When you think of Lethbridge Hurricanes hockey, the names Dylan Cozens, Jordy Bellerive and Calen Addison immediately come to the mind as the most talked about. Maybe the goaltending or the defence on a whole, become the water cooler topics. Nick Henry and Jake Leschyshyn when talking about team scoring. It may take a while for the name Jake Elmer to come up, making him an under-the-radar type of guy. The 20-year-old playing in his final WHL season may not be getting the headlines, but he really should have, he provides leadership and a much needed scoring touch.
Not really known before this season as a goal scorer, and his numbers while playing for the Regina Pats and Kootenay Ice show just that. He recorded zero points in 20 games with the Pats and just 16 points in 46 games with the Ice before being acquired by the Hurricanes in 2017 for Alec Baer. Even in a breakout last season, the Calgary product recorded 37 points in 70 games for Lethbridge that included just 18 goals.
That all changed this season. Much like many before him, the overage season has become his best in the WHL as he helped the Hurricanes finish just two points back from the top spot in the central division. Elmer found a way to elevate his game this season playing alongside fellow overager Taylor Ross and NHL draft prospect Cozens, forming a very well oiled machine for a second line. Providing a much needed second punch to the Hurricanes, all three players recorded career highs in all major offensive category.
Elmer led the way on that second line recording an impressive 81 points including his career high of 39, eight of those game winning goals. That mark of 39 goals was good enough for second on the team scoring list just one behind Leschyshyn, while finishing fifth in overall scoring on the team.
Elmer averaged well over a point-per-game this season at 1.20 points a game which also put him in the top five on Lethbridge. His work on special teams has been one of tireless work and determination. Those efforts paid off for him has he recorded four powerplay goals and a remarkable seven while short handed.
All the hard work this season earned Elmer his first NHL contract. After going undrafted to this point in his career, he was free to sign has a free agent and he did just that. Elmer signed a three year entry level contract with the New York Rangers on March 15th.
Numbers and stats aside there is a quality to Jake that is evident in the way he plays and interacts with his team. A silent leader on the bench and ice, he is a lead-by-example type player and it shows in the effort every shift. He shows no fear of getting into the hard areas and showing the determination to make, not only a play but more time than not the right play. That style rubs off on his linemates who he seems to drag into trenches at times.
Jake Elmer plays the game the right way, his style is set up to help the Hurricanes in the playoffs. He won’t win the MVP nor is he the “sexy” pick to be player of the year but his contributions and leadership are invaluable to his team.
Jake Elmer is your Lethbridge Hurricanes unsung hero.
