Saturday marks the kickoff of the SMJHL draft where for some prospects all their hard work and dedication turns into a chance of a lifetime and an opportunity to fulfill their hockey dreams. We had a chance to sit down for an interview with one of the more enigmatic prospects Jacob Marsh.

Marsh may be one of the more unknown prospects, in fact he hasn't even played at a AAA level but hard work and some timely genetic help could mean he hears his name called earlier than thought in Houston this Saturday. At the start of his AA season this year Marsh was listed as 5'11 and 175 soaking wet but showed up to camp at 6'1 200 and by the end of the season his growth spurt seemed to cap at 6'3 210. That growth was a godsend for a player who makes his living around the net mirroring one of his favorite players Tomas Holmstrom. "It was tough, playing a physical net front game. The slew foots, lower back cross checks, and damn goalie hacks to the back of knees all while being one of the smallest on the ice. But I loved it, you won't ever see me shy away from those type of battles, but uh yea those 4 inches and 35 pounds made it a lot easier." Marsh told us. 

The result was a thorough domination at the AA level, to such a degree there is now chatter of him being taken at the upcoming SMJHL draft which is generally reserved for the top players in the top minor leagues. That hasn't stopped Marsh from hoping someone takes a chance on him. "Listen, it's not like I have a ticket to Houston. I know it will be a surprise if I'm taken in one of the early rounds but I can guarantee even if I go undrafted the pursuit of my dream isn't going to stop. There's been some small talk with scouts and had a GM call but I also understand whoever takes me in the draft will be taking a huge chance on a player who hasn't seen a minute of play at the AAA level but I know my game can translate to the SMJHL I just need to opportunity to prove it.

In speaking on his specific game and goals it does appear the suddenly large power forward has some attributes SMJHL GMs should covet. Marsh gave us a bit of insight as to how he models his game "I grew up with my Dad playing near constant clips of the 90s wings dynasty and while there are a ton of players to take bits and pieces and I guess tips from their game, Holmstrom is the one who spoke to me. He made his living going to the net and setting up in front, he wasn't the biggest but he was one of the toughest, not only does he take the abuse to score and draw penalties he rarely retaliated. He really did help his team any way he could whether screening so his D could rocket point blasts past a goalie who was left clueless, banging in the garbage goals or drawing penalties to give his team the man advantage." 

The work he has put into molding his game is clearly paying dividends in the last year with no small help from his growth spurt. "I was always a fast skater, never the most agile turn on a dime type skater but driving the net I can outskate the D more often than not, I know it was AA but I still think this will be a major asset in the SMJHL. When I was one of the smaller on the ice I had to focus on skating, my shot and finding space so I can use those both effectively and I did have some success in my earlier seasons relying solely on those, but yea getting that additional size seemed to be what I was missing to truly find the top of my game."

He may be underselling his skills a bit as well as his checking and net front game jumped up quite a few levels in just the past season. Marsh knows there is still much to flesh out in his game. "Strength, defensive zone, and mentally preparing for the SMJHL is where I will focus much of my training in the next year. I feel I have the ability to chip in on the offensive zone and can be enough of a pain in the D zone to make a few huge open ice hits and create turnovers but I know I have a long way to go to truly have that two way game. The goal for myself next season is simply to acclimate and round out my game. With the resources available whether GMs, Coaches or teammates I know I will be able to get my game to the next level and hopefully many more after that.

When asked where he would like to be playing next season he responded simply. "In the SMJHL. Listen, I want to win, I absolutely hate losing. That doesn't mean I need to go to a stacked roster, I think any team in the SMJHL can go on a run and building something, accomplishing something, that everyone thought was impossible may be the greatest feeling. Even if I end up on a rebuilding roster I welcome that challenge and will be there to push teammates to practice everyday like its the championship. I have that underdog mentality, nobody gave me a second thought as a draft consideration at the start of the year and through hard work, and I guess in no small part to my growth spurt, I forced myself into the conversation. My only goal is to continue to force myself into these conversations that seemed farcical at the beginning of the season, and I know I have that ability."

Whether or not Jacob Marsh hears his name name called on Saturday, I think it's safe to say we will be hearing more of him in the coming years and will be a fun journey to watch.

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