Marcus Nguyen returned to Portland this fall after spending his 16-year-old year with the Winterhawks during last season’s shortened schedule.
What a difference a year makes.
The Calgary, Alberta native appeared in 16 games as a WHL rookie, time he soaked in everything like a sponge.
“Coming into last season, I just thought of it as a learning year,” Nguyen said. “This year, everyone knows it is my draft year. I’m coming in with a lot more confidence and an increased knowledge of the game. I’m learning from the guys, the older veterans. Coming in as a rookie is hard. You just have to learn all the concepts of what Mike (Johnston), Don (Hay), and Brian (Pellerin) are bringing to you.”
The 5-foot-10, 173 pound winger showed up to the Neely Cup (Portland’s training camp) exuding some swagger which has carried forward into the middle of September.
“I’m a lot more prepared this year. Coming into preseason from Neely Cup with a lot of confidence. It has been really good so far, getting a lot more ice time, and I’m taking advantage of it,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen registered a goal and an assist in his first year in the Rose City.
In his first three games of the preseason, he has found the back of the net three times. The right winger’s scoring ability impressed head coach Mike Johnston.
“He’s been outstanding. Right from training camp, I feel he’s carried it through,” Johnston said. “He learned a lot last year when he came into our bubble, and I thought just his assertiveness, obviously his speed is a big factor, but he shoots the puck hard. He’s a worker right now, and I think that that’s helped him get opportunities.”
With a goal in each preseason game so far, Nguyen shared the spotlight.
“Have to give credit to my linemates, it is not just me out there,” he said. “We’ve created a lot of chemistry throughout the time we’ve been together as a team. It has really helped on the ice and translated to my success.”
With 13 possible Winterhawks not in the lineup due to being away at NHL training/development camps or injured, Nguyen’s linemates have sometimes featured defensemen.
On Friday afternoon against the Spokane Chiefs, Portland only dressed seven forwards instead of the typical 12. This meant young defensemen were asked to play out of position and join the forward corps.
“It is just a little different with the defense popping up,” Nguyen said. “They have adjusted well to it though. There are time that you are a little confused with what they are doing out there because it isn’t their position, but they are working hard and are making the plays that Mike, Don, and Brian are asking for.”
The Winterhawks conclude their preseason on Saturday night against the Tri-City Americans. They will then have less than two weeks before they are back in Kennewick to kick off the 2021-2022 regular season.
Nguyen shared his goal is to keep the momentum rolling and earn his ice time. He’s learned from his rookie year, gotten off to a hot start in training camp and preseason, and is now ready to showcase what a year of experience is worth.
