Ex-Leafs Blueliner Mark Giordano Takes on New Coaching Job
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Former Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano has a brand new coaching role, and it involves working with potential #1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer.
Although he's retired from the NHL, former defenseman and all-time shot block leader Mark Giordano still chimes in from time to time with analysis and opinion; even putting his blocking (and acting prowess) on display.
Mark Giordano keeping busy mentoring Matthew Schaefer
But he seems to be putting his hockey knowledge to good use, as he is going to be one of the people helping to mentor Matthew Schaefer, who is protected to be the # overall pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft.
Schaefer, who only played in 17 games this year due to a broken clavicle he received during the World Juniors, revealed to NHL.com senior writer Mike Morreale that Giordano is going to be working with him defensively this summer:
I'm working out with (trainer) Bryan Marshall, and my defense coach is (former NHL defenseman) Mark Giordano, so I'm super excited to work with him. I'm going to be skating with him a lot. - Matthew Schaefer
Schaefer will also be working with New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech; who is also an Erie Otter alumnus and shares the same trainer.
Why is Matthew Schaefer projected to go #1?
Projected to go #1 overall, Schaefer has been a two-way monster for the Otters who does everything well. He plays exceptional defense, blocks shots, has a keen playmaking eye, can skate like the wind, and has all the intangibles to be an elite NHL player.
But beyond his incredible play lies an incredible story. Schaefer has dealt with a lot of tragedy already in his young life, with the loss of both his billet mother and biological mother in the span of three months.
Already feeling the weight of being a projected superstar, Schaefer has acknowledged the struggles he has gone through, but wants to set a positive example for others who might not have the same support system:
I just want to be a good person. I've been through a lot and I want to help other people.
I've been through a lot of things that other people haven't, and these kids have gone through some of the similar things and we're in the same category.
I was really excited to talk to them and hopefully change their minds a bit on some things, coping with things like this. My mental mindset, I just want to be able to talk about my mom a lot and people I've lost and just be happy.
I want to bring on the legacy that she had and the amazing person she was.
I've been through a lot of things that other people haven't, and these kids have gone through some of the similar things and we're in the same category.
I was really excited to talk to them and hopefully change their minds a bit on some things, coping with things like this. My mental mindset, I just want to be able to talk about my mom a lot and people I've lost and just be happy.
I want to bring on the legacy that she had and the amazing person she was.
It shows an incredible amount of resilience and character from a 17-year old let alone a full-grown adult; and if Schaefer can handle those types of pressures with grace and humility, then he can tackle anything the NHL has to offer.
So with Giordano in tow, a positive and iron-clad mindset, and the skills necessary to be a major star in the NHL, the sky's the limit for Matthew Schaefer.
And he's gonna fly high for a very long time too.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 3 | 443 ANSWERS Ex-Leafs Blueliner Mark Giordano Takes on New Coaching Job Do you think Matthew Schaefer will be a better player thanks to Mark Giordano? | ||
| Yes | 369 | 83.3 % |
| No | 74 | 16.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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