Sharks’ Olympic Update: Marleau Assists, Vlasic Laying Low
By Eric He
Marc-Edouard Vlasic enjoys laying low, as Team Canada won their first game on Thursday.
Team Canada got off to a positive start in its quest for gold for hockey in 2014 Winter Olympics, defeating Norway 3-1 on Thursday.
Two members of the San Jose Sharks are on that team: forward Patrick Marleau and defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and both were in the news.
Marleau had a team-leading five shots, but despite not scoring, managed to record an assist on the Drew Doughty goal that made it 3-1.
Meanwhile, Vlasic was the topic of an article on NHL.com by Arpon Basu that talked about his “life under the radar.” This is certainly true; while he possesses tremendous defensive skills and is one of the Sharks’ most valuable players, he is rarely shown in the spotlight and has never made an All-Star game.
Yet, he was chosen to represent Canada in the Olympics, and on top of that, was paired with Doughty on a defensive line.
But the humble 26-year-old just “isn’t about that action,” as Marshawn Lynch would say.
“I’m a quiet guy,” Vlasic told Basu. “I just do what I do on the ice. Other than that, as long as your peers and coaches know you, to me that’s what’s most important.”
And he’s unselfish as well, going on to say, “I’ll probably be in more of a defensive role, but whatever it is I’ll play the way I have been the last four years. That’s why I’m here.”
Actions speak louder than words. Despite his reluctance to be in the spotlight, if Vlasic keeps working hard and playing at the same level that he has been the past few seasons, he will be given his fair share of credit.