Mark Katic

2007-08 Update: October 1, 2007: Mark Katic reported to the OHL's Sarnia Sting following training camp with the New York Islanders. He missed Sarnia's first 5 games. Sarnia opened up the season with a 1-4-0 record.

	Isles Select D Mark Katic 62nd Overall
	July 23, 2007:  Profile: D Mark Katic Born: May 9, 1989, Porcupine, Ont. 2006-07: Sarnia (OHL) Shoots: Left ISS:  50th overall

From THN:

In a best-case scenario, Mark Katic will develop the way Keith Ballard did and become a reliable NHL defenseman. In a worst-case scenario, he'll never play a game in the big leagues. 

And scouts seem pretty much split down the middle on their projections for him between the former and the latter. Katic is another small, skilled defenseman in a draft where there is plenty of them available. 

He's a very good skater who passes the puck well and can quarterback the power play, but often has trouble handling opposing physical forwards down low. 

After receiving rave reviews early in the season, Katic went on a downward spiral in the eyes of some scouts. 

"He just seemed to go backward as the season went on," one scout said. "I'm not sure that he's good enough for his size."

islesinfo.com comment: I was looking at Katic alot early on in the 2006-07 season. He is probably one of the three best, fastest skaters in the draft along with Bill Sweatt and Stefan Legein. The Hockey News projects Katic as an offensive defenseman. The knock on him is he often gets caught out of position trying to rush the puck, much like Bryan Berard use to do with the Islanders. So sometimes he tries to do too much and spends too much time trying to get back into the play. But hopefully he will improve for the Islanders sake because they can't afford Katic to be a miss prospect like THN says he could turn out to be. He only scored 5 goals in each of the last two seasons with Sarnia, so he should take a larger role for a power play quarterback in 2007-08. Hopefully he will go on to become one of the top scoring defensemen in the OHL starting next season.

To be honest though, I compare him a lot to Chris Campoli. And the book is still out on Campoli's potential.

Islanders Ontario Scout Tim MacLean: I first saw Mark Katic this summer at the Canadian Under-18 camp. He was a really dynamic skater. Then I saw him most of the season with Sarnia as the year went on. Mark has good offensive ability and moves the puck up the ice as well. He's small but not scared to work the body. When I met him in person, he was a very nice kid. Mark is a quiet young man, but he is a quality individual. (from nyi.com)

Islanders Assistant GM & Director of Amateur Scouting Ryan Jankowski: Despite being undersized, Mark is a defenseman made for the new NHL. His vision and puck ability are high end. He has good awareness and has smart playmaking ability. Mark's forte is to control the game on the rush. He is a talented puck distributor on the power play. (from nyi.com)

CSB:

Central Scouting Report: A skilled offensive defenseman… is an excellent, elusive skater with great agility and lateral movement… passes hard and accurately…not afraid to battle on the boards…has a good wrist shot, but does not shoot often enough.

Hockey Profile: Participated in the 2007 CHL Top Prospects Game for Team White… was a member of Team OHL for the Canada-Russia Challenge in 2006…named to the OHL All-Rookie Team in 2005-06… selected to the All-Star team at the Under-17 Junior World Cup in 2006… played for Team Ontario at the 2006 Under-17 World Championships… selected second overall by Sarnia in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection.

Personal Profile: If he had the chance to have dinner with any three people he would invite: Bobby Orr – “he is the best defenseman ever", Toronto Maple Leafs’ legend Bill Barilko “he’s from my home town” and his grandpa – “to see what he was like because I never had the chance to talk to him”… most memorable hockey game: winning the gold medal at the Under-18 Championships – “it was the biggest game of my life and we came through”… most memorable hockey game watched: 2005 World Junior Championship gold-medal game – “it was the first gold that Canada won at the World Juniors that I would have been old enough to remember”… admires the late Terry Fox because “what he has done for cancer research is incredible”… credits his dad for having the most influence on his career because of his support and dedication as well as for always making an outdoor rink… patterns his game after Colorado’s John-Michael Liles and the Buffalo’s Brian Campbell because “they are small defensemen with skill”… always putting the right side of his equipment on first is part of his pre-game superstitions… favorites include: “slap shot low blocker” (shootout move), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL team), Scott Niedermayer (NHL player), Toby Keith (country singer), Invincible (movie), One Tree Hill (TV show), Owen Wilson (actor) and NHL 2007 (video game).

