Quick Facts: Marcus Vela

Quick Facts: Marcus Vela

Jun 27, 2015

With the 190th overall pick, the Sharks selected center Marcus Vela from the Langley Rivermen of the BCHL.

Hailed as one of the best forwards in the BCHL, Marcus Vela is a versatile centerman with a physical side to his game. He excels at two key aspects of the center position: he knows how to direct players and set up plays, and is responsible defensively. 

1. Described as a “power center,” Vela is the type of player who has the skill to put the puck in the net but doesn’t shy away from the rough stuff. In the 2014-15 season, he scored 20 goals and 26 assists with the Langley Rivermen while also racking up 57 PIMs.

2. He is a well-rounded player with a solid two-way game. Scouts note that he has a high compete level and knows when to bring a physical element to his game to make a difference.

3. One of his coaches on the Langley Rivermen described Vela as a player “that has the ability to play in any situation.” And that “in the defensive zone, he makes good reads and can execute when put in an out-numbered situation.”

4. He is committed to the University of New Hampshire for the 2015-16 season, where he will play with fellow 2015 Sharks draft pick Mike Robinson.

5. Vela was born on March 3, 1997. On that day, the Sharks lost 4-5 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The goal scorers for the Sharks in that game were Shean Donovan, Jeff Friesen, Greg Hawgood, and Owen Nolan. The starting goaltender for the Sharks was Ed Belfour.

Follow him on Twitter at @MVela_97.