Any fan of the Ohio State women's ice hockey team could see that sophomore forward Morgan Marziali is an offensive force, a fast skater and an all-around good player.
But what they probably couldn't see is what she has overcome to reach that point: a freshman season that consisted of a transition to another country and two significant injuries, which have made this season's success even more enjoyable.
Marziali came to OSU from St. Marys, Ontario, Canada, to take part in the great atmosphere on campus.
"The atmosphere, the culture, the team, everything's just amazing," Marziali said.
Despite all of that, moving from a small town in another country to a big city in the United States can be quite the experience.
"The transition from Canada to the U.S. is a lot different," Marziali said. "I came from a really small town, where no one ever locks their doors. Then I come here, where no one ever leaves their doors unlocked."
The culture shock would be enough to handle on its own. Add that to a fractured sternum that caused her to miss the final four games of last season and offseason shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, and Marziali had an abundance of work to do to get ready for the season.
The hard work and determination eventually paid off, and her work ethic was evident to the rest of the team.
"Having the surgery last spring definitely set her back," senior forward Katie Maroney said. "But her working hard and being able to come back 100 percent was nice to see, and she set a good example for everyone else."
Not only is Marziali completely healthy, she is also an improved player from this time last year.
"She's a very much improved player," coach Jackie Barto said. "She's a tremendous skater, and she's doing some very good things offensively with the puck."
Marziali flashed some of those good things this past weekend with a short-handed goal on Friday night at home versus Minnesota, her fourth goal of the season. She was able to do so in front of friends and family who made the six-hour drive from her home town.
While some of her friends can only manage to come down once a year, her parents make the drive every chance they get to support their daughter.
"My parents come down every weekend when we play at home," Marziali said. "It's amazing. I don't know what I'd do if my parents didn't come down. They're just so supportive, and I can always hear them cheering."
With the injuries completely healed and her own cheering section every home series at the OSU Ice Rink, Marziali is making her impact felt on this year's team and is helping lead the way for the Buckeyes.
"She brings us speed and energy, and just a great attitude," Barto said. "She leads by example and the way she works, and in her attitude and positive approach. She's someone you really enjoy working with."
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