Red Line Report's Kyle Woodlief: “For me, Katic is the best-skating and best-passing defenseman in the draft. If he were bigger, he’d certainly be a top-10 guy. He’s maybe barely 5-10 and 182 lbs,” Woodlief said. “Five years ago, he wouldn’t have even been considered for first-round status. The skating ability and passing ability helps him overcome concerns. I think he is going to go somewhere in that range – 20-25 – even though we have him ranked a bit higher.

“Not only is he a good skater, but he uses a variety of head and shoulder feints in the corners to avoid checks. It’s very difficult to get on him in the corners because he moves so quickly laterally. He is very difficult to trap in corners and get a clean hit on. He is a very slick and elusive kid who really understands the game.”

ISS: 

Skill: Has great feet, quick, smooth and agile, tremendous skater- very tough to beat off the rush- Very good puck skills and hockey sense.

Scouting Report: Katic has seen a steady decline in our rankings throughout the year. His size and strength deficiencies have been very evident when in physical battles and when defending in his own end without the puck. His tremendous puck smarts and skating skills give you a lot to like about his game, so it’s hard not to like this undersized prospect. With the addition of the veteran and offensively skilled defencemen, Ryan Wilson, the offense coming from Sarnia’s back end was spread out more and may have cut into Katic’s offensive production this year. Drafting Katic may be a little bit risky with his glaring physical deficiencies in mind, but there’s also a chance it may turn out being a smart pick with the new rules in mind.

NHL Potential: A smooth skating, puck-moving d-man, PP specialist.

Style compares to: Brian Campbell

Report Card
Size/Strength C
Skating A+
Shot/Scoring B
Puckhandling A
Hockey Sense A
Leadership A
Poise A
Defense B

Red Line Report: Ranked 15th. Stated Katic is the best puck moving defenseman in the draft.

Katic voted onto Island
editorial, timmins daily press, June 26, 2007

Mark Katic's quest to join the ranks of fellow Timmins natives Steve Sullivan, Paul Harrison, Don Lever, Walt Tkaczuk, Frank Mahovlich, Peter Mahovlich and Allan Stanley - to name just a few - who have forged long and successful NHL careers, took an important step on Saturday.

The Sarnia Sting defender was selected with the first pick of the third round in the National Hockey League's entry draft by the New York Islanders; 62nd overall.

Katic was in Columbus, Ohio, for the two-day event, that started Friday night with the first round and continued Saturday morning with rounds two through seven.

Beyond the first couple of picks in the draft, there was little consensus among scouts over the order in which players would be selected.

Some scouting services had Katic ranked as high as 15th - which would have put him in the middle of the first round - while others, such as the NHL's Central Scouting, had him ranked 59th among North American skaters.

When you factor Europeans and goaltenders into the mix, that could have put Katic late in third round, or even early in the fourth round.

All things considered, going 62nd overall was about where you would have expected to hear Katic's name called.

Still, that couldn't have made it any easier for him as he sat in the stands waiting through pick, after pick during the first two rounds of the draft.

His anxiety likely didn't reach the levels of a couple of other draftees, however.

Heading into the draft, Russian right winger Alexei Cherepanov had been ranked No. 5, but he didn't hear his name called until the New York Rangers made the 17th selection.

And then there was Quebec centre Angelo Esposito, who had been ranked No. 1 at mid-season and No. 8 heading into the draft. He didn't hear his name called until Pittsburgh made the 20th selection.

Timmins residents who watched the NHL draft live on TSN Friday night did not get to see Katic selected, as the network only carried the first round of the draft.

Die-hard hockey fans who subscribe to the NHL Network, however, did get to see Katic's name called Saturday morning.

In addition, they got to see Katic - wearing his new Islanders jersey and cap - being interviewed on the network after he had met team officials.

Islander officials were surprised to see Katic was still available when it came time to make their selection.

