SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Brodie MacArthur is on the verge of breaking a record that has stood for 30 years.
The captain of the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals is tied with Duane Saulnier for the Maritime Junior Hockey League’s (MHL) all-time points lead with 352 points. MacArthur can take full ownership of the record tonight on home ice when the Caps host the Grand Falls Rapids. Game time is 7 p.m. at Credit Union Place.
“It’s pretty crazy,” MacArthur said Wednesday. “I’ve been able to stay healthy the past four years, which has helped a lot, and I’ve had all the opportunity in the world with Billy (McGuigan) being the coach.”
But MacArthur, the 20-year-old son of Rodney and Kim MacArthur of Summerside, would rather talk about his team and its championship aspirations than his own accomplishments. He’s grateful for the kind words and recognition but didn’t set out this season to set individual records.
“I just want to get this over with and move on to the playoffs,” he said. “I’m sure in a few years, whenever I’m done playing hockey, it will definitely mean a little bit more then.”
And that’s just how MacArthur is wired.
His numbers speak for themselves – 352 points in 193 career regular season games spread over four seasons.
He credits the opportunity to play with great teammates for those scoring numbers. His teammates point to how easy he made it for them to score.
“His hockey IQ is on another level,” said T.J. Shea, who played three seasons with MacArthur in Summerside after a year of major midget together in Kensington. “He’s definitely the smartest player that is playing in the MHL right now and probably the smartest player I’ve ever played with. He sees the ice really well.”
Carson MacKinnon played seven seasons with MacArthur from novice to bantam. They were reunited earlier this year when MacKinnon joined the Caps after 4 ½ season playing major junior.
“Growing up, you could tell he was going to be a special player,” said MacKinnon, who centres a line with left-winger MacArthur and right-winger Kallum Muirhead. “You just have to find an open area and put your stick somewhere and he’ll find it somehow.”
McGuigan said MacArthur has continued to work on his craft to get better every year and has trained hard in the off-season to get bigger and stronger.
“He didn't dominate in his rookie season, but you could tell he had special attributes that were going to make him a special player,” he said.
And while tonight could be a memorable night, the record isn’t what drives MacArthur.
“Brodie MacArthur is a special kid. To be totally honest, he wants none of this,” McGuigan said. “He wants none of the praise and he doesn't like being in the limelight. … He’s not looking for accolades. He just wants to win.”
It is a theme that comes up often when talking to those who know him well.
“With the numbers he has, sometimes you run into guys that let that stuff go to their head,” MacKinnon said. “He’s the complete opposite. He’s a humble guy. You’d never know he has the opportunity to set a record that probably won’t be touched ever. If it is, it won’t be for a very long time.”
Shea called him a great friend and teammate who is very grounded.
“He’s very down to earth,” he said. “He wouldn't even really want to be recognized for the record. He’s that kind of guy.”
Tonight, marks the Capitals’ final home game of the regular season as they finish the campaign up with three road games.
“I don't know any other better way to finish it off then your last game of junior A hockey in the regular season in your own rink where it all started. There’s so many special (storylines) around this night,” McGuigan said. “It would just be a fairytale ending.”
Top three
A look at the Maritime Junior Hockey League’s top all-time point getters.
Player Seasons Pts.
Duane Saulnier 1986-87 to 1989-90 352
Brodie MacArthur 2016-17 to 2019-20 352
Jordan Knox 2004-05 to 2007-08 342
The league dates back to 1967 when it was the Metro Valley Junior Hockey League and only existed in Nova Scotia as a junior B circuit. It ascended to junior A in 1977, expanded to New Brunswick in 1983 and became the Maritime Junior A Hockey League in 1991 when Summerside joined the league.
“Congratulations to him on a fantastic career, and I wish him the best of luck the rest of this season and beyond,” Saulnier said regarding MacArthur for a recent story on the league website. “It’s great if he’s able to get over that finish line and break the record.”
By the numbers
A look at Brodie MacArthur’s scoring statistics during his Maritime Junior Hockey League career.
Season GP G A Pts.
2016-17 50 15 35 50
2017-18 45 29 60 89
2018-19 50 43 67 110
2019-20 48 43 60 103
Career 193 130 222 352
Teaming up
The Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals and Canadian Mental Health Association - Prince Edward Island (CMHA PEI), are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during tonight’s Capitals home game.
The game will feature:
• A CMHA kiosk so fans can learn more about mental health.
• Videos featuring the Western Capitals players talking about the importance of mental health.
• Public address announcements about mental health.
The campaign is part of a commitment by the Capitals and CMHA PEI to implement Talk Today. It provides mental health support to players and raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention throughout communities across the Maritime Junior Hockey League.
“We are very pleased to team up with CMHA to provide the necessary information for our players and staff,” said Western Capitals general manager Pat McIver. “This is very important to us and we are happy to support the cause.”
Les Wagner, Prince County regional director for CMHA PEI, said the game helps to decrease the stigma around mental health issues.
“Events such as these encourage people to seek help if they are struggling and that they are not alone. It also promotes mental health within our community and encourages discussion.”
