Youth Movement: Marcus Kearsey – OurSports Central
December 21, 2022 – Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – Charlottetown Islanders Information Launch
A youth motion has taken over the Islanders locker room and among the many recent faces is promising rookie defenseman Marcus Kearsey.
Kearsey is a 16-year-old left-shot defenseman who stands 5’11”. Chosen thirty second general within the 2022 QMJHL Draft, the Deer Lake, Newfoundland native has posted 2 objectives and 12 assists for 14 factors in 31 video games.
“I’ve discovered the largest factor off the ice is the way you’re handled. Between the coaches, tools managers, and athletic therapists, everybody treats you want a professional.” Kearsey commented in regards to the distinction between main midget and leaping into the QMJHL.
“One other factor I’ve seen is how lengthy the seasons are. Proper now we have made it via the primary half and I am only a handful of video games away from taking part in the identical quantity I did final yr. There’s extra adversity that comes with taking part in within the QMJHL. Accidents, illness, and general fatigue from the variety of video games have made the transition a little bit difficult. On the ice, nonetheless, I might say the largest factor is how briskly the video games are performed, you need to make your choice a break up second faster in each space of the ice.”
Since coming back from Detroit Purple Wings camp Kearsey has been paired alongside overage defenseman Jeremie Biakautuka because the staff’s high defensive pairing. The 232-game veteran has taken on the mentorship function to the Deer Lake, Newfoundland native.
“Jeremie has been probably the most influential for me. Whether or not it is a follow, recreation, or some other exercise with our staff, he has had a really impactful affect on me” mentioned Kearsey. “Being my D associate, he has taught me quite a bit with regards to taking part in within the Q. In follow, he all the time offers me a fast tip or assures me we each perceive the drill so we are able to execute in the very best kind.”
With 31 video games below his belt, Kearsey will spend the vacation break making ready for the again half of his rookie season.
“Total consistency in all areas of my recreation is the principle factor I wish to enhance on” said Kearsey. “I additionally imagine the little issues involving defensive recreation akin to field outs, one-on-one battles, and making a superb first go are all features of my recreation I would wish to hold getting higher at.”
Away from the rink, Marcus is having fun with all the good issues Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island has to supply.
“The number of meals and eating places has been one thing I’ve taken benefit of since I arrived. Dwelling in a small city in Newfoundland there aren’t many locations to exit and eat. Attending to attempt new meals from completely different locations around the globe has been one thing completely different for positive” Kearsey mentioned.
After making the transition to main junior, Marcus provided recommendation for the following crop of rookie prospects rapidly approaching their very own draft day.
“I might simply inform them to work as exhausting as they’ll and have enjoyable day in and time out. I believe folks get too labored up in desirous to be the very best and so overwhelmed by the encompassing stresses. As soon as they get into this league and understand it, I imagine one of the simplest ways to get by is thru having enjoyable and treating the chance as a privilege and never a chore.”
Marcus and the Islanders return to motion in Saint John on December twenty eighth earlier than returning residence to face the Moncton Wildcats on December thirtieth and Acadie-Bathurst Titan at 2pm on December thirty first. Tickets could be bought on the Eastlink Centre Field Workplace in particular person, by telephone at 902.629.6625, or on-line.
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