The team's assistant general manager, Ryan Jankowski, envisions the Timmins Majors grad as "a defenceman made for the new NHL."

It should be pointed out, of course, that Katic still has a long way to go before he establishes himself as an NHL regular - or even plays his first game in the league, for that matter.

There are no guarantees he will make the jump from being a successful Ontario Hockey League defender to a regular spot on the Islanders' blue-line.

It will take a lot of hard work and determination to get him to the next level.

He will have to continue to hone his skills and improve his game in the OHL - maintaining his focus and drive.

Katic Selected By Islanders
Sting Defenceman Taken With First Pick In Third Round
sarniasting.com, June 23, 2007

Columbus, OH - Sarnia Sting defenceman Mark Katic was selected with the 62nd overall pick on Saturday morning at the NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders.

Katic a native of Porcupine, Ontario was actually the first player selected by the Islanders as they had moved their first and second round selections in previous deals.

Katic was the 2nd pick overall in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection by the Sting and was named to the first OHL All-Rookie squad for the 2005-2006 season.

The smooth skating defenceman has also enjoyed success with the Hockey Canada development program having won gold with the U-18 team last August.

The entire Sarnia Sting organization congratulates Mark on his selection to the New York Islanders.

Katic poised for stardom on big stage 
Defenceman ranked as high as 15th in NHL Entry Draft scouting
by Vincent Man, Timmins Daily Press, June 19, 2007

Frank Mahovlich. Steve Sullivan. Les Costello. Shean Donovan.

In a matter of years, Mark Katic may be added to the list of hockey players from Timmins who have gone on to successful NHL careers.

This upcoming weekend's NHL Entry Draft in Columbus, Ohio, is the next step for Katic in realizing his dream of playing on the big stage.

With the uncertainty the draft brings, katic is nervous, but excited.

"I'm not sure where I'm going to be taken," he said. "I just want to be drafted as high as I can and go to a really good organization."

Part of the uncertainty in katic's case is how high, or how low, he has been ranked by different agencies.

The NHL Central Scouting Bureau has katic ranked 59th, while TSN.ca and the International Scouting Service are close with rankings of 56th and 49th respectively. On the other hand, the Porcupine native is seen as the 15th-top prospect in the draft by Red Line Report and 26th by The Hockey News.

Katic feels it reflects the past season with OHL's Sarnia Sting, which he was not completely pleased with.

"I had an up-and-down season," Katic said. "It wasn't the greatest season I could've had, but some scouting agencies still have me as being 15th and 26th."

In 68 games in the 2006-07 season, the 18-year-old defenceman posted five goals and 35 assists.

Katic's talent was not overlooked by the OHL, as he was named to the league's select team to compete in the Canada-Russia Challenge, as well as the All-Star Classic in January. He was also named the league's best skater in the Western Conference by coaches.

The two-year OHL prospect also competed in the world under-18 hockey championship in Finland in April.

Since then, Katic has been working on a number of things, including his strength. The hard work paid off at the NHL draft combine in Toronto three weeks ago, where he impressed scouts through physical challenges such as the Wingate, jumping and bench-press tests.

"It went really well," Katic said. "I had 24 interviews with 24 teams and the fitness testing went really well."

Upon being drafted, Katic intends on remaining in the OHL until he is no longer eligible to play.

"I will still finish out my junior career in Sarnia," he said. "Once it's done, I'll go through the farm system, wherever that may be."

Katic will travel to Columbus on Thursday with the draft at Nationwide Arena beginning on Friday with the selections in the first round. Rounds 2 to 7 will be completed on Saturday.

How long Katic plays "the waiting game" remains to be seen.

"Growing up, you always wanted to hear your name called out at the draft, and I have the opportunity to do that this weekend," he said. "I'm really excited. It's been a life-long dream so I'm looking forward to accomplishing that."

Mully's Musings
by Mike Mulryan, Timmins Times, May 23, 2007

As the NHL draft approaches in June a lot of you have asked about Timmins' native Mark Katic's status for the draft.

Mark's ranking has seen a wide variance over the last year. While NHL central scouting has mark at or about 59th overall, we at Redline Report have mark at 15th in the world. Either way Mark is generally considered no worse that an early third round pick. I have always considered Central Scouting to be a little ancient in their rankings.

