BY
SCOTT HADDOW
Note: Marcus Foligno is the first in a series of stories
about top local OHL prospects. Each month during the hockey
season, Northern Life will run updates on how each prospect
is developing.
While most kids were still learning how to run when they were three years old, Marcus Foligno was on the ice learning the game of hockey.
It was a natural progression, since his dad Mike was an NHL
star for 17 seasons and his older brother Nick has been
excelling at hockey for the last 15 years.
Make no mistake, the latest Foligno is following in his
father's and brother's footsteps, but he's also looking to
widen those steps and make his own impression on the hockey
world.
Foligno, 15, is eligible for the 2007 OHL Draft, and it's
widely considered he will be a high- to mid-round pick come
next May.
He knows he still has to polish his game and isn't counting on
his family connections to get him picked.
"This season, I wanted to really improve my skating and become
faster and stronger," said the six-foot forward. "I also want
to make it harder for opponents to take the puck away from me.
I'm looking to set up teammates and put up a lot of points.
Hopefully, it will help me get drafted next year and maybe make
the OHL."
Foligno knows there is no time to take a breather.
"Getting drafted is what I am focused on...trying to impress
scouts," said the 180-pounder. "I have to go as hard as I can
everyday. You never know who will be watching and when. There's
no shifts off...even at practice."
The OHL is the real deal.
"I don't have any preference who drafts me," said Foligno with
a sly smile. "I just want to make the OHL. I feel I can make
that jump next year. It would mean a lot to me to make the OHL.
It would be a big honour. It would be especially awesome to get
drafted by the hometown team and play for my dad and follow in
my brother's footsteps."
Being so close to the OHL already has Foligno salivating at the
experience.
"My family is obviously the biggest influence in my hockey
life," said the 15-year-old. "My brother has worked so hard at
it and look what he's accomplished (drafted in the first round
by the Ottawa Senators this past summer). It shows me hard work
pays off and it's been great for me to see."
Foligno has been a fine fit with the Nickel Capitals this
season, tallying 11 goals and 21 points in 14 games.
"Marcus is a great player," said Nickel Capitals head coach
Peter Michelutti Junior. "He has size and works really
hard.
He's improving every game and practice. He will be a player
who will put up a lot of points and create offence. This year,
we're looking for him to improve both defensively and
offensively and become more of a leader. "
Scouts have noticed him as well.
"Marcus is a big kid who finishes his checks and uses his
teammates well," said a scout who wished to remain anonymous.
"He's playing with more confidence, sees the ice well and is
physical."
Foligno wants teams to know exactly what they would be getting
in him.
"I'm someone who will work his hardest at all times and will
put points up," said the forward. "I will get in people's faces
and hit them. I love fore checking hard and knocking players
off the puck by taking the body."
Fans can catch Foligno this Saturday at Countryside Arena when
Sudbury hosts New Liskeard at 7:20 pm.
