“Jumbo” Joe Thornton has been rocking a toque, the prospects are looking sharp and the festivities will not end until today, after the prospect scrimmage.
Day two of the San Jose Sharks’ prospect development camp was very skate-focused, with the addition of tough drills. We got the opportunity to see more from our first-round picks, Michael Misa and Joshua Ravensbergen, and engrave this group’s skill in our minds.
Michael Misa shared how it feels to be on the Ice with some Sharks legends like Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton.
“It’s great, love having him out there, and I’m out there to learn and get better. And it’s fun being out there. It’s crazy to think that he’s out there, though it goes by quick.” Said Misa
“Haoxi” Simon Wang
Misa is not the only one who is excited about sharing the ice with them, “Xaoxi” Simon Wang also shared his thoughts.
“Definitely star-struck for sure. You know, I was like, asking Jumbo [Jo. Thornton] for a pick. I was like Wow. When I was a kid, just looked up to him as a player. It’s pretty cool,” Wang told the media.
Wang has broken a record by being picked this year as the highest Chinese-born draft pick in NHL history, to his family and friends back home, celebrations are through the roof.
“I inspired a lot of kids, and hopefully I opened some doors for kids and some hope for the new generation. And that’s what I hope I’m doing right now,” said Wang.
We are already being shown the heart of these players and how much they care about the future generations. Wang also told us about his parents reaction to the pick.
“I think they’re just extremely proud of me, how far I’ve came as a person and a hockey player. And you know, she’s [his mom] just proud as a mother,” said Wang.
Michael Misa
Misa has made quite a buzz here in San Jose, and not just because he went second overall in the draft. He has been faced with an elite group of players and coaches, and it certainly is a different environment. Not only that, but San Jose as a city is a bit to take in, especially if you are staying in the most high-end area.
“It’s been great, all good things to say. We’re in Santana Row, and that place is unbelievable, too. So yeah, it’s been great so far,” Misa said humbly.
This is a development camp, and that means that there are parts of Misa’s game he is looking to fine-tune.
“I think that this summer is going to be big for me to keep getting stronger and improve my game. So when I do come back for main camp, I’m ready.” Misa shares.
Though it feels like it’s been summer for a few weeks, it is just beginning. Misa talked about what he wants to work on.
“Everything I think, getting stronger in the gym, you know, focusing on my game, on the ice, just stuff I need to improve, coming back to main camps, ready,” said Misa.
He wants to be ready. He wants to be able to take this team to the next step, and it’s looking like Misa is already making his mark.
Highlights of day 2
Landon Marleau and Patrick Marleau had their fair share of ice time together today, and it was symbolic of the Marleau legacy.
Landon Marleau is soaking in the memories of being on the ice with his dad.
“I love it. I mean, it’s a kid’s dream just to play the NHL. But then getting my dad there too, it’s pretty good,” he said on Tuesday.
Yesterday, the media got the opportunity to pick Patrick Marleau’s brain about being with his son on the ice as well.
“It’s great; love having him out there to learn and get better. And it’s fun being out there. It’s crazy to think that he’s out there, though it goes by quick,” said the elder Marleau.
Time sure flies, and I don’t think this will be the first Marleau son we will see at a development camp in the future.