There seems to be a prevailing mentality there that "size is wise" when it comes to drafting young players.

The game has changed to a point where smaller more creative players have a better chance to be successful in the new NHL. Yes, a big player with skill will have an advantage over a small player, and has much more of an upside that the little guy.

But in a lot of cases the bigger players are getting the benefit of the doubt regardless of skill levels. At Redline, the combination of size and skill plays more of a factor and most contributors realize the way the game has changed and rank players with a closer eye to skills and ability to compete. Mark Katic can play in any type of game.

I really feel that either NHL (new or old) had a place for a skill player like Mark. Although Mark isn't as tall as Chris Bosh, he is probably stronger. From the waist down Katic is among the top handful of players when it comes to lower body strength. In a game where everything is about skating, isn't that a huge advantage for him? And when defensive leverage is crucial in your own end, doesn't the solid lower based provide a distinct advantage? Mark is with a doubt the best passer in the draft and top five in skating. As a coach wouldn't you want a player like that to get the puck out of your own end and initiate the attack?

Katic's uncanny ability to take out the evading checkers in his own end, and his lightning quick first step acceleration make him the prototypical quarterback type defenseman to carry the mail. Did I mention his laser sharp tape-to-tape passes? If Katic doesn't possess ideal qualities for today's NHL (except over 6 foot stature) what's he missing?

At the recent world under 18 championships Redline Report published ratings of the players who made significant contributions and jump out at the scouts.

Katic was among those who made a significant impact. (He led Canada in plus/minus)

A number of other top end talents did nothing or little to enhance their draft status. Katic did. I still fully expect Katic to be a solid first round selection and to become an excellent pro. If Katic isn't a first rounder it will be a size related issue and it will once again confirm that a large number of Neanderthals still exist to this day. A few critiques of Marks' game are that he may back in too much and not maintain tight enough gaps. They are freakin' minor and easily corrected. They may also be a reflection of coaching philosophy.

Tactics. From smarts to skills Katic is the complete package.

If he should fall in where he is drafted it will not be a reflection of his skills, but a reflection of NHL stupidity. Mark can then make the naysayers look stupid once again the near future.

Mark drops into the store on a regular basis and inside his calm demeanor, I know he is excited and nervous. That is normal and Mark should enjoy this time. It only happens once. First or 15th Round doesn't really make Mark any less a player or person. He has made his mark (bad pun eh!) in hockey and has a tremendous future in the game.

P.S. To Mark: Your fishing still needs work!

Later skater.

2006-07 OHL Highlights:

Regular Season:
* Named first star with a goal (PP) and an assist in 6-3 win vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Oct. 1, 2006.
* Named second star with 2 assists in 4-3 OT loss at Saginaw Spirit November 18, 2006.
* Named first star with a goal (SH) and an assist in 3-2 win at Belleville Bulls November 25, 2006.
* Named first star in 2-1 OT win at Guelph Storm January 12, 2007.
* Named second star with a goal (PP) in 5-3 win vs. Erie Otters March 15, 2007.

Playoffs:
* Named third star with a goal (PP) and an assist in 6-4 loss at Kitchener Rangers March 22, 2007. (Gm 1)

Mully's Musings
by Mike Mulryan, Timmins Times, Jan. 24, 2007

Speaking of prospects, a lot of you have asked about Mark Katic’s fall in some rankings. Mark has dropped into third round rankings in Central Scouting’s latest report. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, as the majority of Central Scouting guys are still hung up on the old school size issue.
At Red Line reports, we still have Mark solidly in the top half of the first round, and two NHL scouts last week echoed that ranking.
Mark had a solid game playing mostly with World Junior gold medalist Karl Alzner in Quebec this week. His skating and passing skills stood out among the CHL’s elite. Central scouting has been way off in a lot of players draft rankings in past years, and most people think they’re carrying on that tradition with Mark. Mark still has a tremendous amount of support in the scouting community as a first round NHL pick.

