Harry Marshall: Welcome to (Team) Illinois

Harry Marshall: Welcome to (Team) Illinois

WING FOR THE TI 13O TEAM IS AN EIGHTH-GRADER AT G FORCE SPORTS ACADEMY IN ADDISON, LOVES ANIMALS

by Ross Forman

Harry Christopher Marshall III is a left-handed shooting wing for the Team Illinois 13O team, his first season calling the Land of Lincoln home. He played last season for the Philadelphia Little Flyers 2012.

Illinois hockey, he said, “is more competitive and enjoyable, and every team in the area feels like a rival.”

Marshall, 13, lives in Schaumburg and is an eighth-grader at G Force Sports Academy in Addison. He formerly played for the Piedmont Predators, Potomac Patriots, Loudon Knights and Washington Little Caps.

“Starting with a great group of kids really helped me enjoy coming to the rink and develop a passion for the game,” he said. “They showed me that there are more steps to strive for in hockey. The game is not just about playing—it’s about getting better every time you are on the ice. They also showed me some things that were not so great and that I didn’t want to be a part of. They help me with the smaller steps in improving my skills.”

Marshall’s hockey career has included MVP honors in youth tournaments and he played in the prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament

“I like to score and make plays. As a bantam, I really enjoy the physical aspect of the game,” said Marshall, wearing uniform No. 92.

Last season, he scored a hat trick against the Mississauga Rebels in Canada. He also scored his team’s first goal in the Quebec tournament. His most memorable game last season was the district finals against the New Jersey Rockets.

“So far this season, it’s going great,” he said. “We have only lost two games and are ranked in the top five in the country. The coaches are very helpful and focused on my development to help me get to the next level. My teammates are a great group of kids—they know when to be serious and when to have fun, and they love the game as much as I do.

“Each team I moved to has been better and better, which has really helped with my development, enjoyment and passion for the game.

“(Moving to Illinois) has been great so far. There are plenty of places to visit, and the hockey has been fantastic. There are also lots of golf courses and driving ranges to enjoy when you want to get away from the rink.”

Marshall said his parents have had a huge impact on his hockey career already. “They support me and provide the resources necessary for me to continue advancing my career,” he said. “Whether it has meant driving to rinks an hour away or moving and living in different locations over the last two years.”

He also praised Alex Grose, a skills coach in Virginia who he has been working with since he was 7. “He really helped me develop my hockey skills and my passion for the game, while making every skate enjoyable. He always pushed me to skate with bigger and older players, which helped fuel my drive to reach the next level,” Marshall said.

Slapshots With … Team Illinois Forward Harry Christopher Marshall III

Pets: His sister trains dogs “and I really enjoy playing with them in my downtime.”

More Dogs: “When I go over to my friends’ or family’s house and they have dogs, I love being able to play with them.”

It Helps: “Working out every day, watching film and having daily shooting sessions with Coach John Wallin.”