I'm not sure there is a more important figure in San Jose Sharks' history than Patrick Marleau. He was the Shark's first true "star" player. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Marleau still stands as the highest Sharks draft pick, at 2nd overall back in 1997. He played 19 straight seasons for the Sharks, in which he served as the Team Captain for 5 of them. He would eventually suit up for the Toronto Maple Leafs for just a few years, and even briefly, the Pittsburgh Penguins just for a cup of coffee. Even still, Marleau returned home to San Jose not once, but twice, in order to finish his career as a San Jose Shark.
A natural goal scorer may be an understatement when it comes to Patty. He has scored 20 or more goals 15 times, 30+ goals 7 times, and even his career-high 44 goals once in 2010.
Marleau was rewarded with an NHL golden stick following his 566 career goals. Along with that, he finished just 3 points shy of the 1,200th-point mark.
Games? he holds the record. No, not just as a Shark.
Patrick Marleau became the NHL's games played leader, appearing in an enormous 1,779 regular season NHL games. Most in the history of the league...
Patrick Marleau is no stranger to international play either, winning gold with Canada in the 2003 World Championships, and even a World Cup in 2004. To go along with that, Patrick Marleau has won two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014.
Marleau, along with Jumbo Joe, has unfortunately never lifted the Stanley Cup. But when you remain loyal to one team for as long as Mr. Shark, it's no easy task to accomplish.
Marleau's #12 was the first San Jose Sharks number to be retired and raised to the top of the Shark Tank. he remains with the organization as a player development coach and is seen working with players on a regular basis. It's pretty much safe to say there is no getting rid of Patrick Marleau.
Marleau is the epitome of a San Jose Sharks hockey player.
Make sure to visit again soon, for a deep dive into the Shark Tank.
No comments:
Post a Comment