More Musings: (various dates)
- Many times in evaluations I have said Mark is one of the best pure passers I have ever seen, and has an uncanny knack for finding the open man.
- Kudos to Mark Katic and Canada’s U-18 Team. Another gold for Canada. Way to go guys. Mark’s trophy case gets bigger and bigger and so do the titles.
- Kudos to To Mark Katic. On Wednesday morning Mark got the call from Team Canada officials that he has made Canada’s National Under 18 Team. Mark’s meteoric rise continues to gain speed and the U/18 selection only adds to the momentum.
Canada has won gold 11 of the last 12 years at the World U/18 Cup. Mark is sure to help Canada continue along that vein.
- Kudos to To Mark Katic. Despite not playing for a medal (more later). Mark was selected game star in at least one game, nominated for All-Star Team and impressed the huge number of scouts in attendance at the U/17 World Hockey Challenge in Regina.
- John Tavares sure has lived up to the hype. The OHL’s first pick overall (as a 14 year-old) has nine goals in seven games for the Oshawa Generals. Seems to be fitting in, eh? The second overall pick in the draft, Timmins’ Mark Katic, isn’t doing too bad either. Last week when Sarnia was in the Soo to play, a scout friend said Mark looked more like a third-year vet than a rookie. Lots of regular shifts, power play, and PK time. Definitely the corner stone on a young, quickly improving sting.
- OHL rookie Mark Katic has so far delighted Sarnia management. With the red line removed in the OHL look for the slick defenceman to quickly gain a reputation as a quick break weapon for Sarnia. Katic was generally regarded as the best pure passer in the spring draft, and his precision passes will spring a lot of sting forwards in full flight.
- The Timmins Majors were unable to upset the powerful Soo in GNML semi-finals. Majors’ captain Mark Katic broke his ankle in the Sunday night game and had a cast placed on it this weekend. While all bone breaks are serious, Mark’s was not a catastrophic type of break. The injury will have no effect on his draft status, as a routine recovery period takes place.
- Congratulations to Mark Katic of the Timmins Majors on his award wins in the Great North Midget League this year. Mark is one of five potential players that could go first overall in this year’s OHL draft. A lot will depend on which team actually has the first pick.

NHLer in the making
by Vincent Man, Timmins Daily Press, Jan. 11, 2007

Timmins native and Sarnia Sting defenceman Mark Katic is ranked 60th among North American skating prospects entering the 2007 NHL entry draft in the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's midterm draft rankings.

The ranking caught Katic by surprise.

"To be honest, it's a little disappointing," he said. "Just to be rated is an honour in itself, but I was hoping to get a higher rating.

"He's one of the most dedicated and hardworking kids you can have ... Nobody tries harder," said former Timmins Majors coach Bill Monahan.

"That's the way it is. I'm going to have to have a better second half of the season."

In his second season with the OHL's Sting, the 17-year-old has played 40 games, scoring four goals and 22 assists. He is on pace to eclipse his totals in those categories from last season, but Katic thinks his offence is an area of concern thus far in the current campaign.

"I think I struggled a little bit in the first-half of the season, " Katic said. "I wasn't putting up nearly as many points as I should've."

In order to improve on his play and move up the rankings, the former Timmins Major said he must re-examine his play.

"I think I've got to get back to playing my game," he said. "I've got to work harder and do the little things a little better."

Former Timmins Majors coach Bill Monahan expected that very reaction from the player he coached in the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons.

"He always wants to improve," Monahan said of Katic. "He's a sponge, question-wise; he's a sponge learning new drills. He has an intensity to learn.

"He's one of the most dedicated and hardworking kids you can have ... Nobody tries harder."

As a Major, Katic was a force in the Great North Midget Hockey League, being named to the first all-star team in both seasons and collecting the Quinnsport Trophy for most valuable player in the 2004-05 campaign.

Monahan has no doubt Katic will have a bright future because of his passion for hockey. Katic is well-prepared to handle the pressures the NHL throws at its players, Monahan said.

"He loves the game and it's not work to him, but he plays that way, " Monahan said.

"It's a tough spot adjustment-wise, but if anyone can take the steps necessary and be mentally strong enough, he's going to be the guy to be able to do it. He's stable in a game and he has a willingness to work."

Katic tries to avoid looking too much into the future, especially when he has several games looming.

