Robert Marchese - #7 Left Wing

Biography

Things have to go right in ones ball hockey career to score the "Greatest goal" in the History of the game. To score that goal in Overtime, in a World Final, at home in front of a big crowd against the best competition in the World. Well some people dream of that scenario and it is just that a dream. This particular player did it. And the CBHA is proud to welcome him into the Ball Hockey Hall of Fame.

Rob Marchese is acknowledged as one of the most skilled players to have ever played the game. Certainly in the late 90's and early years of 2000 he had reached his peak and was considered without peer as a player in the World. A diminutive player, who had explosive speed, and the ability to turn on a dime with the ball displaying wonderful ball handling skills. He was a goal scorer supreme, with the ability to dart into open holes and score big goals. He also had a great one timer of a shot that bedazzled goalies and probably still haunt them to this day. People actually came to watch this guy operate. And what a show he put on in rinks in Canada and throughout the World.

Marchese, starred for the Midnight Express and was the spearhead of its High powered offence. He was a major reason why this club team won five National tittles in a row. He also was a part of two World Championship Canadian teams, and proud member and leader of those teams. He represented his country proudly and helped set the table of a winning tradition and style that remains with the program to date. As you read below you will see how it came to be that he scored the biggest goal in the history of the game. Canada 4 Czech Republic 3 (OT), Toronto June 2001, Rob Marchese welcome to the CBHA Hall of Fame.

Interview

1. How did Robert Marchese find ballhockey?
Like any other kid growing up, I played in school yards and loved playing at the local Recreation Centre (Wallace Emerson Community Centre). I used to watch my older brother Serge, a goalie for the Islanders in Tier 1 at Downsview Arena & Central Arena. After playing a couple of years in gym leagues, I joined the Islanders in 1990.

2. You were known as one of the best ball handlers of all time. How did you get those skills?
As a kid I used to follow my brother Serge who was 6 years older then me. Him and his friends would allow me to play. Playing with older kids at a young age really helped my game.

3. What does an offensively gifted player need to score goals in our sport?
Scoring goals was something I enjoyed doing very much. Putting yourself in the best position possible and having a quick release is very important.

4. You scored the biggest goals in the history of our sport. The winning goal in the 2001 World Championship in Overtime to beat a very good Czech Republic Team. What did that mean to you? How did the play Happen?
Wow, what a great feeling that was. After losing in 1999 in Slovakia in a shoot out and coming home and winning in overtime to recapture the World Championship, that was something I'll never forget. I remember the goal like it was yesterday. Gus Kourousis stole the ball at the blue line, the ball went back to Dave Marcelli who attempted to slap it in. His shot went straight up in the air and some how ended up on James (Chicky) Mentis' stick. Chicky then slapped the ball just wide of the net. Nelson Lajeunesse picked up the ball off the boards and threw it in front past two sliding defenders. The ball landed right on my stick and the rest as they say is History.

5. You played in many National Championships. Which won do you remember the most and why. What was your favorite city to play in?
For some reason I remember Newfoundland 1994. The Midnight Express chose me as one their pick up's. We made it all the way to the finals and then lost to the Fernview Rangers. I remember the dressing room after we lost and the guys talking about the following year and what we had to do to win. I think that loss helped us in the following years to come as we won 5 nationals in a row from 96 - 2000. Newfoundland was by far was my favorite. The passion they had for ball hockey was second to none. After winning the Nationals in 1997, we were put on the front page of the Newfoundland newspaper. That's how much ball hockey meant to them.

6. What does a young player need to do to be a top ball hockey player like you were?
You must believe in yourself, strive to be the best you can be and never give up and of course have fun.

7. What did it mean to you to represent Canada, and play International Ball Hockey?
It was truly a great honor to represent Canada Internationally. Playing your favorite sport with your friends and team mates and traveling all over Europe, doesn't get any better then that.

8. What can ball hockey do for a young player who is thinking about playing it?
Ball hockey is a great way to stay in shape, make new Friends and have a lot of fun.

9. Who were some of the players who caught your eye playing with and or against in the many years you competed both Provincially, Nationally and Internationally?
There are so many great player in our sport. My favorite player was Gus Kourousis. His moves and finesse were awesome. A young Bobby Mentis was unstoppable. Terry Griffiths power and Paulo Musto's heart. Watching those guys play only inspired me to play harder.

10. What do you think the future of ball hockey is?
It seems that Ball hockey is growing here in Canada and overseas. Hopefully one day it will be an Olympic sport. That would be something to see.

Career:

. 1990-1994 North York Islanders
. 1995-2004 Midnight Express