The numbers are, quite simply, mind-boggling.

36 points in 22 games.

25 points in his last 11 games.

And a 12-game point streak that was only just snapped Saturday night in Flin Flon.

But ask Mark Rumsey about his ridiculously hot start to the season and the Estevan Bruins star forward will tell you this is all just par for the course.

“I think I set pretty high expectations for myself, said the 20-year-old Rumsey. “I didn’t really know what the league was all about, so I just wanted to come here and play my game and I’m obviously happy with the start I’ve had, and just looking to build off that.”

Rumsey possesses a lightning quick release that has given goaltenders fits this season. Of course, it helps that the SJHL’s leading scorer also plays alongside Olivier Pouliot, who is a dynamic player in his own right.

“I think my line has really been jelling. Me and Pouliot and (Keagon) Little have been clicking. I think they’re two great players and I’ve just been able to play my game and they’ve been able to help me and I’ve been able to help them, so it’s just working well,” Rumsey said.

Rumsey has already picked up several accolades just two months into the season, including a recent SJHL Forward of the Week award and a nod for SJHL Forward of the Month for September and October. If there were any adjustments coming to the SJHL from major junior, number 7 certainly hasn’t struggled with any of them, though he does notice one major difference.

“I’d probably say the physicality in this league,” said the former Cape Breton Eagle. “It’s a lot of hitting, a lot of body contact, and not a ton of time with the puck in the corners, so that part’s a little different.”

Despite his laser focus on the ice, Rumsey, a St. Johns native, has still found the time to visit with family. His three brothers made the trip from Newfoundland all the way to Estevan to watch him play against the Humboldt Broncos a couple weeks back.

“They loved it. I got to hang out with them for a little bit. It was nice to see them, I haven’t really seen my family since August so it’s been a while. They were pretty amazed with the rink,” Rumsey said.

Bruins head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic stopped short of saying Rumsey is the best player he’s ever coached at the Junior A level.

“There’s a lot of really good players I’ve had…I’ve been very fortunate,” Tatarnic said. “He’s (Rumsey) right up there with them. He’s a very good player, we’re lucky to have him.” 

“This is the great thing about this level,” Tatarnic added. “You see a lot of talented players come through the doors and for the fans, they get a chance to watch these kids, and I would take full advantage of it. You get to see some high talent.”