 Grant
Marshall
Dallas Stars Right Wing, Number 29 Shoots: Right Height: 6'1" Weight: 200 Drafted: 1992, First round (23rd overall) by Toronto Born: June 9, 1973 in Mississauga, Ontario Grant Marshall is one of the great players you've never heard of in the NHL. He's a true team player -- respected and trusted by his linemates. Grant Marshall fought his way to the National Hockey League despite being traded from team to team (three teams in two different leagues in 92-93), coming back from a broken neck (in 90-91), and proving to Dallas management that he deserves a spot on the team while in Kalamazoo. He's got his name on the Stanley Cup, and has the tattoo to prove it.Lots of young players fight well; lots of them can push people around and get the puck where it needs to be. But so few have the dedication and confidence to make it to the dance. Grant's dad, Chris Marshall said, "I remember Grant and I were at a banquet where (former Leaf) Mike Pelyk was speaking. He told all the people there that 1 in 25,000 kids make it to the NHL. I looked at Grant and Grant looked at me and said: 'Why can't that one person be me?' And it happened." Marshall began his junior career with the Ottawa 67's in 1990-91. He broke his neck in a game that season and missed most of the year with the injury. By 1992, he was being traded around to different minor teams, and became completely determined to make it to the NHL and a steady spot on the roster. The same year, he was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, but was traded to Dallas with Peter Zezel (for Mike Craig) before he ever played a game with the system. Grant got his first NHL icetime in 1994, with the Dallas Stars, and played two games. Before he could be a full-time Star, he needed to spend time at the Bob Gainey learn to be a pro camp -- at that time, known simply as the Michigan K-Wings in Kalamazoo. While there, countless present Stars sharpened their skills and played to impress Gainey. Obviously, not a bad idea. After a few mediocre-at-best seasons, the Dallas Stars were quickly becoming serious cup contenders. The hiring of head coach Ken Hitchcock and the acquisition of several key players were the final step needed for a championship. Hitchcock has said that each player had brought something different to the team, and without any one person the "magic" could never have happened. By 1998-99, the dynasty had begun. The Dallas Stars had brought the Stanley Cup to the sun belt. In 99-2000, they made a second finals appearance in as many years. Not too bad for a kid from Mississauga. Of course, Grant Marshall's life isn't exclusively on the ice. He is actively involved in the Dallas Stars StreetStars program, a street hockey program aimed at keeping at-risk youth out of trouble and into sports and education. And as it has been all his life, Grant's family is the number one thing in his life. His mom, Jackie Marshall explains, "We try to keep it close-knit in our family. We aren't afraid to openly show affection... I enjoy watching Grant play, but I truly enjoy him just as a human being. I think he's funny. But he's really a nice person. I'm proud of the man he's turned out to be." |
THE GRANT MARSHALL EXPERIENCE WAS CREATED AND WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH JONES
