Perhaps the fastest skater to ever grace the Cheel Arena ice, Todd Marchant played just two seasons for the Green and Gold before going on to an illustrious career in the National Hockey League. A 5-10, 170-pound center from Williamsville, NY, Marchant helped the Golden Knights compile 42 wins and advance to two NCAA Tournaments and win one ECAC Tournament championship title during his brief tenure at Clarkson (1991-93). He was a definite game breaker and dangerous offensive force, who excelled in specialty teams play. Marchant recorded 78 points on 38 goals and 40 assists in 66 collegiate games.
After his sophomore campaign, when the Knights posted a 20-10-5 overall record and won the 1993 ECAC Tournament title in Lake Placid, Marchant joined Team USA and played in the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.
Marchant, who was selected by the NY Rangers in the seventh round (164th overall) of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, then went on to a 17-year career in the NHL. He skated in 1,195 NHL games, playing for the NY Rangers (1 game), Edmonton Oilers (678), Columbus Blue Jackets (95) and the Anaheim Ducks (421). Marchant, who officially announced his retirement on June 29, 2011, enjoyed his greatest professional moment when he helped Anaheim win the 2007 Stanley Cup.
Q&A
Name: Todd Marchant
Nickname(s) while a Golden Knight: Richie
Years Played/Position: 1991-93 - Forward
Clarkson Major: Business Management
Why did you decide to choose Clarkson:
I liked the small town atmosphere and how passionate the Clarkson Hockey fans are. It was also close to home, Buffalo, NY.
Favorite Clarkson Hockey moment(s):
Winning the ECAC championship in Lake Placid, NY.
Most Memorable Clarkson teammate(s):
Brian Mueller, Patrice Robitaille, Martin d’Orsonnens, and Dave Green my roommates at Clarkson.
Favorite Team to gain a victory over, why:
SLU because of the strong rivalry between the two universities.
Favorite Arenas to Play in:
Vermont because of the atmosphere and of course Cheel Arena.
Favorite Class/Professor(s):
Dean Davis because he understood the time commitment it took to play a Division 1 sport.
Favorite memories of Potsdam, North Country:
Beating St. Lawrence my sophomore year both home and away and meeting my future wife after the game.
Where did you live when attending Clarkson:
I lived in the dorms my freshman year and then lived in the Townhouses my sophomore year.
What did you do after Clarkson:
I left Clarkson after my sophomore year to tryout for the 1994 US Olympic team. I made the team and played in the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. After the Olympics I signed a NHL contract with the NY Rangers who then traded me to the Edmonton Oilers. I spent the next 10 years playing for the Edmonton Oilers and then signed a free agent contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. After 2 seasons with the Blue Jackets I was picked up on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks and spent the next 6 seasons with the Ducks capturing the Stanley Cup in 2007.
What are you doing now:
I am now the Director of Player Development for the Anaheim Ducks. My job is to help our young players along in their development in becoming NHL players one day.
Family:
I have been married to Caroline Marchant, whom I met while attending Clarkson, for the past 14 years. We have 4 children: Lillian (13), Ashley (11), Timothy (10) and Bradley (2 ½).
Current Hometown:
Tustin, CA
Any other interesting things about you, or your family you would like to add:
I enjoy coaching my kid’s hockey teams. My girls play for the Anaheim Lady Ducks and my son plays for the Anaheim Junior Ducks. I just recently retired after 17 seasons in the NHL.
