Teen swims with Sharks

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- While most teenagers ponder life after high school, 18-year-old Patrick Marleau concerns himself primarily with goals and assists.
The San Jose Sharks centre is the NHL's youngest player -- which doesn't exactly make him your typical teen.
"I seem to take it all in stride, and not sit down and think about it too much," he said. "I think I can fit in with the older guys and then, if I'm with the younger guys, I can fit in there, too.
"I think I'm pretty mature for my age, I guess, but there's still a kid in me."
Although many NHL draft picks are developed in junior clubs or minor-league affiliates, Marleau -- San Jose's top pick and the second overall last June -- impressed the Sharks in training camp and earned a roster spot.
Now the native of Swift Current, Sask., is trying to prove -- on a daily basis -- that he belongs. In 55 games prior to Friday night's contest against Anaheim, Marleau had 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points.
Denis Marleau said his son showed an aptitude for hockey right from the start, with good balance and speed.
"It seemed like he interested," Denis Marleau said. "I didn't push him, he was eager to learn."
Patrick Marleau quickly graduated through the levels of hockey, eventually leaving home at 14 to pursue the sport. He lived in Swift Current before moving on to Seattle of the Western Hockey League.
Marleau was the league's Western Conference player of the year in 1997, just his second season with the Thunderbirds. He finished third in league scoring with 125 points (51 goals, 74 assists) and led the league with nine short-handed goals.
The Sharks took notice and made him their top pick. In training camp, there was much talk about whether the talented teenager was ready for the NHL.
Rather than return him to his junior club, the Sharks decided to take a chance.
"I thought maybe he'd be back playing another year of junior hockey," Denis Marleau said. "But he's always played at an age group higher, and he can handle himself with the older players."
The Sharks are fiercely protective of their six-foot-two, 220-pound centre, making sure he isn't pushed too far, too fast.
Coach Darryl Sutter, often reluctant to talk too much about his young players, is an ardent Marleau supporter.
"As far as how he's progressing, well, he seems like every other young player in the league, he has his good nights and he has his bad nights," Sutter said. "But now, with the schedule that we have, you put a little bit more emphasis on making sure there's no bad nights.
"He's a good kid. I think everybody knows how I feel about him."
Unlike most teenagers, Marleau's life centres around his career. He lives in a guest house on Sharks goaltender Kelly Hrudey's property, and in his spare time watches movies or goes out for lunch with teammates.
With each practice and game, Marleau said he's learning more. Although he's trying to establish his own identity, he does look to other players for tips.
"I am really trying to be my own person," he said. "But there are always people you can take stuff from, like one of my favorite players is Mario Lemieux.
"I think he's one of the most skilled players ever so you try and learn from different players like that."
As for being the NHL's youngest, Marleau admits he gets some ribbing on the ice. But it doesn't faze him -- he's heard it before.
"I always seem to be the youngest player on all the teams I've played with," he said. "I'm used to it."

SLAM! Sports Search Help CANOE