Mark Kastelic knows what it takes to be a professional hockey player.
His dad, Ed spent parts of seven seasons with the Washington Capitals and Hartford Whalers. His uncle, Mike Stapleton toiled for seven different organizations playing over 700 NHL games. Kastelic’s grandfather, the late-Pat Stapleton was a respected defenseman, playing 15 pro seasons, including eight with the Chicago Blackhawks, and was a member of Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series.
Kastelic still relies on his dad to provide sound advice and swap ideas.
“I talk to him daily. He’s one of my biggest supporter and he’s got a lot of knowledge for the game as well. He wants to see me succeed. We’re always bouncing ideas off each other. Just be a sense of support for me to calm down or just pick me up he’s always there for me. He’s great for that. He’s always just a phone call away,” the 23-year old told Full Press NHL.
Wanting to make an impression on coaching staff and management, Kastelic’s goal was to be the fittest Ottawa Senator at training camp.
While Kastelic didn’t quite make his goal – finishing a mere decimal point behind Josh Norris, he certainly made his presence felt.
“Josh is a freak of nature. I’ve never seen someone jump that high. I’m just happy to be in contention. It’s all good fun. It shows everyone is working hard during the offseason. It’s something I’ve always taken a lot of pride in. It was my goal to be the fittest I can, maybe next year? I think it just shows the coaching staff that I’ve put the work in during the offseason. It’s a good statement to make on Day One,” Kastelic said at the Senators’ Fanfest Sunday.
Fresh off a 16-game cup of coffee with the Senators last season, a stint which saw him register his first two NHL goals adding two assists, the soft-spoken six-foot-three, 223-pound centre exudes a quiet confidence.
“It kind of just gives you a little taste of what the league is all about and shows that you’ve got to be consistent night in, night out. So, I kind of have a feeling of what to expect this time around. I’m a little less nervous. No matter if it’s the first game of the preseason or in January. I definitely feel more comfortable like I’ve been there before,” stated the Phoenix native.
Passed over in two NHL Drafts, Mark Kastelic was selected 125th overall in 2019 at age 20 after posting a 38-goal, 68-point campaign with the Western League’s Calgary Hitmen.
“Yeah, for sure, it tests your mental toughness a lot, to get passed over, not make the team the first year, first two years, whatever it may be. But I think if you stay positive, and take it one day at a time and just enjoy the moment no matter where you are, whether it’s up here or in Belleville. Just have positive outlook on life. No matter what, it’s a fun sport to play. It’s been an unbelievable ride so far, so obviously you want to keep on going.”
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Whether Mark Kastelic cracks the Senators’ roster out of camp is anyone’s guess at the moment. The youngster is challenging Dylan Gambrell for a spot at centre on the team’s fourth line.
The competition among the club’s bottom six forwards is fierce. With Kastelic entering the final year of his entry-level deal, being waiver exempt, it’s quite possible he’s the odd man out to open the campaign.
Forward Tyler Motte was recently added. While centre Derick Brassard is also in Senators’ camp on a professional try-out, in what may be his second go-round with the team.
Then there’s the contract status of Alex Formenton. The speedy left wing remains a restricted free agent.
D.J. Smith realizes Kastelic’s potential. However, the Senators’ head coach admits Kastelic may have to wait a little longer to become a full-time NHLer.
“It’s going to come right down to the end for him, and it’s a matter of how many minutes we can get him. He’s going to play in the National Hockey League. He’s too big, he’s too strong and his will is too good. You can see he’s got presence out there,” Smith explained.
“Guys over time aren’t going to enjoy playing against him. It’s just what’s the best for his career right now? Certainly, he’s taken step from a year ago. Is it going to be a month, two months in, Christmastime? I think the exhibition can’t give us the exact timetable, but I think we know we’ve got a real good one in him. He puts his entire time and effort into his conditioning and his craft. He was an overage that got passed over in the draft. You love to cheer for guys like that. And if you want to win, look at all the teams that win. They’ve got big guys. They’ve got big guys on the back end. They got big guys down the middle. He fits that role. As his skill set continues to get better, I think we’ve got ourselves a centre that could play 10 years or longer.”
Smith intimated if Kastelic indeed required waivers, “He’s on this team for sure.”
But for Mark Kastelic patience is a virtue, and he knows one day whether it’s sooner or later, he has a future in the NHL.
“One thing that always sticks in my head is; my grandpa told me, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” So, that’s something I’ve always thought of throughout my career. Whether I make team or not, that’s always the goal, but nothing can discourage me from getting to where I want to be.”
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