_____________________________________________
AN
ALL AMERICAN STYLE UPDATE ON OUR VERY OWN PATRICK
MAROON.......... For those of you following this young
man's progress to the NHL, here's a quick blog. We
wish you well Patrick; keep up the hard work and we
look forward to seeing you in the Flyers uniform soon.
"We were happy to be able to
get Patrick where we did. That said, you always want
to see how a player performs at the next level. Patrick
was exposed to a much higher level of play in the
OHL and he came through with a big season." -
Chris Pryor talking about Patrick MaroonPatrick Maroon
-- Taken in the sixth round (No. 161) of the 2007
draft out of St. Louis in the North American Hockey
League, Maroon had a breakout season with the London
Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. A 6-4, 225-pound
forward, Maroon led first-year OHL players with 55
assists and 90 points, which tied him for 13th overall
in the league.
"He has made some very encouraging strides,
and we have high hopes for him in the future. We signed
him to a contract early last season, which I'm sure
was a good boost for his confidence. He could be a
guy who challenges for a roster spot with the Phantoms
in the fall, depending on how the summer progresses
and he performs at training camp."
______________________________________________
Here's
a Story worth reading. Enjoy.
Inline hockey helps
ice hockey players
Thu, 06/12/2008 - 12:55pmBy: The Citizen
Recently an article written by Scott Hill was printed
in the USA Hockey magazine with information taken
from the National Inline Hockey Association Web site
on how playing Inline/Roller Hockey is great for those
that play ice hockey.
Hill wrote, “The Secret is out…inline
hockey is great for your ice game. With so little
practice time spent on individual skills and a lack
of frozen ponds where the kids play for hours on end,
the local hockey player is left without much opportunity
to improve his or her individual creativity on the
ice.
One secret that is slowly emerging in North America
to help you develop your puck skills and creativity
is inline hockey.
Play is 4-on-4 with no offsides, no icing, and no
body checking. These factors give the player more
room to dangle and be more creative.
More and more players are using roller hockey as a
complement to their ice hockey game.
Whether its playing in the spring roller hockey league
during the off-season or playing in the local house
league during their ice season, these players are
getting a jump on their competition.
Why are they gaining an advantage?
The rules and style of play for roller hockey are
conducive to skill development and confidence with
the puck. There are no blue or red lines to restrict
player movement on the surface thereby providing the
player with much more open space. This gives the player
more time to get open, more decision making time when
stick handling and more room to skate with the puck.
Creativity and confidence are allowed to develop
in a fun and entertaining forum.
The roller hockey game is a possession game very
similar to basketball. If you’ve got the puck
– the other team can’t score. In addition,
if your team uses a controlled attack you can catch
the opposition out of position and find yourself with
an excellent scoring chance.
This style of play helps develop a player’s
stick handling and passing skills while developing
a player’s confidence to make a smart play with
the puck. Translated to ice hockey where the average
player has the puck on his stick for a split second
before the opposition is on top of him, added confidence
and improved stick handling skills will make you a
better player.”
----------------------------------------------------
Article Courtesy of State
Wars Hockey's very own Tim McManus ( Play for Pride
& Honor Always................... - by Tim McManus
of State Wars Hockey
As I sit here in between the second and third period
of Game 6 of the National Hockey League's Stanley
Cup Finals, so many thoughts about our sport come
to mind. First off, I am so jealous, because as I
sit here watching the TV and typing away, State Wars
National Director Jason Domitrovic is actually at
the game. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Jason is
a huge Penguins fan and just had to get to this game.
Personally, I am a big New York Rangers fan. I can’t
root for the enemy, so I’m a Red Wings fan tonight.
So, in essence, State Wars Hockey is split on who
we are rooting for in this awesome series.
By the way, after every game in this series I say
to myself, “How the heck can this sport not
be the biggest in the country?”
There is not a more exciting sport to watch or play
than hockey. How anyone can prefer to watch snoozeball
(baseball), people playing poker, or men rolling around
in their underwear beating each other up (UFC) over
hockey is just plain crazy. The one thing that I must
remind myself is that people all over the world are
watching this game. I mean, there isn’t one
person in Sweden tonight saying, “Hey, let’s
watch the Cubs -Diamondbacks game tonight.”
