“Cooper is a very smart, highly intelligent hockey player. Has a gift of slowing down the game, reading situations and making high-level, executed plays.”

Cooper Marody has taken off on the scoresheet much like a bat out of hell and it shows as the collegiate junior has 24 points through just 16 contests so far this season. When you thought he could not get much faster than he already was, he somehow manages to find a high gear and is making good use of it when generating creating for others in the offensive zone. With him and other prospects coming down the pipeline, current NHL fixtures such as Giroux and Voracek will have a very capable cavalry for backup support in due course. Continuing to put on good weight while keeping his quickness intact remains a high priority.

Growing up, Marody knew he wasn’t going to outmuscle or outskate anybody, at least not just yet.

But maybe he could outskill them.

Instead of darting all over the ice in an attempt to make an impact, Marody let the game come to him, eyes scanning all over the rink, carefully anticipating his next move before incisively doing so. His intelligence and calm attitude allowed him to make up for his physical disadvantages and mentally stay ahead of his competition. Know when to pass, know when to shoot. Know when to lie back, know when to go for it.

He goes hard on the forecheck, causes turnovers and creates chances around the net. He displays tremendous speed and acceleration, and uses his speed to take the puck wide and create chances from the outside as well as the inside. He doesn’t take long to mull over his decisions and while he isn’t overly creative, he does make the smart play and finds seams quickly.

He has a hard, deceptive shot, and is more than willing to go to the dirty areas for the puck and for his chances. He can fire off a very hard slapper and quick release wrister. He plays a very high-energy game, and he never quits despite what the score might be.