Newfoundland Growlers forward Tate Singleton is having quite a rookie season. The 25-year-old West Lebanon, New Hampshire native was signed to a one year contract by the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies in July of last year after four years with the Ohio State University team. He was subsequently assigned to the Growlers in October along with several other players to start his professional career.

Through 45 games played so far, Singleton has played all over the ever-changing Growlers lineup and picked up 32 points along the way, evenly split between goals and assists. Last weekend against the Indy Fuel, he put on a show by scoring two goals while shorthanded in Saturday’s 6-3 win and was instrumental in the team’s comeback effort during Sunday’s game. Described by teammates as a pest, Singleton has embraced his role of being a scoring threat while simultaneously doing everything in his power to get under the skin of the opposition.

“I like to model my game after (Boston Bruins captain) Brad Marchand,” said Singleton on Feb. 3. “He does it all, he’s a pest, he scores, and he makes plays. It’s just fun to chirp and get under skins, make them take penalties and then score.”

Another thing Singleton has embraced is his adopted home of St. John’s and the fans who pack the Mary Brown’s Centre every game night.

“Saturday night on The Rock, there’s nothing like it,” said Singleton earlier this season. “It’s been great, it’s a cool place, everyone’s been awesome, and the fans are unbelievable. I’ve seen kids take their shirts off and swing it around, and I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

The Growlers will play their next three games at home this week against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits before heading back out on the road for the rest of February.