Most important, there are things about this series
and game that totally bring things to light about
our sport and what we should keep in mind when we
watch our kids play, especially at State Wars.
Every call made by a referee can be questioned. No
call or official is perfect, even in the NHL. In the
end, as long as they are consistent, be happy. It
is a tough job!
The building gets warm even in the NHL. Players are
taking 20 second shifts. Yes, 20 ticks. Don’t
complain when your coach calls you off after a minute.
Players need to stay fresh.
Look at the passing. How many players do you see take
the puck and go end to end and score? None. Not Crosby,
not Malkin, not Zetterberg, not Datsyuk. So, if the
best players in the world don’t do it, neither
should you. The best hockey players pass the puck!
Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork. Hockey is a team game,
win or lose. To win, every player must contribute.
If you want to do it yourself, play golf or bowling.
We can all question the coach... Don’t. Just
like reffing, it is a hard job, and it is usually
thankless. Listen to your coach, appreciate your coach’s
effort, and respect your coach.
Never quit! Look at the Pens in Game 5, down and out
and outplayed, yet they won. In roller hockey, you
are never out of it; always give your all. Play both
ends of the rink. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are two of
the best offensive players in the world, yet they
are the first guys to hustle back every single shift;
and that is what truly makes them great. Anyone can
hang and score goals; be a complete hockey player!
Back to the action... as much as I’m rooting
for the Wings this time around, I don’t want
to see this series end. Good luck to all fans!
READ
ABOUT ALL AMERICANS VERY OWN
PATRICK
" THE BEAST" MAROON! One of Roller's BEST
is making his "best" better by
showcasing
his skills for the NHL's Philadelphia FLYERS! Way
to impress them Pat!
Prospect Profile: Patrick
Maroon
Al Alven philadelphiaflyers.com Dec
9, 2007, 11:51 AM EST
At 6’4’’, 225 pounds,
Patrick Maroon is tough to miss out on the ice. But,
if his imposing physical stature wasn’t enough
to make the hockey world take notice, his stellar
debut with the London Knights in the OHL has been.
Maroon has emerged as one of the most pleasant surprises
in the Flyers’ system this season. Selected
by the team in the sixth round (161st overall) of
this summer’s NHL Entry Draft, the St. Louis
native presently leads the perennially-elite Knights
and all OHL rookies in scoring.
Arriving in London after a pair of dominating campaigns
for the Texarkana/St. Louis Bandits in the NAHL, Maroon
was originally expected to play college hockey at
Ferris State University. He was recruited heavily,
however, by former NHLers Mark and Dale Hunter of
the Knights to play at the Canadian major junior level,
a decision that few can question now.
Along the way, the 19-year-old power forward has
battled weight and conditioning issues, but now appears
to be on the right track.
Patrick Maroon is currently in his first season with
the OHL's London Knights. (Photo courtesy London Knights)
Maroon has cemented his status as a legitimate NHL
prospect with his great start in London. His standing
within the Flyers organization was also confirmed
when the team signed him to a three-year entry level
contract on November 1.
"We took a flying leap with him," said
General Manager Paul Holmgren, after the draft. "Pat's
just a big kid that's lost a lot of weight recently.
He finally figured out he's got to work out if he
wants to excel and move to a higher level. He's a
great big kid with tremendous skills and hockey sense.”
Gateway to Success
Born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 24, 1988, Maroon
grew up around the game. Raised in a family that was
very passionate about hockey, he began playing at
a young age, excelling from the start on the ice and
on the roller court.
“My family has been the biggest influence on
my career,” he explained. “My parents
have always been so dedicated and my brothers were
always into the game, and helped me along. I owe a
lot to them, obviously.
“Growing up in St. Louis, I was a big Blues
fan. I have always loved the game, and enjoyed watching
bigger players, the guys who I sort of pattern my
game after. I really liked watching Mats Sundin and
also Todd Bertuzzi.”
Maroon, like many young players raised in larger
cities, grew up playing inline hockey. He established
himself as one of the nation’s top young players
on the court, leading Oakville to a Missouri State
Championship, and going on to play for a number of
St. Louis-area entries at NARCH tournaments (North
American Roller Hockey Championships).
“I love playing the game on the ice and inline,”
he said. “I spent my summers growing up playing
in roller hockey leagues and in tournaments, and I
think it helped me develop into a better player and
really helped my skills.
