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Buotte stepping up for injury-plagued Fishermen

Wednesday, February, 06 By Nick Curcuru
Correspondent

When one thinks about the success 2007-2008 Gloucester Fishermen, Andrew Fulford, Brett Biondo and Paul Russo may be the top three names that come to mind.

Senior forward Marc Buotte may not be mentioned in the same category as those three teammates. But don't be fooled, Buotte has been a key piece of the puzzle in the Fishermen's 10-2-2 start this season.

Buotte started off the season skating on the fourth line, and not getting much playing time. But due to injuries, Buotte was moved up to the second line and has not looked back.

Since making his way into the lineup a quarter of the way through the season, he has put up solid numbers and is sixth on the team in scoring with nine points (six goals, three assists).

The senior forward's play has drawn praise from both his peers and his coach. Fishermen head coach Don Lowe called Buotte the unsung hero.

"Marc got limited playing time at the start of the season, but he's been working hard every day and because of that he's getting regular shifts," Lowe said. "He's a very hard worker and everybody respects that."

Gloucester tri-captain Paul Russo has also taken notice of Buotte's hard work.

"He stepped into the lineup because of injuries and he's been putting the puck in the net ever since," said Russo. "He's really stepped up and played a key role for us."

Buotte's recipe for success has been simple: Work hard and take it one day at a time.

"I just try to do the best I can," Buotte said. "From week to week I try to push as hard as possible. Every shift and every move I make has to be 100 percent, I can't let up."

Buotte's strengths are his soft hands and his skating ability. The senior forward has also drawn praise from Lowe for getting the most out of his undersized 5-foot-8 frame.

"Marc gets the most out of what he has," Lowe said. "He is a good skater and he has good hands, he's been able to show everybody what he can do this year."

The winger has both speed and balance, and most importantly, he can finish a shot. Buotte has done most of his finishing in front of the net this season, banging home rebounds and burying shots from close proximity.

"Marc can finish," Russo said. "If there's a rebound or an opportunity in front of the net he will put it away."

Despite his success, Buotte feels he needs to step up his game even more. With forwards Josh Salah injuring his leg and Jared Toye still out, Buotte knows he will play a key role in the stretch run of the season which is a brutal stretch for the Fishermen.

Gloucester hosts always-tough St. Mary's tonight (7 p.m), they then play a slew of tough opponents including Revere, Peabody, Danvers and Arlington.

"We're still trying to get healthy, and with Salah hurt again I need to step up my game," Buotte said. "Plus we have a tough schedule coming up making it that much more important to play well."

All in all, Buotte is just satisfied helping his team win games.

"It's been great to play on the top two lines," Buotte said. "I'm trying to keep my momentum going and get as many goals as I can to help the team win."