With big expectations coming into his draft year, Hunter Shinkaruk seems to be right on track after earning some Western Hockey League honours.

The Medicine Hat Tigers captain has been named the Denny’s WHL Player of the Week. The Calgary, AB product scored one goal and six points alongside a plus-two rating in two games this past week. The Tigers won both games.

Shinkaruk,  the 5th ranked player in FC’s September ranking for the 2013 NHL Draft, has big expectations to fill and has done so early in the season.

“Shinkaruk is an impact goal scorer that has proven he can be an elite offensive threat,” said Zenon Herasymiuk, a Western Hockey League scout for Future Considerations. “Shinkaruk is fast and slippery, his vision is among the best in the draft class and he isn’t afraid to work in the corners to create chances for his team.”

The 17-year-old now has two goals and seven assists in four games this season.