Back on the ice, Maroon was a standout player at
Oakville High School in St. Louis, then moved on to
play for the St. Louis Junior Blues at the Midget
AAA level.
Thanks in part to his size and physical dominance
he garnered a great deal of attention from scouts
who came through the Midwest looking for talent. In
2004, he was selected by the London Knights in the
11th round (220th overall) of the 2004 OHL Draft.
It was not known at that time whether Maroon would
ever actually move to Canada to join the team, or
even play hockey at the major junior level. As he
prepared to make the jump to the Junior A (Tier I)
level, college seemed like a more likely scenario.
Shaping Up
Maroon joined the NAHL’s Texarkana Bandits
for the 2005-06 season, debuting in a circuit well-known
for feeding talent to the NCAA. He enjoyed a very
strong campaign, tallying 60 points (23 goals, 27
assists) and 61 penalty minutes in 57 games.
However, he would also endure some criticism for
what were perceived to be poor dietary habits and
a lack of proper conditioning. It was assumed by most
observers and members of the Bandits coaching staff
that Maroon could dominate the circuit if he could
get into better shape.
The then-18-year old forward took the advice he was
given to heart, and engaged in a rigorous summer regimen
that saw him drop an astounding 35 pounds prior to
the start of the following season. Interestingly,
the offseason also saw the Bandits leave Texarkana
to move to Maroon’s native St. Louis.
“That was a boost, going back to play in front
of my family and friends on a nightly basis,”
he said. “I mean, I wasn’t really gone
that long; one year. But it was good to be back, in
a familiar setting. I was even more comfortable.”
Maroon went on to enjoy a banner season, becoming
the first Bandit in the four-year history of the franchise
to win the NAHL’s MVP award. He led the league
in scoring with 95 points (40 goals, 55 assists) and
152 penalty minutes in just 57 regular season games,
then added 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 12
playoff contests, en route to leading the team to
the Robertson Cup championship.
“It was a great year for me, personally,”
he said. “Losing the extra weight really helped,
and getting into better shape made me a better player.
Things really started to fall into place, and everything
just kind of came to me more naturally.”
Bandits head coach Jon Cooper readily agreed.
“Pat has everything you can’t teach in
a player,” he said. “He has size, hands
and innate ability to see things happen on the ice
before everybody else. He’s a special player.”
Added Maroon: “The NAHL developed me a lot.
Last year (2005-06), especially because I played with
a lot of older guys; I was the young kid (as a junior
in high school). It was a good experience for me.
It’s a really good league.”
Summer of Decision
Part of Maroon’s motivation for improvement
during his second season with the Bandits was the
fact that he was passed over at the 2006 NHL Entry
Draft. His hard work and performance in leading the
team to the NAHL championship, assured that he would
be selected in his second year of eligibility, however.
As the 2007 version of the event commenced, speculation
had Maroon landing with his hometown St. Louis Blues,
but as the draft wore on, he continued to sit and
wait. Finally, Maroon learned that his name had been
called by the Flyers in the sixth round.
Maroon was drafted in the sixth round by the Flyers
in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. (Photo courtesy London
Knights)
“It was a relief to be picked, and a real honor
to join the Flyers organization,” he said, after
the draft. “I’m looking forward to picking
up where I left off [the previous season in the NAHL]
this year and working toward my dream of playing in
the NHL.”
There was still some question at the time, however,
as to where Maroon would be playing in 2007-08. During
his time in the NAHL, he had committed to play NCAA
hockey at Ferris State. But his emergence with the
Bandits and improved conditioning status resulted
in the Hunter brothers pushing hard for him to continue
his career in the OHL for the London Knights.
Though the decision was admittedly a difficult one,
he chose the latter.
“I’m going to London because that’s
what’s best for my career,” he said. “In
the end, I just felt that it would be better for me
to play in the OHL, because I had heard so much about
it and how they get players ready. [The Flyers] gave
me some advice, but it was pretty much my own decision.”
“He asked us what we thought, and we just tried
to keep out of it and make it be his own decision,”
said Holmgren. “The fact that he can play more
games and get more ice time in a junior setting is
probably going to be more beneficial for him.”
Prior to joining London to start his major junior
career, Maroon made his first two trips to Philadelphia,
to participate in the Flyers’ rookie and main
training camps. He also suited up for action in one
exhibition game with the Phantoms before being reassigned.
