Don Klepp
Winners are drawn to winning programs, so it’s no surprise that Marcus Basara ended up in Vernon.
The 17-year-old Coquitlam native played the last two years at Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. He was a prominent member of the 2010 Telus Cup champion Notre Dame Hounds, registering 37 goals and 28 assists in 43 games.
He was the Hounds’ top scorer and second in the league in goals. That’s no small feat in an AAA Midget league whose representative has won five of the last Telus Cups and six of the last ten.
Marcus was courted by the WHL Prince Albert Raiders, who coveted the speedy winger’s scoring touch. However, he chose the Vipers because, as he says, “I always wanted to come here. That record speaks for itself. Those national championships – you know they’re doing something right in Vernon!”
It didn’t hurt that Patrick McGillis, a Notre Dame alumnus who was the Hounds’ captain in 2008-2009, was already on the Viper roster. “Yes, it was pretty cool to come here and suit up with Pat; he was a real leader with the Hounds.”
Marcus was scouted and recruited by Viper head scout Larry Black, who impressed Marcus and his parents, Milos and Karen, with a common-sense approach. The Basara family was also won over by the support shown by the Vipers for the players’ education.
Along with five team mates, Marcus is enrolled in the High Performers program at Vernon Secondary School. His ambition, like most of the Vipers, is to earn an athletic scholarship to an NCAA hockey power.
When asked about his goals for this year, he says, “I just want to work hard every time I’m on the ice. I guess my ultimate goal is to get noticed by some colleges, so I can continue to play good hockey and get a good education, too. But in the meantime, it’s important to have fun, to enjoy the game. I love hockey, and it’s really fun when your hard work gives your team and yourself some success.”
Viper fans will have already noticed Marcus Basara’s high skill level. He describes his style of play as “kind of an offensive player. I like to use my speed to create scoring chances.”
He acknowledges, though, that he needs to work on his defensive play, especially at this level. “I’ve been lucky to be on a line with Dave (Robinson) and Wally (Dylan Walchuk). I learn a lot just by watching them, and they always seem to be in the right place.”
“Coach Ferner and Coach Williamson have been telling me to work hard, really hard in the defensive zone.” He adds, “You look at the teams that win Cups, they don’t give up many goals.”
