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

Player of the Day: Joe Pavelski

Why Joe will succeed at the Olympics: Won a Wisconsin State Hockey Championship while attending Stevens Point Area Senior High. Won the USHL's Clark Cup in 2004 as part of the Waterloo Blackhawks. Lead the Wisconsin Badgers in points in 2005-06 season, and helped those same Badgers win the NCAA Division 1 National Championship. Joe lead the San Jose Sharks in game winning goals (3) throughout the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Being a smooth skating, shot blocking, and competent player on both sides of the puck has enabled Joe to play and succeed in all situations, evidenced by his ability to put up more than a point per game until reaching the NHL. During the Vancouver Olympics, expect Joe to fill more of a grinder/defensive forward role, while still being able to fill a spot on the power play if needed.

Below are a couple of Joe's cards that you can pick up through checkoutmycards.com and sportsbuy.com.





2009-10 Upper Deck, #153

Dan Boyle

Pick up the above card and more through Pat's Cards on Checkoutmycards.com.

Dan started his career with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the IHL in 97-98. He broke into the NHL in 98-99 with the Florida Panthers. On January 7, 2002 the Panthers traded him to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 5th round pick. Dan was instrumental in 2004-05 when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup. Spent the locked out season with Djurgardens IF Stockholm. On July 4, 2008 he was traded to the San Jose Sharks for Matt Carle, Ty Wishart and 2 draft picks. He is currently with the Sharks, and was one of TSN's picks to possibly win the Norris Trophy for the 09-10 season.

Sweet coast to coast goal.



A little video produced by the NHL about Dan.