Patrick Marleau has established himself as one of the NHL’s top players with the San Jose Sharks.
The 29-year-old from Aneroid, SK, currently in his 11th season in the NHL, has topped the 20-goal plateau seven times and potted 30 or more goals twice during his career, appeared in two NHL All-Star games, and helped the Sharks make the playoffs nine times while leading them to the second round or better in each of the last five years.
Yet, prior to beginning his stellar NHL career, Marleau made a name for himself as one of the Western Hockey League’s top players during his two-year career with the Seattle Thunderbirds.
The Thunderbirds’ 1st round pick, 6th overall, at the 1994 WHL Bantam Draft, Marleau racked up 83 goals and 199 points in 143 regular-season WHL contests and was named to the Western Conference First All-Star team in 1996-97. He also put up 10 goals and 30 points in 20 career WHL playoff games while leading the T-Birds all the way to the WHL Championship series in 1997.
Selected 2nd overall by the Sharks at the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Marleau made the jump to the NHL as an 18-year-old to begin what has been an excellent NHL career.
While his WHL days may be long behind him, Marleau still relished the time he spent in the Western Hockey League.
Catching Up With…Patrick Marleau
On his fondest WHL memories…
“The biggest thing is all the friendships I made and still maintain until this day. When you’re traveling around on buses with the guys and you’re all out there fighting the same wars and going through the same things, you form those bonds. Being from Saskatchewan and playing with a lot of Saskatchewan players on that team, you not only hang out during the season but you see the guys in the summer. Guys like Jeremy Reich and Tony Mohagen, and other guys from other teams I may have played against or with are still good friends.”
On how the WHL helped him get to where he is today…
“It was definitely the big stepping stone to get noticed. In order to get to the top level, you have to go through Major Junior. I saw glimpses of it growing up and watching the Swift Current Broncos play. Seeing how those players moved on to the next level, I knew it was the route I wanted to take. You get to play at the highest level and against the best players, so it was the best choice for me to achieve my goal.”
On playing with fellow WHL graduate and NHL sophomore Devin Setoguchi…
“It’s been very good for Devin to be able to come in, work as hard as he has, and get the results. He’s got a ton of skill and a wicked shot. He’s got great speed and skating skills, and he can create a lot of turnovers on the forecheck with his determination and work ethic. It’s been a pleasant surprise to see what he’s been able to do, and he’s been a big part of our team’s success this season.”
On keeping up with the Thunderbirds…
“I was just checking the paper the other day, and seeing how they are doing. I know they’ve had a tough schedule so far, and I hope they can turn it on over the next few months.”
Jesse Watts
whl.ca
