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Bruins’ Marchand wants to show his doubters that he’s ‘an OK hockey player’

Canada vs USA - 2016 IIHF World Championship Ice Hockey: Semi Finalhampionship Ice Hockey: Semi Final

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 21: Brad Marchand #63 of Canada and Chris Wideman #6 of USA battle for the puck at Ice Palace on May 21, 2016 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Anna Sergeeva/Getty Images)

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Bruins forward Brad Marchand had a fantastic 2015-16 NHL campaign. He set new career-highs in goals (37) and points (61), but some were still surprised to see his name added to his country’s World Cup roster on Friday evening.

Team Canada always has an embarrassment of riches to pick from when assembling their teams, so when players like Taylor Hall and Corey Perry are left off the roster, it leaves some people scratching their heads.

It was clear from the beginning that GM Doug Armstrong’s decisions wouldn’t be unanimous with fans and media personalities. When there’s that much talent to chose from, several great players will be excluded from the roster. But one thing is clear about the Marchand selection, he’s on the team because he can play.

“It’s an incredible honor to play for Team Canada. It’s something that I think we all take a lot of pride in, and something that is…it’s not an easy accomplishment,” said Marchand, per CSN New England.

“I think being part of a team like this is on a different level, and people may give a little more respect to that fact and may look at more of the kind of player I am, other than just the stuff they’ve seen in the past, with the hits and being a pest and stuff like that. Maybe those people will realize that I’m an OK hockey player, and I do play the game as well.”

Marchand likely won’t figure into a top-six role with Canada, but a partnership with teammate Patrice Bergeron on the third or fourth line definitely isn’t out of the question.

The Bruins forward has represented his country on five different occasions. Most recently, he helped Canada win gold at the World Hockey Championship in Russia earlier this month. Marchand had four goals and seven points in 10 games for Canada during the tournament.