A couple weeks ago I had a chat with the Heat’s first ever signed player, Louick Marcotte and learned what a good young man he is. Below you can read the conversation we had about what he’s about, the type of player he is, and what he knows about California.
Since our chat, Marcotte has spent some time in Calgary as part of the Development Camp group and seemed to enjoy his time there per his Twitter account!
Big thanks to the @NHLFlames for an amazing week ! #devcamp #Aclass
— louick marcotte (@louickmarcotte) July 10, 2015
Brandon Kisker– Louick thanks for taking a few minutes to allow us to get to know you. My first question is a simple one, how does it feel to be moving on from juniors and sign your first pro contract?
Louick Marcotte– I feel like it’s a big weight off my shoulders. It’s something that I’ve wanted and worked for for so long and it’s an amazing feeling. I’m very honored that the Stockton Heat gave me an opportunity and I’ll try and make the best of it.
BK– What was the process like for you as this deal was being done?
LM– It was mainly my agent taking care of that stuff. He spoke with some teams and Calgary came up with this offer that was the best option for me. My agent agreed and I was just happy to be joining such a good organization that is improving year after year.
Louick Marcotte was the first player signed to the Heat and was part of Team White in the Scrimmage (PHOTO BY ROB MCMORRIS)
BK– Does it mean anything to you that you are the first player that has ever signed with the Stockton Heat?
LM– I didn’t really know that when I signed but it is pretty special to be the first. I still have to work to make the team because my contract is a two-way deal, so I have to do my best to stay in Stockton. I can’t wait to get to training camp.
BK– What do you know about Stockton and California?
LM– I don’t really know much, but I know it’s a warm place and there’s no snow. Where I am now gets snow eight months a year so it’ll be nice to be without the snow. I know it’s pretty close to San Francisco, which is a really nice city and fun to visit from what I hear. Ever since I got signed I have been excited to get to California.
BK– How did you feel about your year with Val d’Or? What was the reason you found so much success there?
LM– As soon as I got there the coach gave me confidence and there’s always a big difference in your game when you play with confidence. The coach gave me the tools I needed to be successful. I also got to play with Anthony Mantha who is a close friend of mine and very talented player. He pushed me and made me better and I think his presence there made me more comfortable in Val d’Or too.
BK– Anything specifically [Mantha] helped you with?
LM– He really just helped me with my confidence. He told me in the beginning of the year to help him be great and we worked hard for each other as the season went along. It’s funny now because we live near each other and it’s kind of kept up during the offseason a little.
LONDON, ON – MAY 20: Louick Marcotte #11 of the Val’Dor Foreurs takes a faceoff against Curtis Lazar #27 of the Edmonton Oil Kings during Game Five of the 2014 MasterCard Memorial Cup at Budweiser Gardens on May 20, 2014 in London, Ontario, Canada. The Foreurs defeated the Oli Kings 4-3 in double overtime. (Photo by Kenneth Andersen/Getty Images)
BK– What was your experience like playing in the Memorial Cup that year?
LM– It’s very hard because you’ve never played against any of the teams you play against in that tournament. You hear about some of the names and know that they’re good, but you don’t really know what to expect when you play them. It’s a short tournament too, so there is no margin for error.
BK– Was there something that you did during your earlier years in juniors that helped you to become the player you are today?
LM– I had a coach named Gordie Dwyer that helped me a lot in the early years. He helped me to understand what I had to do to be successful. The last year I was in Prince Edward Island I learned a lot and gained a lot of confidence to perform at a higher level.
BK– How would you describe your play and is there any one you might compare your style to?
LM– I don’t really compare myself to anyone because there are a lot of good players out there. But if I were to describe my style I’d say I’m a big forward that likes to shoot the puck. I am working to become a more complete player and be a better two-way presence.
BK– Is there anything part of your game that you’re working on this offseason to try and better your chances in Stockton next season?
LM– Yeah for sure because it’s not the same style of game in the AHL that I played in juniors. I’m going up against men in the AHL whereas juniors is all kids. I’m working to improve my strength and add a little weight to be ready for training camp.
BK– Again, Louick, thanks for taking a few moments with us. My last question for you is for our fans who love to get to know the boys, so I have to ask you what sort of activities do you enjoy away from the rink?
LM– I enjoy playing tennis and street hockey when I can. Just do what guys do and hang out with my friends. Most of my time right now is spent just working out and getting ready for next year.
I’m closing out all of my blog posts with a jersey or logo in the sports world. I love sports jerseys (I collect them) and I love logos and what goes into making a brand.
Time for another timely logo to feature and it’s a fantastic one. The Milwaukee Admirals (AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators) unveiled their new logo for everyone earlier this week and it has gotten some rave reviews, this broadcaster included!
One of the best parts about Sportslogos.net is that fans and critics alike can rate logos on a 10-star scale. Well Milwaukee is killing it!
As of this posting, there were 196 separate ratings for this logo and it has received a 9.3 rating out of 10, which I think is a fare assessment.
So why do I personally like it so much? Well it’s just cool. I like the simple color scheme, I like the pirate-y feel of the logo and the word mark is actually really cool. They kept an alternate logo similar to their old primary logo and did a separate “cross bones” alternate logo reminiscent of what the San Francisco Giants do on their hats.
Overall a solid “A” for Milwaukee’s redesign. Who knows, maybe we see them out our way sometime!
Brandon Kisker is the Heat’s Director of Broadcast & Media Relations and is entering his third season as a broadcaster in Stockton. Follow him on Twitter @kiskerbc or email him at bkisker@stocktonheat.com with comments or questions.
