For Monsters center Phil Dupuis, the 2008-09 season served as a breakout of sorts for the flashy French-Canadian forward. In his third season as a professional and second year with the Monsters, Dupuis led the Monsters in assists (29), points (46), shorthanded goals (2), shots (211) and in the plus/minus category with a +11. The 17 goals Dupuis registered were second only to captain Chris Durno, and the man known as “Dupe” to his teammates also led his club with 10 multi-point games.

By the end of the year, Dupuis’s hard work translated into head coach Joe Sacco naming him an alternate captain. But the highest individual accolade achieved by Dupuis this season was his NHL debut. Dupuis was one of 11 Monsters to play in their first NHL game this season, as he appeared in eight games with Lake Erie’s NHL affiliate, the Colorado Avalanche. In his eight-game stint with the Avs, Dupuis recorded four penalty minutes.

Highlights:

• November 9th, 2008: Registered first multi-point game of the season, (1G, 1A) in 6-4 win against Hamilton; named second star of the game.

• December 12th, 2008: Made NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks.

• December 30th, 2008: Recorded third multi-point game of the season (1G, 1A) in 6-2 win at Houston; named third star of the game.

• January 21st, 2009: Two days after being returned on loan from Colorado, registered fourth multi-point game of the season (1G, 1A) at San Antonio; named second star of the game.
 
• January 31st, 2009: Recorded two power play goals and an assist in 3-1 win against Hamilton; named first star of the game.

• February 21st, 2009: Registered his seventh multi-point and second three-point effort of the season with a goal and two assists in a 4-2 win at Grand Rapids.

• February 21st- 28th, 2009: Picked up eight points (3G, 5A) in four games.

• March 8th, 2009: Notched ninth multi-point game (1G, 1A) in 6-3 win against Hershey; named first star of the game.

• March 22nd, 2009: Recorded 10th multi-point game of the season with two assists in 3-2 loss against Grand Rapids; named third star of the game.