He worked hard in the off-season, and now Ste. Rose's Brad Marshall is all set for his third season in the MJHL.
The 19-year-old will once again suit up for the Neepawa Natives who are already well into their pre-season like every other team league wide.
"I would say things are going pretty well so far," said Marshall. "We're cutting a few guys here and there and just trying to get down to our final roster. We're going to be a young group but we have lots of speed."
"I'm just pumped up to get things going," said Marshall. "I'm looking forward to the season and hopefully we can make the playoffs and make a run."
For the past two seasons with the team, Marshall wasn't exactly a veteran or a guy who lit up the scoreboard. But, being 19-years-old now, the Ste. Rose native knows he will have a bigger role this season.
"I'm definitely going to have a different impact on the team this year," said Marshall. "I'm going to be in more of a leadership role this year. I lost quite a bit of weight so I'm going to be a lot faster. I'm also hoping to put up more points so we can win games. I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead."
"I'm just going to do anything I can to help the team out," said Marshall. "I want to keep the room light but focused at the same time. We're going to be a pretty tight-knit group so that's exciting."
One of the reasons the team is going younger this year is because the number of players they graduated after last season.
Three of the Natives top scorers in Ashton Anderson, Jordan Martin, and Justin Metcalf all were 20-years-old and have moved on to play hockey at the next level.
Despite losing some very strong scorers, Marshall is confident with the group that should be set to battle this year.
"I mean of course it's tough losing those players, but I'm confident in some of the young guys coming in," added Marshall. "They're definitely looking promising right now so hopefully they can keep that up and fill those guys shoes."
Brad put up two points fewer last season than his first with the team, but he's still seeing progression in his play.
"I think each year you improve and get more confidence on the ice," said Marshall. "I don't really panic with the puck anymore because I'm confident in my game. I'm looking forward to upping my game to the next level this year now."
Brad and the rest of the team open their regular season on September 21 against Winkler.
