The Little Man With the Huge Heart

Few believed the little guy from Switzerland could make an impact in the OHL let alone stand a chance to be considered for the NHL entry draft.

But Lino Martschini of the Peterborough Petes has shown more heart than players 12 inches taller than him. He's listed at 5'5" and only 130 pounds. But watching him play most nights you wouldn't say he plays small.

He's not afraid to go to the dirty areas. He tries to throw hits. He gets involved in the action. And he's putting up points. Through 28 games he's scored 7 goals and added 22 assists for 29 points for the East Division's 5th place team.

His ppg pace doesn't sound like much but consider that he has been involved in 27% of all of Peterborough's offense. Compare that to Matt Puempel, who has played 7 more games, who's been involved in 43% of the Petes offense and you can see how important Martschini has been to them.

Martschini was also invited to Team Switzerland's Camp for the World Junior Championships.  Like most 17 year olds, he didn't make the roster but he's come back with a vengeance to the OHL. In the Petes' 2 games since the Christmas break ended, Martschini recorded 3 assists in each game; a 6-1 win over Belleville and a 6-4 loss to Oshawa.

There is no questioning his heart, his drive and his determination to want to play in the best league in the world. The question that will always follow him is can NHL teams get passed his size?

Personally, i love an underdog. And that is what Martschini is. If you've watched him play, you can't help but root for him.

Lino Martschini Named

Peterborough Petes forward Lino Martschini has been named to the Swiss World Junior Team Roster.

Peterborough Petes and Sarnia Sting Player Updates

Before I go on about the 2011 draft players, i just want to mention 3 guys that aren't eligible until 2012. Peterborough defenseman Slater Koekkoek and Sarnia forwards Nail Yakupov and Alex Galchenyuk are showing very early into this season that they will be first round picks in 2012. Everything so far points to stardum for these three in the future.

Peterborough has struggled in the early going this season and have gone 2 games without scoring a goal. In fact the goaless streak was at 150:43 until Ryan Spooner scored in the second period. But you have to give the kids credit for not giving up and keep on working. Even though pucks aren't going in as frequently for Matt Puempel, he is still showing why he will be a top pick in 2011. He continues to skate hard, get in on the forecheck, set up his teammates, drive to the net and get shots on goal. If he keeps playing like that, the points will come as they did last night.

The 5'5" Lino Martschini impresses me more and more each time i see him. The speedy skater doesn't back down against anyone. He goes full speed ahead into the forecheck, he will drive to the net, has a deceptive shot and is a very good playmaker. Despite his size, an NHL team will give him a chance at the NHL level, but it remains to be seen when he will be selected.

Defenseman turned forward Derek Mathers could turn into a very good power forward. He goes all out hard every time he's on the ice. He can make a big hit and will take one to make a play. Wins most battles along the wall. He needs to work on his skating a bit. Will do whatever it takes to give his team a lift whether its a big hit or a big fight. He did both last night when his team was down and had gone 7 periods without a goal.

Goaltender Andrew D'Agostini has been relegated to a back up role after the Petes acquired Bryce O'Hagan from the Soo Greyhounds who's experience should help a very young Petes defence.

Sarnia's Brett Ritchie Is really bringing his game along. He's a force in front of the net who makes it hard for the opposition defence and goaltender. He's gritty fights hard to retrieve pucks comes back har on the backcheck and is more than reliable in his own zone. His offensive numbers aren't where they should be right now, but playing on a line with Yakupov and Galchenyuk, they are bound to go up. And he will be a first round pick in 2011.

Brandon Francisco is a super fast skater. He gets in on the forecheck and battles hard. Uses his speed to create chances for himself and his teammates. He gets some penalty killing time, which goes to show he is good in the defensive zone. He has good offensive ability and is making the most of his chances, On a team that boasts 2 rookies in the top 10 in scoring, the Sting aren't depending on Francisco's offense so everything he produces is just gravy. 20 goals and 60 points are not out of the question for this season.

Lino Martschini

Lino Martschini - Peterborough Petes
5'5 - 126 lbs

At 5'5", you'd have to think the Swiss born player has to be a long shot to ever play in the NHL but i have to give Martschini some kudos here.

He's a bright spot on a Peterborough team that is having all sorts of trouble early on this season. In 5 games he has 2 goals and 3 assists to sit amongst the rookie leaders in the OHL.

Martschini has tremendous offensive abilities. Last season with his Swiss U18 club Zug, he scored an amazing 26 goals in 9 games. Martschini then played 17 games in the Swiss Elite Jr league for Zug U20 and registered 14 goals and 13 assists. He also played for Switzerland during the Ivan Hlinka Tournament and scored 1 goal and 2 assists in 6 games.Two seasons ago he had 46 goals and 38 assists in just 38 games.

There is no question about Martschini's offensive abilities, and playing behind guys like Matt Puempel and Ryan Spooner who should draw the oppositions checkers, he will get plenty of chances to showcase it.

Martschini is extremely fast and shifty. He has a quick release on his shot that is deadly accurate. He is a hard worker every time he is on the ice and has a very high hockey IQ.

His offensive abilities, his style of play and determination on the ice, along with his size, brings people to compare him to Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The question now, and through to June 2011 is, will anyone give him the opportunity in the NHL?

I certainly would. But where would you select him in the draft? NHL scouts will be in awe of him but will also face the dilemma of where would you draft him?