A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Plum’s Mason Wilkes

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, January 8, 2024 | 3:40 PM

Going into his senior season, Mason Wilkes knew there would be challenges ahead for the Plum hockey team.

First, the team would have a new coach in Jon Gratton.

Second, the Mustangs would be a young, inexperienced unit coming off a disappointing 3-14-1 record a season ago.

But Mason has stepped up to those challenges.

“He was put into a hard situation, being a senior and having a new coach come in and change everything up,” Gratton said. “He’s taken it with absolute grace and maturity, and it shows in his game.”

Said Wilkes: “When coach Gratton came to the team, I introduced myself and said I was willing to do whatever he asked of me. He needed me to rally this team and create a good bond and culture.”

“That’s why I put the ‘C’ on his chest,” Gratton said. “His leadership has been huge. He’s a role model to the kids on the team, and he’s bought into that role incredibly well.”

It has been a streaky year for the Mustangs (6-5-1), who started the season winning two games, then losing four, then putting together a three-game win streak before losing two in a row. Plum won its last game before the holiday break against Westmont Hilltop, 4-1.

“When we’re hot, we’re hot. As soon as we lose a period or face some adversity, the team loses our chemistry,” Wilkes said. “That last win we had before break will, hopefully, give us confidence heading into the new year.”

Wilkes leads the defensemen on the team with seven points (two goals and five assists).

“His offensive production wasn’t an expectation I necessarily had,” Gratton said. “I don’t think anyone would complain about those numbers either. Mason’s a defenseman first, and I am more impressed with that role he’s embraced: taking care of the front of his own net, his own zone.”

Wilkes took a few minutes for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A:

What’s it like being one of a few seniors leading a team that is so young and streaky?

Trying to rally these younger kids is tough. Some of them don’t understand how I feel about this team and program because they are so young. It’s hard to get them on the same page for us older guys.

As a veteran defenseman, what are you teaching/coaching the younger blue liners about the game at the high school level?

Communication. These younger guys are timid, but I told them that the more we talk, the more we can work as a unit.

Has offense always been a part of your game, or is that something new for you this season?

Most of my varsity career, I’ve been a defensive defenseman, but this year I really worked with my defensive coach to help me get my shots on net and get more points and goals.

What’s been the major change that has this team doubling last year’s win total?

The team leadership core was weak last year compared to what we have this season. Last year there wasn’t that want to win, but when you step into our locker room this year, you can see that want.

What is your best on-ice attribute?

My one-on-one battles and the fact that I try not to let anyone by me.

Do you have any college plans?

I plan on attending IUP and majoring in finance. I am still looking at playing Division III ACHA hockey for the school as well.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My first goal of my high school career. It was our first game this year against Hampton. We had a good student section for that game, and they erupted when I scored.

What is one fact about yourself that would surprise people to learn?

I have owned my own landscaping business for the last four years.

What’s one piece of advice you would want to leave your teammates before you graduate?

Desire to have a brotherhood on this team. Leave this team as brothers, not just teammates.

Tags: Plum