The 18-year-old is in his first season with the Fargo Force and leads the team with 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) through six games.

“He enjoys being at the rink every day,” Force head coach Jason Herter said. “He has a smile on his face whether it’s a work day or a fun day. He’s a highly skilled player, but has a lot to learn about how to play the game.”

Learning and the need to get better is why Mullin is playing with the Force this season. Mullin admits his game needed work even though he is a Miami (Ohio) University commit and Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick.

One of his goals is to develop mentally.

“It’s a faster game compared to high school and you have to think faster,” Mullin said. “You have to be used to getting in and out of the corners against guys that are bigger and stronger than you.”

Being 5-foot-10 and a 160 pounds, one of his goals is to develop physically by getting stronger.

When it comes to his skills, some of his teammates believe Mullin is in a good spot.

Defenseman Dan Weissenhofer said he walked away impressed after going against Mullin in training camp.

But give Weissenhofer credit. He impressed Mullin enough to tell Miami recruiters about him.

“I was like ‘Who was that guy?’ ” Weissenhofer recalled. “Then I looked him up and found out that he’s the kid from Shattuck who’s been drafted that committed to Miami.”

Mullin played high school hockey at powerhouse Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minn. – a program that has produced countless NHL players including current stars Sidney Crosby and former University of North Dakota standout Zach Parise.

“Crosby, by far, is one of my favorite players,” Mullin said. “Every time I watch hockey with my friends and there’s a Shattuck guy, I remind people and I get a bunch of crap for it.”

Loving his alma mater isn’t the only thing Mullin gets a hard time for.

He also takes heat for wearing a Superman shirt underneath his gear.

Third-year forward Nick Oliver said Mullin’s had one of the best starts he’s seen in the United States Hockey League.

But he’s a long, long way from being the “Man of Steel.”

“I think he has the illusion that he is Superman,” Oliver said with a grin. “He thinks he has those same qualities as him and I strongly disagree with that. I don’t understand it.”

Mullin said he started wearing a Superman shirt last season.

It started out being a joke but turned into something more.

He said the shirt gives him a mental edge.

“I think everyone should get a superhero shirt,” Mullin said. “That way we can all play like our favorite superheroes.”