I had hoped to be posting my thoughts on the season that was, but at this point I, and I expect most UMass fans, am caught up in the departure rumors surounding the program.  My season recap is in the works, but for the time being I have to write about the subjects at hand.  And with that….

Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican is reporting that James Marcou is planning on turning pro.  Personally, I have heard much of the same from very reliable sources since the team was eliminated Saturday night.  Earlier tonight former Collegian writer Joe Meloni posted on Twitter that Toot Cahoon does not expect Marcou to return.

Earlier today I gave you my thoughts on Casey Wellman turning pro, now I guess it’s Marcou’s turn.  Frankly, there is no doubt in my mind that James Marcou has NHL skills.  His vision and playmaking abilities are unrivaled, at least in terms of the 17 years I’ve watched of UMass hockey.  But, to point out the elephant in the room, Marcou is going to have problems with his size.  James is listed at 5’8″.  That’s nice.  Let’s assume it might be true.  That’s still very short for an NHL forward.  Are his skills NHL level?  Most definitely.  Can he overcome the challenge of his stature to have an lengthy NHL career?  In my uncertified opinion, no.  Well, perhaps, I guess.  Not to say he can’t do it.  Just saying I frankly have no idea.  And that’s a big ole question mark.

James has been quoted as saying multiple times that one of his big hockey heroes is equally diminutive but amazingly talented Martin St. Louis.  St Louis has let nothing stop him from not only having a legitimate NHL career, but establishing himself as an All-Star level type player.  Like Marcou he too was an undrafted player when he entered the collegiate ranks, but if Marcou leaves early St Louis accomplished something James will have not.  St Louis stayed all four year for the Vermont Catamounts and became their best player of all time, leaving the venerable Gutterson Fieldhouse as the record holder in points and assists.  He was also a three time NCAA All-American and Hobey Baker candidate.  Sound familiar?  Marcou is already the all-time assist leader at UMass.  The points total will be tough to match, only because the great Pat Keenan was so dominant for those early 70s teams.  But Marcou has a chance to equal most if not all of those accomplishments.  Three time All-American?  He’s well on the way, assuming he is selected to such an honor again this year.  Could he become the first UMass player to WIN the Hobey Baker?  He would certainly enter next year as one of the favorites. 

The NHL will be there in a year.  Could his statstics potentially go down with the loss of Wellman?  Perhaps.  But did he prop up Wellman’s stats or the other way around?  I would argue the former.  He makes the players around him better, not the other way around.  What could Syner’s numbers be as Marcou’s go to winger?  How would star recruit Mike Pereira do matchedup with up a setup-man like Marcou?  James, The NHL will be there in a year.  College immortality is something most never even have a chance at.  In the next couple days Marcou will be making his decision.  Judging from what is being reported and what I’ve heard his decision is close to being made.  But I hope he reconsiders that decision.  He could go on to a solid NHL career perhaps.  Or he could be the next Greg Mauldin and live a life of AHL busses and an occasional season overseas.  Even the great Thomas Pöck could never fully establish himself in the league and now plays in Switzerland.  But how many hockey players can live their life with the title of being the best player to every play at their collegiate program.  That’s the decision James Marcou has in front of him.  I for one hopes he goes for the near sure bet of one more year of immortality versus the immediate risky venture that is pro hockey.

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In more positive news, the commitment of Steven Guzzo is official.  I like the intangibles described in the Oakville press release.  Note that it appears Guzzo will be coming to Amherst this fall.

(photo by Oakville Blades)