The Sting host the Erie Otters tonight at the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre at 7:35 p.m.

Starting with tonight's game, Katic is optimistic that the second- half of the season will serve notice to NHL scouts.

"I think I'm going to take some time to focus before the game and relax," he said. "I'll start from scratch and go back to doing the simple things.

"I think I'm one of the hardest workers. I try to give it my all and I think that's helped me with my game so far."

2007 prospects: Mark Katic
by Jason Menard, hockeysfuture.com, Oct. 30, 2006

It's a long way to the National Hockey League from Porcupine, ON, but one young defenseman is hoping to prove that he can be a thorn in the side of NHL opposition for years to come.

Sarnia Sting defenseman Mark Katic has been ranked fifth amongst skaters for the upcoming 2007 Entry Draft by ISS. And while Katic said he wasn't aware of the rankings, he was understandably pleased by the news.

"It's a deep draft from what I've been told," Katic explained. "To be ranked that high so early in the season, it's certainly an honor, but there's a whole season still left to be played and anything can happen."

Things haven't always been so rosy for Katic, or the Sting. The squad has missed the playoffs for the past two seasons – and hasn't won a playoff round in almost a decade. But the cornerstone for change was laid the moment that John Tavares received a last-minute inclusion into the OHL entry draft.

Because of that, Katic fell to the Sting with the second pick – and the club couldn't have been more pleased. "He's just an unbelievable kid and he just wants to get better every day," explained assistant coach Greg Walters. "He was easily our best defenseman last year and that's a tough thing to put on a 16-year-old kid."

And that showed in Katic's stats. While he enjoyed a solid offensive season with five goals and 29 assists, a minus-24 ranking betrayed his – and the club's – difficulties. The club finished in the OHL basement with a record of 17-46-2-3. This season, the resurgent Sting has taken the OHL by storm, and the 5'10 rearguard is providing much of the fuel for the team's playoff aspirations. He's posted 12 points in 15 games. But more importantly, he's a plus player.

True to form, Katic credits the organization for his improvement. "Overall the biggest thing that's affected my game has been the improvement of the team in general," Katic said. "When we can bring in key people over the summer – and now we've added Trevor Kell -- my plus/minus has been showing for it.

"If I look at the score sheet and I've got an assist, but I'm minus-2 then it means I've hurt the team more than I've helped it. But if I had no points, but was plus-3 I realize that I've contributed somehow to the team's win."

Katic's success this season shows that it doesn't always matter how talented the artist is. To truly showcase his abilities, his efforts have to be framed in just the right way. And this year, the Sting took a measured leap into respectability, obtaining defenseman Ryan Wilson (the team's scoring leader), as well as landing the first-overall pick in the OHL draft and selecting the dynamic Steven Stamkos. With a more balanced supporting cast, Katic's been able to shine.

Sting head coach Dave MacQueen wasn't with the club last season, so Katic's enjoyed a carte blanche status. MacQueen's been impressed with what he's seen, but he's also seen room for improvement. "He's a skilled player and he has the ability to skate and get you out of trouble," he said. "He's got the skills, the talent, and the ability.

"He's dynamic when he has the puck, but he needs to work on what to do when he doesn't have it because that's what it's going to take to get to the next level."

Sage wisdom, especially when you consider that not all scouts are as positive about the impact Katic will have at the next level. While they like his skill set, some have indicated that they'll need to see something more – especially considering his size.

"I could make a compelling argument that the people who are benefiting from the new rules changes are the big forwards with skill – like the [Jaromir] Jagrs," explained one scout. "When you've got them coming down the wing at full speed, how are the smaller guys supposed to check them?

"Defense is never going to be [Katic]'s meal ticket. He has to bring something else to the table because size is obviously a major concern."

The reviews aren't all bad, though. There is plenty of raw material with which a team can work. "He has a lot of hockey sense," an NHL scout opined. "His skills are well above average."

However, Katic said a lot of the changes in the way the game's officiated have worked in his favor – at least offensively.

