Nailers' rookie Sean Josling is currently riding high.
The Wheeling forward enters this weekend's series at Fort Wayne on a four-point streak, which has included three assists, a goal and a two-game sweep over the Komets.
Josling is the first Nailers rookie to reach double figures in points (11) and is second on the team behind Patrick Watling (13) in the category.
His power play goal on Sunday gives him one goal and four assists in eight games against the Eastern leading Indy Fuel.
Although Josling is racking up the points, it's the small things he is focusing on that are turning into crucial plays for the Nailers.
"I think just trying to do the little things right and not getting too fancy, listening to details that (Nailers) coach (Mark French) tells you to do before the game and just putting in the effort," Josling said on what is generating his offensive production.
Josling is tied for 11th in the ECHL in points among rookies and rookie teammate Matt Alfaro is tied for 12th with 10 points.
Josling and Alfaro are deadlocked for fourth on the team in goals with four, while Josling is third on the team in assists with seven (Watling 10, Michael Pelech 9).
"I think there's rookies and then there's rookies," French said. "For him being a 21-year old rookie it's a little different. He's a young player. I see a guy who is getting more comfortable as he plays. We're closing in on the 20-game mark. For me after 20 games there's probably no rookies anymore. You see a steady improvement in his game.
"He can play with speed and he has some good puck skills. I think he's still learning the difference between the pro and junior game but that will continue to come."
In Josling's last four seasons with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, he racked up 103 assists, including 46 as a senior. He's on pace to get close to that mark again in his first year as a pro thanks to the chemistry he feels with his teammates.
"I think it's just the way we play," Josling said. "The guys talking and the guys being there for you. It's a lot easier when we're all on one page."
Along with the chemistry he has with the rest of the squad, he's also soaking up knowledge from the veteran players on the team.
"Being a first-year pro is a pretty cool experience," Josling said. "As one of the younger guys on the team I think you try to learn from the examples from some of the older guys who have been through it and try to take as much in as you can."
A player's rookie year is always a new and memorable experience but Josling's has been a new encounter for everyone. Wheeling had to postpone five games this year due to COVID and players were forced to quarantine. Days off are also much different.
"We're just trying to make it fun away from the rink," Josling said. "I know the boys really can't do much. Whether it's playing cards or having movie nights with the guys, we're a pretty close-knit team and I think it helps us a lot on the ice."