National Hockey League draft prospect taking full advantage of sophomore leadership role

Dec. 1, 2023

Marcus Kearsey, a second-year Charlottetown Islanders defenseman, takes a slap shot during pre-game warm-ups before a game against the Val-d'Or Foreurs at the Eastlink Centre on Saturday, Nov. 25.

(Reegan MacAulay)

When Marcus Kearsey steps into a dressing room, his personality shines. 

The second-year Charlottetown Islanders defenseman always has a smile on his face. 

“It’s all about getting better every day like everybody else. Just going to the rink with the mentality that you want to get better and just improve is kind of what I’ve done. 

“Playing in the (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) isn’t a chore, it’s a privilege. It should not be taken for granted,” Kearsey said. 

His attitude has shaped his major junior career since he was selected by the Islanders in the second round of the 2022 QMJHL Draft, 32nd overall, in July. 

Kearsey moved to Prince Edward Island in August, the second time within the past two years he’d be away from his Newfoundland home. 

He took advantage of his time, going to the beach multiple times in the offseason and learning from veteran players at training camp. 

“Once I met everyone and got situated, I didn’t want to tiptoe, I just got right into it,” Kearsey said. 

Guy Girouard, Islanders assistant general manager and assistant head coach, immediately noticed Kearsey’s personality during training camp. 

“Very happy-go-lucky, outgoing, always had a big smile on his face. He brought energy into the (dressing) room.  

In the 2022-23 regular season, Kearsey scored 29 points in 68 games. 

The Islanders won 26 of those games, the team’s first season with more losses than wins in years. 

“We were getting adjusted, like everything was a big adjustment,” Kearsey said. 

“Even though I had been away from home the year before, it was still a new place, a new league, a new organization. It was just like, just keep doing what I’m doing.” 

Coach Girouard said Kearsey was put in many situations that 16-year-old players don’t often get to play in. 

“He never really got fazed, like his spirits were always up. He knows it’s a long process, a learning process. Throughout the good and bad days, he’s always kept a great, positive attitude,” Girouard said. 

Kearsey trained over the 2023 offseason in Burlington, Ont. with several friends. 

When he returned to the Islanders in August, he was given a nice surprise. 

He was named an assistant captain for his sophomore season. 

“We had a meeting with all of the coaches and the (players) that had the letters. It was pretty cool to be a part of it. To have been recognized was pretty special,” Kearsey said. 

Girouard said giving Kearsey an ‘A’ on his jersey was a no-brainer. 

“We’re trying to build around our ’06 and ’07 born players and we think he’s one of the leaders within that group, so it’s good to give him a run and learn from the leaders we have now,” Girouard said. 

Kearsey took advantage of his new role in every way imaginable, from leading team-building activities to attending player appearances. 

His most notable community work is through the Kearsey’s Kids program, where kids can sit on the player’s bench at home game warm-ups, have one-on-one visits with Kearsey, and receive a limited edition T-shirt. 

“I wanted to do something that would get kids involved. Just being able to give back to the community and let people know that this initiative is helping people,” Kearsey said.

So far this season, Kearsey has improved his numbers with 20 points in 26 games, but the Islanders have just 10 wins.

“I think there are always going to be ups and downs, and we’ve got a great group of guys in the dressing room who will be able to turn things around later in the season. We’re just getting an early scent of (bad luck) now, but we’re not too worried about it. 

“For me, it’s going to the rink with the mentality that I want to get better and improve like everyone else, doing it all with a smile on my face,” Kearsey said. 

Girouard said Kearsey has come a long way on and off the ice. 

“He’s a lot more assertive on the ice, has taken a little bit more of a leader role and has said stuff in the (dressing) room. He’s not afraid to speak his mind,” Girouard said. 

One thing that has been in the back of his mind this season is an upcoming event in June 2024 – the National Hockey League Entry Draft. 

Since he’s 17, he will be eligible to be selected. 

“Just seeing my name and just to be in conversations is something that excites me overall. I have to take it all in and try to enjoy every moment. 

“The first thing is, can I keep up the numbers? It’s just stats and stuff, but I want to prove that I can produce in this league and be able to show that I can play defense and play with bigger guys as an undersized defenseman,” Kearsey said. 

Girouard said Kearsey is naturally offensive but needs to work on his attention-to-detail defensively. 

“We’ve been stressing for him to work on his defense to be harder to play against because that’s what’s going to take him to the next level,” Girouard said.

To follow and connect with the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, visit their website at https://chl.ca/lhjmq-islanders/.