"When you look at the old drafts you'd see a lot of 6'5 defensemen taken who weren't really able to move, but could get away with all the clutching and grabbing. Now the game's built for speed and I think that suits my game pretty well," Katic explained. "I noticed that the smaller skilled forwards and defensemen are getting the chance, not just here but also in the NHL, like John-Michael Liles.

"It's changed my game a bit because now I can go wide on the guys and they won't be able to get away with hooking me or clutching and grabbing me as much. It's better for skating out of our own end and not worrying about getting hooked and turning the puck over because of it."

Another thing that's in Katic's favor is his willingness to learn – a trait that's well appreciated by his coaching staff. "Mark's continuing to work on his game, and we're trying to help him learn when to skate with the puck, when to move, when to stay back, and when to jump in," Walters said. "He knows the game well and he's really taking his defensive responsibility seriously."

Candidly, Katic admits that he thinks about the upcoming draft from time to time, but he does his best to put it behind him and only worries about the one factor that he can control – his play. "Obviously the draft is always in the back of my mind, but if your team's successful then there's probably a better chance for you to be picked higher," he said. "I look at it game by game and if I worry about today's game, then I only have one focus."

Walters added that the coaching staff does its best to reinforce that idea. "We keep telling him that he's not going to get drafted in October or November – the draft isn't until June," he explained. "So he's just got to not worry about one game here or there. The good thing is that the draft's never been a problem in affecting Mark. He puts a lot of pressure on himself – in a good way."

As Katic has said, the season is long and much can change before he finally hears his name called in Columbus. And where he goes depends not so much on his performance in the junior ranks, but rather the potential he can show to grow and improve.

"It's easy to see what he's doing now," one NHL scout explained. "It's harder to project what he'll do at the next level."

Timmins Times — Sporting the Team Canada jersey, Porcupine native Mark Katic stood at the blue line in Breclav, Czech Republic last Saturday singing O'Canada.
Katic was joined on the ice by 21 teammates who won gold for Canada in the Under 18 Junior World Cup of Hockey. The celebration came following a 3-0 win over the United States, making the Canadian team undefeated in the tournament.
It’s a moment the 17-year-old said he’ll never forget.
Being a member of Team Canada is something Katic has dreamed of. Today he has fulfilled a part of that dream and has a gold medal, including an assist in the championship game, to show for it.
“It was an unreal experience. It didn't really sink in until I actually put on the jersey before the game. There's a lot of pride in wearing the jersey,” he said.
Along with the pride of wearing the official red and white jersey, there are also the expectations it has. As such, taking the ice for the first game was a bit nerve-wracking for the local defenseman.
“When something that big is at stake you don't want to make any mistakes,” he said.
Playing in a different country took a bit of adjustment for Katic, but even though they were overseas, he said there was plenty of support for Canada.
“In the finals the Czech fans were cheering for us. I remember about two hours before the game we were in a meeting and outside you could hear them chant ‘Go Canada Go’,” he said.
A minor hockey team from Calgary was also in the Czech Republic, and joined in the celebrations after the gold medal game.
At breakfast each morning, players were delivered e-mails as well. Through the e-mails, Katic was impressed with the amount of support he received from local friends and fans.
“Thanks for everybody who e-mailed me,” he said. “It really meant a lot and helped motivate us.”
In a whirlwind of events it appears Katic is skating away with his hockey dream, and more, this year. He was selected second overall in the OHL draft by the Sarnia Sting last year and was named to the OHL rookie all star team. He was also a member of Team Ontario in the 2006 Under 17 World Hockey Championships before being selected for the Under 18 team.
Making the switch to the OHL was a change of pace from playing with his previous team, the Timmins Majors.
“The players are lot higher calibre. A lot of them got drafted to the NHL and a few even played in the NHL at the start of the season,” he said.
The 2006-2007 season will be Katic’s second with the Sting. Currently at home, he is focusing on training before returning to his team in a couple of weeks.
“We've got a good team and a new coach. Hopefully we can make some noise in the league this year,” he said.
Despite being a team player, Katic does have personal goals for the upcoming season. He is aiming to be a member of the OHL prospects game. Next June, he is also eligible for the NHL draft.
“It's always in the back of my mind,” he said. “I can't look too far ahead, I have to worry about the season and the next game up ahead.”

