Diego Machado - Breakout Star for Toronto

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It's been a phenomenally successful breakout season for Diego Machado this year with the Toronto Legion, one that has helped propel the Legion to the top of the Conference and League with just 6 games to go.

 

Machado had been a solid contributor for Toronto in his first two seasons, the first of which was the Continental Cup year. In that season, Machado had 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points, a solid contribution for a rookie in the VHL (he finished 7th in rookie scoring that season). Into his sophomore year, he sought to be a bigger contributor to the offense in Toronto, and achieved just that. He finished his second season with 25 goals and 37 assists for 62 points, establishing a new career high in all three categories. Year over year, Machado saw a 39% increase in goal scoring, a 16% increase in assists, and a 24% increase in points. Those were all solid gains, but paled in comparison to the huge jump that followed.

 

Diego Machado seeked to take on a larger role in the offense this season in Toronto, and has managed to do so successfully in all areas. With 6 games left to play, he has already eclipsed those career highs wildly, sitting at 42 goals and 53 assists for 95 points. With the season incomplete, he stands to continue to add to those massive numbers before it ends. From last season's career bests, he has already seen a 68% increase in goal scoring, 43% increase in assists, and a 53% increase in points.

 

All of those statistical jumps should have him well in consideration for the Dustin Funk Trophy for Most Improved Player in the VHL this season, and it would be an honour well earned.

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