Hard Markinson Junior Review

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Hard Markinson Junior Review

 

 

Hard Markinson left the USA National Development Team and declared for the VHL in S76. He was deemed to be a Season 78 draftee, and right off the bat was considered a high-end prospect in his draft class. Markinson would declare his draft availability after the VHL S76 Trade Deadline, making him eligible to sign with a VHLM team before playoffs, and be eligible to play in the VHLM Playoffs before his VHLM Draft Year. Markinson joined the Mexico City Kings.

 

Mexico City Kings

Hard spent 13 regular season games with the Mexico City Kings. This was an adjustment period for the physical defenseman as he only tallied 4 points during that period, only sporadically getting ice-time as a youngster on the competing team. Markinson made it public that he and his player agent spent a lot of time watching video, and analyzing the roster to determine the best fit and the best chance at the Founder’s Cup. When Markinson decided to sign with Mexico City he knew that he would get moderate ice-time, but when he was on the ice he would be able to show off his game, really contribute to the team’s overall success, and get some good reps in the VHLM before his first official season

 

Markinson looked solid with the Kings, as they entered the playoffs. They were a top three team in the league, but the Houston Bulls looked to be a very intimidating opponent as they steam-rolled the league during the regular season. Markinson proved his worth with the Kings as he earned more ice-time as he brought a level of toughness to the team that they had been lacking in the regular season. Markinson was able to only get 2 points in his playoff run with Mexico City but he was able to tally 41 hits during their 15 game run to the Cup. What was obviously the highlight of his first taste of the VHLM, and likely the highlight of his early career was the Founder’s Cup win with the Mexico City Kings. It improved his confidence, showed him what it felt like to win, and really boosted his draft stock for the VHLM Draft that would take place only months after hoisting the cup.

 

Mississauga Hounds

 

In the S77 VHLM Draft the Mississauga Hounds would select Hard Markinson with the 4th overall pick. Markinson was thrilled to be selected that high, as the management team in Mississauga really believed in him. The pick after that they selected Joe Madison, who would end up being Hard Markinson’s defense partner for the duration of the year. Madison, a returning player who was already drafted 14th overall by the Calgary Wranglers, was a talented puck-moving defenseman who would join the rush, but was lacking the physical presence. Markinson would prove that he paired well with that type of player, as the two gelled perfectly. Mississauga would end the season with an incredible 62-10 record and 124 points. This would be a historic finish as they entered the playoffs as the number one seed and unanimous favorites to win the championship. Markinson ended the season with 63 points, 23 coming from goals, and 198 hits for the year.

 

Unfortunately after winning two playoff series in definitive fashion, the Hounds were swept in the finals by the Miami Marauders. Markinson would finish as a point per game in the playoffs, and tallied 57 hits in the 15 games played. While the Hounds were unable to win the championship, Markinson’s first full season showed incredible development. He became a household name and a primary target for VHL Scouts. As the draft nearly approaches, we expect Hard Markinson’s name to be called early in the night this Thursday.