Welcome to our new Lakers weekly segment "Blast from the Past." Each week BayToday's Joey Butkevich will sit down and chat with a player about their past and their journey to North Bay and the Nipissing Lakers hockey program. Today's guest is Lakers forward Andrew Marcoux.

Where have you lived throughout your life?

I am originally from Rockwood, ON. That is my permanent residence. I have also lived and played in Huntsville, Mississauga, Kingston, and now North Bay.

Biggest superstition's growing up?

I am not a very superstitious guy.

Role model growing up? Why?

I would definitely have to say Mark Messier. He was my brother and I's favourite hockey player growing up, because of his ability to captain the Oilers, score goals, and win four Stanley Cup's. He also never allowed anyone to push him around.

Who did you pattern your game after growing up?

Personally - in my opinion - I thought I played like Mark Messier.

What has made you successful as a hockey player? Why?

My work ethic has made me successful as a hockey player, because I work hard and never give up. Every time I am on the ice I am prepared to battle, and do the little things it takes to win.

What do you think the game of hockey and life have in common?

I believe that both the game of hockey and life, both have mental and physical challenges that can be tough to over come. This is why both can be challenging at any given time.

When you were growing up, how did you prepare yourself for hockey season?

When I was younger, I always used the sport of Lacrosse as a way to prepare for the upcoming hockey season. Both hockey and lacrosse combine cardiovascular training, and has allowed me to be prepared for training camps.

What sports did you participate in away from hockey growing up?

Generally, I only played lacrosse growing up.

What is your Lacrosse background?

I played lacrosse growing up and the last couple years I played Junior B for the Guelph Regals, and last year I played junior a for the Brampton Excelsiors. I was invited to the Toronto Rock rookie camp this year, but I had to turn it down to stay hear in North Bay and keep playing for the Lakers.

Best practical joke you've seen in hockey?

I'd say a good practical joke I've seen is called the shoe check. It is when some one sneaks behind someone and puts something on their shoe. In this case it was ketchup, and then everyone taps their glasses and everyone checks their shoes not knowing if they are the victim.

Best hockey moment you have taken part in?

Scoring the Lakers franchise first ever hat trick!!!

Advice for local hockey players? Ways to improve/motivate?

Play for fun. And play because you want to play hockey.
What's your take on hockey in Canada right now?
I think that Canada produces the best all round hockey players.

Favourite all-time hockey pump-up song?

Blur - Song 2

You have a message for your fans?

To all the Lakers fans... you are the best fans in all of OUA hockey!!! You guys rock!!!!

Photo courtesy Brendan O'Connor

Print View | Send to a Friend
News Response | Sports Response