Andrew Cristall was incredibly close to making the Washington Capitals out of this year’s Training Camp ahead of his second post-draft season. The 19-year-old winger was ultimately sent back to the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets, where he has done nothing but fill up nets since.
After six games back in Canadian major junior, Cristall has already racked up 16 points (5g, 11a). He is ranked first in the WHL in points per game, averaging a staggering 2.67 after his second four-point performance of the season against the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday. He is the only player in the league averaging more than two points per game.
During the 6-0 Rockets victory, Cristall combined with Tij Iginla, Utah HC’s first-ever draft pick, for eight points (4g, 4a). Iginla recorded a hat trick in the win, and Cristall provided the primary assist on all three goals.
Cristall’s return to Kelowna has sparked Iginla’s production. In his first three games of the season, with Cristall still in Washington, Iginla recorded just one point. He has 14 points in the six games since being reunited with Cristall.
The Rockets were 1-5 without Cristall in their lineup but are 4-1-1 since he’s returned. They scored just 14 goals in those six games, an average of 2.33 goals per game. In Cristall’s first two games back with the club, they scored 16 goals and are averaging 5.67 goals per game with him in the lineup.
Cristall is tied with defenseman Caden Price for the team lead in scoring despite Price playing five more games than Cristall this season. Cristall is also just six points shy of the overall WHL lead despite the top scorer, Nathan Behm, already having played 12 games.
Kelowna will be back in action against the Spokane Chiefs on November 5. Cristall recorded at least a point in all four games against the Chiefs last season.