“I think he was tremendous in camp,”
said Holmgren. “From the time he came to our
evaluation camp in July to training camp, there was
a very noticeable difference in his physical conditioning
and his fitness level. He had a great camp for us
and has obviously had a great start with London.”
OverKnight Success
Maroon arrived in London to a team struggling to
find its identity. Though considered one of the elite
major junior programs in the world over the previous
half-decade or so, the Knights suddenly had more question
marks than answers.
For starters, the team had lost top prospects Patrick
Kane and Sam Gagner - the first and sixth overall
selections in the 2007 NHL draft - to the pro ranks.
An influx of new talent was needed, and Maroon was
certainly a big part of the Hunter brothers’
plan.
The Knights got off to a dismal 0-6 start, but as
the younger players on the team become more acquainted
with their settings, they began to turn things around.
The most impressive rookie, by far, has been Maroon,
who made a terrific transition and has helped fuel
the team’s turn around.
Amazingly, the team now sits in second place in the
Midwest Division with a record of 18-9-0-2. The Knights’
38 points rank them fourth in the league.
To date, Maroon leads the team and is pacing all
first-year OHLers in scoring with 39 points (16 goals,
23 assists) in 27 games. He has been a consistent
offensive contributor from the get-go, also leading
the Knights with nine power play goals and boasting
a plus-six rating.
Maroon has been equally effective as a goal scorer
and set-up man. He has developed a very strong chemistry
with third-year OHLer and first-year Knight Akim Aliu,
who was chosen by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second
round (56th overall) of the 2007 draft.
“We’re happy to have him,” said
an enthused Mark Hunter, the Knights General Manager,
who also praised Maroon as a physical presence for
the team. “But it isn’t just [Maroon’s]
size. He has good hands, good skills. He can pass
the puck. He’s a go-to guy, and that is something
we need.
"He's a difference maker. He can beat guys one-on-one.
There are some things he needs to clean up. He needs
to get himself in better shape and then his skating
will get better but he's working on it."
Maroon was named the OHL Rookie of the Month for
October, after recording 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists)
in 11 games during the month. He also enjoyed six
multiple-point games in that span, including a three
goal, two assist performance in an 8-2 win over the
Ottawa 67s on October 14. He followed that up by notching
three straight two-goal games, part of a stretch in
which he scored 17 points in a seven-game scoring
streak.
On November 1, Maroon signed a three-year entry-level
deal with the Flyers, confirming the organization‘s
faith in his potential and satisfaction with his development
thus far.
"We are excited about having him as a part of
our organization," said Holmgren in making the
announcement. "We will continue to watch him
and see how he does. We look forward to him continuing
his strong start in London."
Looking Ahead
In the past year, Maroon has gone from questionable
prospect to OHL impact player with an NHL entry-level
contract in his back pocket. It has been a remarkable
ascension, but everyone in Philly and London, as well
as Maroon himself, realizes that he still has a lot
of work to do.
Though he has emerged as an offensive force for the
Knights, there are still several areas in which the
towering forward needs to improve, including skating
and his play in the defensive end.
There is also the matter of consistency. While Maroon
has come flying out of the gates in his first three
months in the OHL, he has yet to prove that he can
maintain a steady pace throughout the season at this
level.
“I would say that skating is the biggest thing
for me right now,” said Maroon, when asked what
he has to improve upon most. “That, and I still
have to be careful with my conditioning, and work
hard to stay on the right course.
“So far, so good.”
Beyond this season, the future remains wide open
for Maroon. At this stage, even if he continues to
put up big numbers for the Knights, a return for at
least one more campaign would seem likely. After all,
while he is undoubtedly skilled, his overall game
still isn’t polished.
He will, however, turn 20 by the time the 2008-09
season rolls around, and will thus be eligible to
play in the AHL for the Philadelphia Phantoms. Either
way, continued success this year and a very strong
training camp next fall will be essential to his future
success.
“Patrick, because of his hockey sense and his
ability to do things with the puck and make plays
and score, makes him a good prospect,” said
Holmgren.
“The big thing with him is his overall conditioning
and his fitness level. He’s got a chance to
be a pro player if he continues to work and make himself
quicker and stronger.”
