The British expression ‘playing out of your socks’ is used to describe a player on a hot streak.
So far this Western Hockey League season Sam Fioretti has been playing out of his socks — both literally and figuratively.
The 19-year-old Warrior left winger has seven goals and five assists in seven games to start the season. That gave him the WHL scoring lead briefly last week and he sits second in goals scored heading into the weekend.
“I’ve had a pretty good start and hopefully I can keep it going through the whole year,” said Fioretti. “I’ve been working hard and I’ve been playing with some good hockey players who have been getting me the puck — I think that’s a big part of it.”
Fioretti has six goals and five assists over a five-game point streak.
He has also worn clean through his game socks with his bare heels showing. He says he’s not particularly superstitious, but he doesn’t plan on wearing his new socks just yet.
“By no means do I consider myself superstitious . . . but I think I’ll stick with the old (socks) until something changes,” said Fioretti.
Though his offence is a welcome addition to the team, Warriors head coach Mike Stothers is happy that Fioretti’s game hasn’t changed with his scoring touch.
“He has scored some goals by going to areas some guys don’t want to — either by redirecting or putting in rebounds — and he’s become a pretty good two-way player for us,” said Stothers. “He’s always been smart defensively. He’s pretty good on face-offs. He’s a pretty versatile guy who has been rewarded with some points.
“Even if that slows down, it’s not going to be the end of the world because of all of the other intangibles he brings to the team. It’s nice to see him get rewarded because he’s working really hard.”
Fioretti may only be 5-10 and 184 pounds, but his grit and his hard-nosed approach has led to him earning his breaks.
When Fioretti scored his first WHL hat trick against Brandon two weeks ago, all three goals came on chances around the net or in the crease.
“To score goals I have to go to the right places. I’m not the kind of guy who can score on a shot from the blue line. I don’t have that kind of shot. I go to the net and hope for good things to happen,” said Fioretti. “You get rewarded when you go to the net, so I’m going to keep doing it.”
The Warriors host Prince Albert Saturday (7 p.m., Mosaic Place) and the Tri-City Americans come to town Sunday (6 p.m., Mosaic Place).
