Mario Marois, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted by the New York Rangers in the second round, 29th overall, in the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft. Born on December 15, 1957, in L'Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec, Marois developed his skills in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Quebec Remparts, where he honed his defensive capabilities and leadership qualities.
Marois made his NHL debut with the Rangers during the 1978-79 season. His tenure with the team was marked by steady defensive play and a growing reputation as a reliable blueliner. After spending parts of three seasons with the Rangers, Marois was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1981. It was with the Canucks that he began to establish himself more firmly in the league, contributing both defensively and offensively.
In Vancouver, Marois played a crucial role in the team's defense, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1982. Although the Canucks were ultimately defeated by the New York Islanders, Marois's performance during the playoffs was commendable, as he provided stability and experience on the back end.
Following his stint with the Canucks, Marois was traded to the Quebec Nordiques in 1983. Returning to his home province, he became an integral part of the Nordiques' defensive unit. His leadership skills were recognized, and he was named team captain, a role he embraced from 1984 to 1987. During his time with the Nordiques, Marois was known for his physical play and ability to contribute offensively, recording several productive seasons.
In 1987, Marois was traded to the Winnipeg Jets, where he continued to be a steady presence on the blue line. His experience and defensive acumen were valuable assets to the Jets, and he played with the team until 1989. Marois then returned to the Nordiques for a brief period before being traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1990.
With the Blues, Marois added depth and experience to the team's defense. He played two seasons in St. Louis, providing veteran leadership and contributing both offensively and defensively. His NHL career concluded with a return to the Nordiques for the 1991-92 season, where he played his final games before retiring from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Mario Marois played in over 900 NHL games, amassing a respectable number of goals and assists for a defenseman.
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