Player of the Day: Patrick Marleau

In case you missed it, I will be highlighting a player from Team USA and Team Canada leading up to the Vancouver Olympics. Today's player of the day, is the San Jose Sharks' franchise leader in scoring and games played: Patrick Marleau.

He began his junior career in 1995-96 playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL). While playing for the Thunderbirds in 1996-97, he finished in the top three in the league in goals scored and totals points (51g, 125pts). Following his time with the Thunderbirds, he was draft second overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, right behind current teammate Joe Thornton (1st overall).

During his first few years in the league, he put up respectable numbers for a skilled forward playing in the "Dead Puck Era." Following the lockout, he became a point per game player, with the exception of the 2007-08 season, which was a down year for him.

While playing for Team Canada he was able to win a gold medal at the 2003 World Championships. During the lockout, he was part of Team Canada at the 2004 World Cup and 2005 World Championships.

As always the cards below, and many more, can be purchased through Checkoutmycards.com and Sportsbuy.com.





2008-09 Black Diamond #68

2009-10 Ultra #123