Deer Lake’s Marcus Kearsey heads into QMJHL draft as the highest ranked N.L. prospect
Watch a clip of Deer Lake defenceman Marcus Kearsey and one thing will stand out above everything else.
That is the 16-year-old’s impressively smooth skating. It is a part of Kearsey’s game that he uses to get to places on the ice that can help his team win.
Now, the son of Hockey NL Hall of Famer Ed Kearsey, who was a great skater in his own right, is looking to take his smooth skating to the next level.
Heading into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft Monday night, Kearsey is the highest-ranked Newfoundland and Labrador player.
“I think it’s just an opportunity to just soak in,” said Kearsey. “It is a pretty exciting time. It can be pretty nervewracking at some times, but I just look at it like an accomplishment and I can be proud of myself for it.”
In the final rankings released ahead of the draft on May 18, he was slotted 28th, with there being some talk of him getting into the upper echelon of the first round come draft day. Kearsey is ranked 10th overall by Puck Preps Eastern Canada.
The next highest to him is Pinnacle AAA Growlers forward Matthew Butler, who is ranked 79th. There are others as well (see factbox).
In total, 17 players from Newfoundland and Labrador were included in the final rankings produced by the league.
After a season that saw Kearsey tally 27 points (eight goals, 19 assists) in 39 games with Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick, the QMJHL Draft will kick off a busy July for the young player.
Once the draft is finished, he will head to Hockey
Canada’s national under-17 development camp July 10-16 in Calgary, Alta.
Kearsey was the only player from this province to receive one of 100 invitations to the camp.
“In the small town I live in, it feels like there is a community behind me and a province as well,” he said. “I’m getting a lot of support from the people here in Deer Lake and in Newfoundland as well.”
Heading into Monday’s draft, Kearsey has some experience with drafts and selections. In May, he was taken in the 10th round (149th overall) in the United States Hockey League Phase 1 draft by the Omaha Lancers.
Coincidentally, Butler was taken in the fifth round (65th overall) by the Chicago Steel.
In the days since his season ended, Kearsey has been back in Deer Lake working on his game. He spends much of his time at the Corner Brook Civic Centre working to improve his already impressive skating.
He’s also looking to put some weight on his frame and get stronger. Kearsey figures it will help him handle the game better at the next level.
Either way, he is looking forward to taking on the challenge.
“Not only just putting 10 or 15 extra pounds on, but being able to use it to my advantage and stuff,” said Kearsey. “Just dominate more physically.”