CENTER PRIMARY ERA: FIRE WAGON
Marc Pattie, stands as one of the league’s most celebrated and iconic figures, having built an illustrious career from 1976 to 2000. A powerful forward known for his imposing physicality and goal-scoring prowess, Pattie’s legacy spans over three franchises—
New York Nationals (1976-1992)
Marc Pattie began his MLH career with the New York Nationals in 1976, drafted 5th overall in what would become a legendary draft class. Right from the start, Pattie’s raw physicality and goal-scoring instinct made him a force on the ice, and in his rookie season, he captured the Old Spice Rookie of the Year Award, cementing his place as one of the league’s rising stars.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Pattie became the face of the Nationals’ franchise and one of the most feared goal scorers in the league. His peak came during a period of offensive dominance in the league, with Pattie winning the prestigious Diamond Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player four times. He was also awarded the Romain Trophy for being the league's top goal scorer three times, demonstrating his incredible knack for finding the net.
Pattie led New York to two Victors Cup championships. Both years saw Pattie at his best, as he dominated in the playoffs and solidified his reputation as a player who could elevate his game on the biggest stage. He also won the Duplacey Trophy four times for leading the league in points and earned the Carrison Trophy as the league’s best two-way player, proving he was not just an offensive threat but also a complete player.
However, by the early 1990s, the Nationals were undergoing a rebuild, and while Pattie was still producing at a high level, it became clear that a change was on the horizon.
Los Angeles Swords (1992-1999)
In 1992, Pattie made history by becoming one of the MLH’s first high-profile free-agent signings. The Los Angeles Swords offered him a then-record-breaking contract, signaling a shift in the MLH toward the era of free-agent mega deals. Pattie, in his mid-30s, was still one of the league’s elite power forwards and brought instant credibility and firepower to the young and ambitious Swords team.
Pattie was paired with two emerging stars, Rod Roberts and Corey Milex, forming one of the most lethal offensive lines in the MLH. With Pattie’s experience, strength, and goal-scoring ability, Roberts' playmaking skills, and Milex’s speed, the Swords became an offensive powerhouse. Pattie continued to pile up goals, adding to his career total, and while Los Angeles was often seen as a playoff contender, they struggled to break through to the Cup Finals in Pattie’s early years.
By 1998, Pattie’s production had started to slow down due to age and the toll of a 20-year career, but in a surprising twist, he turned back the clock during the playoffs. Despite entering the postseason as underdogs, the Swords rallied around their veteran leader, and Pattie’s dominant performances earned him the Tour Trophy as playoff MVP, as the Swords won the Victors Cup, marking Pattie’s third Cup win. His remarkable play at age 40, especially in the clutch moments, was a defining moment in his career.
Orlando Attack (1999-2000)
In 1999, with the Swords looking to get younger, Pattie was traded at the deadline to the Orlando Attack in a move that shocked the league. At the time, the Attack were a rising team, led by young power center Jim Ysley, and Pattie was brought in to provide veteran leadership and help push the team over the top.
Though he was nearing the end of his career, Pattie’s presence had an immediate impact. He quickly bonded with Ysley, mentoring the young star in the nuances of the power forward game. The partnership paid off, as Orlando made a deep playoff run and eventually won the 2000 Victors Cup, giving Pattie his fourth Cup championship, a fitting capstone to his legendary career.
Pattie retired after the Cup win, having scored a staggering 826 goals, the second-most in MLH history. While some critics point to his long career as a reason for his high goal total, there's no denying his consistency, resilience, and ability to deliver in key moments.
In 1977, Marc Pattie led the New York Nationals into a thrilling Game 7 against the Hamilton Claws in the Victors Cup Final. The Nationals were on the verge of elimination, down 3-2 in the series, but Pattie rose to the occasion with one of his most iconic performances. He scored twice, including a critical game-tying goal late in the third period that sent the game into overtime. In the second overtime, Pattie assisted on the Cup-winning goal, securing his first Victors Cup in dramatic fashion. This game solidified Pattie’s reputation as a clutch performer, forever etching him in Nationals' history as the leader who delivered under the brightest spotlight.
By 1998, Pattie was in the twilight of his career, having joined the Los Angeles Swords as one of the league’s first high-profile free agents. In the 1998 Victors Cup Final against the Boston Barbarians, Pattie turned back the clock with a sensational performance. In Game 5, with the Swords up 3-0 in the series, Pattie netted a hat trick, including the Cup-winning goal in overtime, to lead Los Angeles to their first championship. At 40 years old, he was named the Tour Trophy winner as playoff MVP, showing he could still dominate on the biggest stage. This game was a crowning achievement for Pattie, proving his greatness transcended age.
Marc Pattie’s MLH debut with the New York Nationals in 1977 was the beginning of an extraordinary career. The highly anticipated rookie did not disappoint, scoring two goals and adding an assist in a 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Comets. This breakout game set the tone for a dazzling rookie season, as Pattie went on to win the Old Spice Rookie of the Year award. His debut was an immediate indication that he would be a star in the league, and it began a legacy of elite performance that would span 24 seasons.
In 1989, Marc Pattie reached one of the most prestigious milestones of his career—scoring his 500th career goal. The moment came in a regular-season game against the Boston Barbarians at the Nationals' home arena. With the home crowd buzzing, Pattie deked past two defenders and scored a beautiful backhand goal to reach the 500-goal mark. The goal was met with a standing ovation, as fans recognized the significance of the milestone. This moment symbolized Pattie’s consistency and elite goal-scoring ability throughout his career, further solidifying his place among the all-time greats in the league.
In what would be his final professional game, Marc Pattie capped off his career by winning another Victors Cup, this time with the Orlando Attack in 2000. Traded to Orlando in 1999 to mentor young star Jim Ysley, Pattie embraced his role as a veteran leader. In Game 6 of the Finals against the Houston Six Guns, Pattie recorded two assists, including setting up the game-winning goal. The Attack won the series 4-2, giving Pattie his final Cup. This victory allowed Pattie to retire as a champion, passing the torch to the next generation while leaving an enduring legacy of leadership and excellence on and off the ice.
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