A different jersey has never looked better for Paul Marshall.
The calm and collected man between the pipes for the Bobcats is trading in his green and white for stars and stripes at the end of the month, joining a collection of the United States' most accomplished, select hockey players.
Marshall, a native of Orland Park, Ill., was selected in September by USA Hockey in Colorado Springs as one of 28 players (22 roster players, six alternates) to make the trip to Harbin, China for the biannual tournament.
The application process began after the 2007 season, Marshall said. After former Bobcat Jim Fuhs was selected to play in the previous tournament, coach Dan Morris suggested to Marshall he should look into the World University Games opportunity.
And so the trek began.
Marshall was accepted to the evaluation camp in Detroit late in August, where he was one of 80 invitees showcased to head coach Joe Augustine. Of the 80 players invited, Marshall was one of eight goalies.
Of course
it's an awesome opportunity to go to China and represent my country Marshall said. It's a huge honor for me and the university. Ever since I've known about the event I can't remember a team without an OU player
which is great.
I found out I had made it about a week after the tryout, and it was just really exciting.
The tournament preparation begins in mid-February when the team will gather in Chicago to play a series of tune-up games against local collegiate club teams
beginning with DePaul.
On Feb. 19 at 2:30 a.m. Eastern time
the United States opens the tournament against Korea.
Marshall will share goaltending duties with Stephen Yu of the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
While the opportunity to play for his country is humbling
the situation also proposes a challenge for his teammates.
The team is beginning to play consistent hockey and climb back into playoff contention
largely because of the play of Marshall and fellow goaltender Chris Carlson.
On many occasions
Morris has referred to Marshall as the guy to beat in the league
a player that opposing goaltenders love to beat.
Ohio will be without the guy for three weeks
and most importantly
