- Fan-favorite and alternate captain, Patrick Marleau, in the locker room in Sharks Ice at San José. Photo: Clifford Grodin
What was it like growing up in Canada?
I loved it, I grew up on a farm. As far as hockey goes, I was able to get ice time any time I wanted and that helped out a lot early on. I started skating when I was three, but there were only a couple things you could do up in Canada where I’m from. So I played baseball in the summer and hockey in the winter.
When did you know you wanted to go pro?
Right when I figured out you can make a living off of it. And I didn’t really see myself doing much else besides that.
What is your favorite thing about hockey?
It’s something I love. All the people you meet, all the friendships you make is something special.
What’s something that people don’t know about you?
Maybe that I rode horses when I was younger. I love horses … we had a great time when the whole family went and showed horses on the weekends.
You were second draft pick in 1997 behind Joe Thornton. Was that one of your favorite hockey moments?
Yeah, you always remember your draft. But I think I’ve had some pretty good memories since then like last year’s playoffs with a couple overtime goals. Winning the Canadian Olympics is also one of those special moments.
What about attaining a 1,000th game this year?
Yeah, that’s something I’ll definitely remember. I was able to score in that game so it made it a little more memorable. I think it’s pretty tough to do. There are only a few guys who have done it over the years — I mean 200 some guys who have done it — but, it’s a nice little accomplishment.
How do you balance being a father, husband and a hockey player?
If I’m in a bad mood I try not to bring it home. That’s probably the main thing. The kids don’t really care how you did or how things turned out. They just want you to play and have fun. The past is the past for them and that’s something we can
learn from them.
Are they hockey fans too?
My oldest is a big fan. He’s only four but he wants highlights on all the time. He almost makes me look like I’m not obsessed with the season.
Any favorite things to do in San José when you’re off the ice?
We take the kids to the parks. There’s a great sportsplex facility out near Silver Creek that has big jumping houses and all types of things like that. We take them there just to get outside and enjoy the weather.
What does it feel like to be Pacific Division Champions again?
It’s nice. I think to do it five years in a row is something special, something you can feel good about yourself. And being on a team that is that successful that many years is pretty impressive.
What do you think you bring to the team as alternate captain?
I try to be a good teammate, try to do whatever it takes to win: score goals, win face-offs, play well defensively.
You described Logan Couture in three words in our first issue. Can you describe yourself in three words?
Let’s have Couture do it. [Looks around for Couture but sees teammate Jamal Mayers instead]
Jamal, can you describe Patty in three words?
Mayers: Humble, determined and a gentleman.
The money’s in the stall.
A myriad of news outlets swarm left wing and alternate captain, Patrick Marleau, after the first home practice following the Sharks’ Pacific Division Championship win. Photo: Clifford Grodin
