Remember at the last World Juniors when Czechia's Ivan Ivan took the hockey world by storm with his unique name? Well, he's not with Czechia at the 2023 World Juniors, as Ivan aged out of the tournament.
However, there is a new Czech player on their U20 team who might be able to go pound-for-pound with Ivan for the best name — Marcel Marcel.
That's right, we have another same first name-last name combo. The big winger for Czechia is set to begin the World Juniors with his team and considering the buzz that Ivan Ivan got on social media, we can expect that Marcel Marcel will get the same treatment.
for anyone who's sad that ivan ivan will not be at the 2023 world juniors, there is a marcel marcel on slovakia
— Lauren Kelly (@laurkelly24) December 20, 2022
The 6-4 winger is making his first appearance with the country's U20 team. He has previously played on their U16, U17, U18 and U19 teams at the international level.
MORE: 2023 World Juniors schedule, standings, results
Here is more information on Marcel and his playing career.
What team does Marcel Marcel play for?
Marcel is currently on loan to Czechia from the QMJHL's Gatineau Olympiques, where he plays with Canada's Zachary Dean. It is his first season in North America after he was selected 42nd overall in the 2022 CHL Import Draft by Gatineau.
In 28 games with the Olympiques, Marcel has recorded eight goals and 17 points. He's also added 26 penalty minutes.
Marcel came up through Plzen's youth program in his home country. He split last season between their U20 team and their top squad, which plays in the Czech Extraliga.
What NHL team drafted Marcel Marcel?
Marcel has yet to be drafted by an NHL team. He was eligible to be selected at the 2022 NHL draft, however, he wasn't drafted by any of the 32 teams.
He still has a chance at being drafted, as he is only 19 years old. Non-North American skaters are eligible until they are 21, so if Marcel gets passed over again, he can still be selected at the 2024 NHL Draft.
