For both Oliver Tulk and Grayden Siepmann, they set out to take that next step this past season and be key contributors for a young Hitmen squad and did just that.
Siepmann found some extra motivation to elevate his play after not hearing his name called during last year's draft in his first year of eligibility.
It lit a fire under him.
"I thought I took a big step this year with my play," he said. "I feel like I took the last draft a little personally and came out with my best and something to prove.
"Our team had a successful start, and that was a big part to my success and my teammates were as well."
Despite going undrafted, Sipemann did get invited to take part in the Toronto Maple Leaf's development camp last summer, an eye-opening experience for him.
"It was a blast, one of the most well-known organizations, it was a fun week," Siepmann said. "It wasn't stressful, they took us all in and showed us what the NHL really is about. Showed how they train, eat, recover, little things that make a pro and prepare you for the NHL.
"The main thing (last off-season) was getting stronger and faster. You can never stop working on your skating and it doesn't hurt to get better at everything. Some say I'm a smaller guy so getting stronger, getting a harder shot and skating was a big focus."
Siepmann set new career highs with 41 points (8G, 35A) and also improved on his play in the defensive end while taking on more of a leadership role for a young Hitmen squad.
For Tulk, the forward tripled his point production from his rookie campaign, ending with 60 points (24G, 36A) in 68 regular season tilts, good for second on the club, while adding three points in five playoff games in their first round match-up against the Red Deer Rebels.
"You have a goal at the end of the year to strive for," Tulk said. "Looking back on it, it's nice to have that (success) but you always want more.
"This year was a lot better than last year, as a team as a whole. We made playoffs and that helped with my success, being able to adapt more to the league with more games under my belt."
Sitting 215th on NHL Central Scouting final rankings, Tulk quickly caught the attention of scouts during his breakout season and became a key piece for the Hitmen offence.
With the ability to play centre and the wing, he prides himself on being one of the hardest workers on the ice.
"It's super cool," he said on the ranking. "But of course, seeing your name on it doesn't mean a whole lot, you still have to go out and prove it.
"I just focused on playing my game and not let outside noise cloud who I am and what I needed to do."
So while June 29 is circled down on the calendar for the duo, both have been hard at work, motivated from the early playoff exit.
They're hungry for more.
"Making playoffs and seeing what it takes to be a team that not only makes it but continues to win and advance to the next rounds, it motivates," Tulk said. "For us, it was a huge steeping stone to see what a good team is and what we need to strive to be that this year.
"I'm excited for next season," Siepmann added. "Our group grew and if we stay connected and continue to grow together, we'll set ourselves up for success to make something special happen."
