#5 Prospect: Martin Marincin

Here are my reasons for ranking Marincin top 5.

1. He has a wide range of skills.
2. He is playing for a very poor hockey team. Last I checked, Marincin was +2 on a team that is -12 overall. His number is the best on the team among defenders.
3. Prince George coach Dean Clark: “You know who he reminds me of is when Alexander Edler came into our league with Kelowna. I think he’s better than Alexander was with Kelowna and look what Alexander turned into in the NHL.”
4. He has been described as a man among boys at times this season, although the boxcars aren’t as impressive as one year ago.

Although his boxcars appear to be way off from a year ago, a closer examination of Marincin’s even strength totals suggests he’s on track and the team is off the rails offensively.

• 2010-11: 67, 6-18-24 .358
• 2011-12: 22, 1-6-7 .318

The PP numbers are way off and that’s a concern. However, we know that most defensemen don’t drive the PP bus and the scouting reports have him playing an effective 2-way game (outside of the period just after returning from suspension). PG is averaging 2.33GF this season, down heavily (3.58 a year ago). I don’t think it’s reasonable to suggest anything Marincin is doing would be responsible for that kind of dropoff.

Martin Marincin will play for Slovakia at the WJ’s in Alberta this Christmas. It will be the third appearance at the tournament for the 19-year old defender.

• Dan O’Connor, Cougars pbp man (courtesy ironsight):  “Even though he didn’t score any goals or put up any helpers, Martin Marincin was a man among boys through spurts of Saturday’s game with Kelowna. Marincin proved once again that when he wants to, he can be the most effective and lethal player on the ice. He’s fast, strong, smart and skilled, and has the ability to take a game over. If Marincin puts forth a similar performance tonight against Kootenay, the Cougars will have a great chance to win.”