Adam Marsh: ‘I Won’t Let Detroit Down’
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Two years ago Adam Marsh almost quit hockey after a disagreement with his Midget AAA coach. Despite walking off the team, the Chicago, IL native was able to land a roster spot on St. John of the QMJHL for the 2014-15 season and he took advantage of the opportunity piling up the points and drawing attention of NHL scouts.
“I always knew I really liked hockey, but I didn’t know if I wanted to deal with it anymore,” Marsh said. “Sticking it out through tough times is definitely worth it now that I am here. I am really happy.”
The Red Wings selected the 6-foot, 160 pound winger 200th overall in June’s draft. Many, including Marsh himself, expected he would go sooner after being ranked 55th overall in Central Scouting’s final rankings.
“It was pretty nerve wracking,” he said. “Once the fifth round went by I got a little nervous. When my name was finally called, it was a great moment for me and my family. I couldn’t be more happy that it was Detroit.”
After a strong first season in the QMJHL which saw him post 24 goals and 44 points through 60 games, Marsh had hoped his efforts would have improved his draft stock. Unfortunately the issues in Chicago likely scared scouts away, but Detroit is often willing to make a risky move took a flyer on the young sniper in the final round of the 2015 draft.
“I am just glad the Red Wings gave me the opportunity and used their pick on me,” Marsh said. “It is such an honor to be part of this organization. I won’t disappoint Detroit for taking a chance.”
Marsh hasn’t been able to show the scouts what he can do after sitting the first two games of the NHL prospect tournament in Traverse City, MI. He’s been held out as a precaution due to a slight concussion suffered in a preseason game.
“I ran into a teammate in a preseason game and they are just taking precautions and not letting me play the first two games,” he said. “I want to get into a game as quick as possible, but we’ll just have to see what they say. It’s been tough sitting out and not being part of this.”
He’s participated in all the practices and could suit up for game actions as early as Monday. The winger would add another scoring threat to the bottom two lines as Detroit attempts to earn its second championship bid in three years.
“I just want to help this team win,” he said. “I knew guys playing for both Carolina and Chicago so it would have been fun to be part of it, but I’ll be happy to just get a chance to be in the lineup.”
Marsh was particularly anxious to play on Saturday against his hometown Blackhawks. The young sniper grew up cheering for Chicago until the Red Wings called his name in June.
“I remember watching the Wings and the Hawks play all the time as a kid,” Marsh said. “I was always routing for the Hawks then, but now I am routing for the Wings. It will be a little strange at first, but I’m a Red Wing now.”