Michigan State University Athletics
Meet the Freshman: Mason Appleton
9/25/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Mason Appleton comes to Michigan State from Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was a three-time All-State honoree at Notre Dame Academy before registering nearly 50 points with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL last season. The 6-foot-2 center was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets this past summer.
Why did you choose MSU?
As I was going through the recruiting process I wasn't sure where I wanted to end up. After I took my official visits to a couple schools I really became interested in the Big Ten. Michigan State was a great fit for me and at the end of the day that's why I choose to be a Spartan.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions?
No, the only thing I do is put my equipment on the same way before every game and warmup the same way before every game.
What is something Spartan fans should know about you off of the ice?
I spend a lot of time fishing in the offseason.
Who is your favorite NHL player and who do you model your game after?
I would probably say Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings. He's someone I like to model my game after.
Where do you feel like you will impact this team the most?
I guess just doing whatever I'm asked, night in and night out. I don't know my role yet but whatever it is I'll do it to the best of my abilities.
You scored the game-winning goal in the 2012 Wisconsin state championship game â€" what was this moment like?
I would have to say that was probably the most special moment in my career. To play for a high school like Notre Dame was just an awesome experience for me, and to score a goal like that in front of all my fellow students was probably the coolest thing to happen to me in my hockey career.
Coach Anastos mentioned that you have the potential to play on both special teams. Is this something you take pride in â€" your durability and versatility?
Yes, last year in particular I did a lot of power play and penalty kill - and I think I can be a big help on both. On the penalty kill, it's important to get in shooting lanes and have a good, smart stick to block lanes so opponents can't execute. On the power play, I try to use my brain and skill to my advantage to make plays to score goals.
What was that moment like this summer when you were drafted in the sixth-round by the Winnipeg Jets?
That was a really cool experience for me and my family. We went down to the draft in Florida and it was nerve-racking because you don't know when your name is going to be called, but then when it was finally called it was very exciting and it was an awesome experience.