Mark Katic Named To Canadian Under-18 Team
22-Player Roster Announced
sarniasting.com, Aug. 2, 2006

Calgary, AB - Hockey Canada released its 22-player roster today that will represent Canada in the upcoming Under-18 World Cup taking place in Slovakia and the Czech Replublic, Aug 8 - Aug 12.

Sarnia Sting defenceman Mark Katic was among the 22 named to the team, following the selection camp that consisted of 44 players who were all vying for spots on the squad.

Katic a native of Porcupine, Ontario was only one of two OHL defencemen to be named to the roster along with Drew Doughty of the Guelph Storm.

Team Canada gathers today for a media day before departing from Calgary on Thursday.

The Canadians will take on the co-host Czech Replublic on Sunday for an exhibition game before opening up the tournament on Tuesday vs. Switzerland.

Sting Head Trainer Glen Kinney is with the club as well serving as the Athletic Therapist.

Mully's Musings
by Mike Mulryan, Timmins Times, Nov. 25, 2005

Timmins Times — Well, hopefully by now you all know that local product Mark Katic has been chosen to play with Team Ontario in the World Hockey Challenge (Under 17) in Regina, starting Dec. 27th. The first year Sarnia Sting defenceman joins fellow northerners Zach Torquato and Yves Bastien to give the north a strong presence on the roster. Team officials are hopeful Katic’s recent shoulder injury will be 100 per cent better before the tourney begins.

On Wednesday, I talked to Director of Operations, Mike Futa (Owen Sound Attack--OHL) and he was thrilled with Katic’s participation and expected him to be a major contributor. I’ve been involved in the Under 17 program for 15 plus years, and let me tell you this is just the first of many more international stages for the talented Katic. His father Ed, told me, “We are ecstatic, and feel it is just an honour to be considered among the top 20 players in Ontario. Our family is extremely proud.”

Sting Select Mark Katic 2nd Overall
sarniasting.com, May 7, 2005

Sarnia, ON - The Sarnia Sting have selected defenseman Mark Katic this morning with the second overall pick in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection.

Katic a native of Porcupine played the last two seasons with the Timmins Majors Midgets of the Greater Northern Midget League. In playing two seasons with the Major Midgets, Mark was playing against competition 3 and 4 years his senior.

In his rookie year in the GNMHL Katic was named to the league’s first All-Star team. This past season Katic led his team (the 7th ranked team) to a first round upset over the 2nd ranked New Liskeard Cubs. Katic’s honours this past season include being named the Top Defenseman and Most Valuable Player of the GNMHL.

Katic practiced with the Abitibi Eskimos of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. Their Head Coach, ex-NHLer Paul Gagne loves Katic as a player. “Mark is a very smart, very advanced player. He is an outstanding skater with incredible hockey sense. His skill level is incredible and he is a coaches dream.”

Sting General Manager Alan Millar is ecstatic to select Katic. “We feel Mark is a special player based on his skating his skill and his intelligence. Our homework shows us that he possesses high end character and we believe he brings the intangibles that every OHL team needs to contend.”

Mark is scheduled to appear Monday on the Time-Out radio program with Tom Gibson.

Mark Katic
Born: May 9, 1989
Left Defense 5.11, 190 lbs.
OHL: Sarnia Sting’s 1st round selection (2nd overall) 2005 OHL Priority Selection
NHL: Eligible for NHL Entry Draft in 2007

Season Club GP G A PTS PIM
2003-04 Timmins Majors Midget AAA 40 12 20 32 35
2004-05 Timmins Majors Midget AAA 35 11 21 32 74
Totals 75 23 41 64 109

Red Line Junior
2004-05

Mark Katic: Great ice awareness, tremendous hockey sense, very strong on the puck, understands game better then most coaches, strong legs, great acceleration, reverse pivot is superb, good gap control, best passer in the 89 group, simply dominates, incredible lateral movement; very coachable, responsible and mature; sometimes tries to do too much; will benefit from finishing season with Tier 2 Abitibi Eskis; wouldn't be too surprised if he were #1 overall pick, depending on the team; broken ankle in playoffs and will not finish in Tier 2; should be back on skates in May.