PHILADELPHIA, Pa – While most of the attention given to the Flyers at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the local media and fans was directed at the number two pick overall where the Flyers selected James Van Riemsdyk, little attention was given to who the Flyers next selected in the draft. Kevin Mitchell, a 19 year old defenseman who last season played for the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), was taken in the second round (41st overall). The Flyers who lacked good, young, defensive talent overall in the organization, took a player who fits the Flyers mold perfectly. Marshall, a 6″ 1″, 190 pound, solidly built, hard hosed defenseman, is known for his physical style of play. Don’t expect Marshall to lead the Flyers defenseman in scoring one day. Marshall is a true-blue stay at home defenseman. Something the Flyers could use starting next season with the departure of Jason Smith and the imminent departure of Derian Hatcher. After last weeks prospect camp at Voorhees N.J., we sat down with Marshall to get his thoughts on the prospect camp, his future with the Flyers, and…Patrick Roy? You will find out what I mean later. Since being drafted last season, things have been going well for Marshall. “Over the past year I think I’ve gained a lot of experience,” said Marshall as he reflected on the past year. “Between coming here during this years camp and last years camp, and playing in juniors I feel strong and more confident. I am getting to know all of the staff here. It’s a big step to get to the NHL, and I know I have to work to get a spot here, but I still have to work a lot to get here and stay here.” While last season was a good one for Marshall, he knows that if he makes an impression on John Stevens and the rest of the coaching staff, who knows, maybe he might be the one filling Smith or Hatchers shoes sooner than you think. “I will try to come to training camp and earn a spot, but there are a lot of good defensemen already here. Either way I’m looking for a great year. In the off-season I got traded in juniors from the Lewiston MAINEiacs to the Quebec Remparts, so who knows, either way I know I will have a good year.” The Quebec Remparts, the same team with a certain future Hall-of-Famer as the Head Coach. “Patrick Roy called me to tell me that he was excited to have me on the team. Even though some people say he’s crazy, I like him,” Marshall said with a laugh and a gleem in his eye. “He has a lot of drive. I like someone with a lot of character. I think we are going to work well together.” Still, a phone call from Patrick Roy? “I answered the phone and I didn’t know who’s number it was, and I answered and he said; ‘Hello, this is Patrick Roy’. All I said back was ‘hello’. I didn’t know what to say. He was very friendly. He was very nice to me. I like him. After this camp I’m going to Quebec to check out the facilities. It should be fun. And what kind of player does Marshall see himself as? “I’m the kind of defenseman that likes to play well in his own zone. To move the puck up quickly. Get it up to the forwards. The Flyers have seen me play and they want me to move the puck up quicker because the game is so much faster at this level.” “I like to play against the best player on the other team and get into his face. I would love to do that with the Flyers one day.” Getting in an opposing players fans is definitly a good way to be a fan favorite in Phildelphia, something Marshall found out first hand at the draft. “That’s the first thing everyone told me was that you couldn’t get into a better place than Philadelphia. They play the type of hockey that I like here. I want to say ‘I don’t want to play against Philly tonight because I know what I’m in for.’ I know they’ve (the Flyers and their fans) had a great reputation since the old days so I’m looking forward to the future here.” And for Marshall the sooner the better, however, he also knows that if not today, it will happen sooner than later. “I know that I am still young but I want to go as far as I can. I want to continue to get as much experience this year so it helps me for next year, and the year after. Even after this season (in juniors ) if I can come and play for the Phantoms that would be great so I can get even more experience. I want to stay as long as I can so I get to know more of the staff and the Flyers members. The more I know it will make me even stronger for the year after. One thing is for certain though, confidence is definitly not an issue. “For now I’m just going to go to Quebec and help get the team win. We are going to have a very good team this year. I’m going to carry the team and lead them to the Memorial Cup.” Marshall had a good laugh after that last night, but you get the feeling that he just might be a man of his word. His new best friend, Patrick Roy, would love it if Marshall is right about how next season will go. In the mean time, most Flyers fans and media members will keep there collective eyes on top prospects Van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux, but they just might want to keep there eyes on someone else who just might be maning the Flyers blueline for the 10 years if all goes well. Contact the author at Bjennings@insidehockey.com
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