Goc Sets Sights On More Ice Time, Points Roger Ross | Senior Staff Writer Sep 3, 2008, 8:28 PM EDT
Goc Like many of the Sharks veterans, Marcel Goc is currently skating at the Captainâ€^TMs Practices at Sharks Ice at San Jose. The 25-year-old is aiming for an improvement on the ice both from a team standpoint and from an individual standpoint.

In 2004, Goc made his NHL Debut by scoring the series-clinching goal in Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals against Colorado. Since then, Goc has been a regular in San Joseâ€^TMs lineup. In his first three seasons, Goc played a minimum of 78 games, but for a variety of reasons, Goc played in just 51 contests in 2007-08 and struck for a career low of eight points.

This year, Goc looks to take it up a notch.

â€oeIâ€^TMm in good shape and used the fitness program from Mike Potenza (Sharks Strength and Conditioning Coordinator),” said Goc.

While the fitness routine may be work, it is much easier when you have workout partners. Especially ones you like hanging out with.

â€oeI did it with my brothers,” said Goc, whose siblings play for Hanover in the German Elite League.

As for ice time, Goc doesnâ€^TMt have a specific goal in mind. He just wants more of it.

â€oeIâ€^TMm trying to get as much ice time as I can,” said Goc. â€oeMy goal is to come in here and play more and play the highest role I can. The more you play, the more points you can get.”

Goc returned to San Jose a few weeks ago to help get a head start on the season.

â€oeI came back early to find a place and to work out a few weeks with the guys,” said Goc.

As for his summer, Goc played it quiet, but still had a good time. The highlight was the European Cup soccer tournament that was held in nearby Austria and Switzerland.

â€oeI watched every German game,” said Goc. â€oeEverybody wanted to see the finals. They even talked about giving the kids less homework or days off from school. Iâ€^TMm not sure if they did it.”

He also made a trip to Italy for business purposes

â€oeI went to the Playersâ€^TM Association meeting in Rome,” said Goc. â€oeIt was pretty nice. We saw the Coliseum, toured the Vatican and went to St. Peterâ€^TMs square. Milan (Michalek) and Christian (Ehrhoff) went from our team. Mostly I just spent time with my family.”

For the next few months, heâ€^TMll be spending time with his Sharks family, hopefully into June.

• http://sharks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=381124

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