WJC: Scout Eyeing Staal
Canadian defenseman Marc Staal, might not be as flashy or offensively exciting as his brothers Eric or Jordan, but nevertheless, Marc Staal was under the watchful of New York Rangers' scout Christer Rockstrom during the World Junior Championships.
The New York Rangers had three draftees that were members of the Canadian gold medal team at the World Juniors in Sweden - Marc Staal, Marc-Andre Cliche and Tom Pyatt. The most recognized name of the trio is obviously Marc Staal, the Rangers' first round choice of the 2005 NHL draft.
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"He is a different player than his brothers, for sure", says scout Christer Rockstrom.
"Marc is a smart, positionally sound defensive defenseman who reads the game very well and doesn't have to rely on heavy hits to get the job done. One could also notice his blood line and his strong hockey sense".
Marc Staal who for the second consecutive time found himself sent back to his junior team, Sudbury Wolves, after the Rangers' finished up their training camp in the fall. A decision that wasn't easy, Rockstrom says.
"In terms of development, playing in the AHL would probably have been better for him at this point. However, due to the agreement with the CHL, that wasn't a possibility".
"At least he gets loads of ice time back in junior, if he had been with the Rangers', that might had come in short supply", he adds.
Glimpse of offensive talent
When all was said and done in Leksand, Marc Staal captured his second World Junior gold medal. A feat neither of his brothers will ever have in their resume, regardless of how many scoring titles they might win.
"I can't compare the two gold's. Each one was very special, this one in Sweden with all the Canadian fans being here, was amazing in its own right", Staal said after the final game against Russia.
In that game, Marc Staal also definitely showed off his genes, when the normally stay-at-home type of rearguard surprisingly lead the offensive rush. Behind Canada's first goal of the game, displaying excellent stickhandling and passing ability in the process.
"The puck sort of bounced towards me and their defenseman was jumping the gun a bit. Then I just saw Ryan O'Marra being open", he casually explains the goal, making the skill behind sound really easy.
Pyatt on par with his brother
Both of the forwards' Tom Pyatt and Marc-Andre Cliche of course played lesser roles on the Canadian team than Marc Staal, but they both contributed with a solid role playing game.
"I think Tom Pyatt had a good tournament and I see a future in him as a third liner in the NHL", says Christer Rockstrom.
"Perhaps he'll be on par with his brother Taylor Pyatt"
"Cliche is a good skater and provided a solid effort for Team Canada", was Rockstrom's review of the QMJHL winger.
Nevertheless, the gold medal winner with the brightest future awaiting him on Manhattan when the time comes is certainly Marc Staal.