GREENVILLE , S.C. – As the regular season winds down, and the ECHL’s South Division leaders, the Greenville Road Warriors, look ahead to making an impact in the post-season in the club’s inaugural year, much will be said about the players on this season’s squad. The Road Warriors have seen great play from both veterans and rookies, and specifically from Marc-Olivier Vallerand.
Marc-Olivier Vallerand
Vallerand, a right-winger from
Longueuil,
Quebec, has had an impressive rookie season in
Greenville. Through sixty-seven games, the rookie has posted fifty-three points on twenty-eight goals and twenty-five assists. His twenty-eight goals tops all ECHL rookies in 2010-2011 in goals scored, and is ranked fourth overall in total points. “So far, things have been going well for me this season. I came in not knowing what to expect, but as my confidence grew, I was able to help the team win some games,” said Vallerand. “Coach Dean Stork has put together a great team. I have never been on a team that has such great chemistry; really from the start of the year.” What began as another year of hockey for Vallerand, turned into something special, when he was named to the 2011 ECHL All-Star team, after Greenville teammate Brendan Connolly was called up to the AHL. The right-winger made the most of his All-Star appearance and notched one goal and two assists in the mid-season classic. “Being able to experience the All-Star game was great,” said Vallerand.
Prior to his first season in the ECHL, Marc-Olivier spent four seasons with
Quebec City of the QMJHL, where he was coached by NHL great Patrick Roy. “As a seventeen year old and entering hockey, being able to learn from his experiences really helped my game. He would often share experiences with the team, which benefitted all the guys on the team.” Vallerand proved himself during his last year in the QMJHL, when he posted seventy-five points which was second best on the 2009-2010 team.
“Marc-Olivier has a great personality, great work ethic, and is a good role model for younger players coming up,” said Greenville Head Coach Dean Stork. “He really wants to work hard and make it to the AHL, and you can see that desire every time he steps on the ice.” Vallerand would like to stay focused on the current season, and if and when the AHL calls, then he will be ready when that time comes.
Aside from hockey, Vallerand is still taking classes toward his degree and is trying to take up golf. He is happy that his girlfriend,
Alexandria, was able to make the trip and stay with him in
Greenville. “Having her here with me, makes the journey a lot easier. My family and her family has visited us several times, which has also been very important for me,” added Vallerand.
As the Road Warriors roll into the post-season, the squad will be looking for Marc-Olivier Vallerand to continue his solid play on the ice and help the win the games they need in order to advance to the Kelly Cup.
Contact author at
ryan.kouvolo@prohockeynews.comRelated
