Marcus Foligno Bio
Marcus Foligno is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey winger and alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 10, 1991, in Buffalo, New York, he was selected 104th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Foligno has gained recognition for his playing style and has represented Canada in international competitions.
Early Life and Background
Marcus Foligno was born in Buffalo, New York, to Mike Foligno, a former NHL player, and Janis Foligno. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, he was exposed to hockey at an early age. His father’s career in the NHL provided Marcus with a unique perspective on the game, inspiring him to pursue a similar path. Tragically, his mother passed away from breast cancer in July 2009, a loss that deeply affected the family.
Path to Hockey
Foligno began his hockey journey by playing in the 2003 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Hershey, Pennsylvania. He was later selected by the Ontario Hockey League’s Sudbury Wolves in the second round of the 2007 OHL Priority Selection. During his time with the Wolves, Foligno developed his skills, culminating in a standout 2010-11 season where he recorded 23 goals and 59 points in 47 games. His performance earned him a selection in the fourth round, 104th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Marcus Foligno Career
Early Career (2011-2017)
Foligno signed an entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres on May 25, 2011, and began his professional career with the Sabres’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans. He made his NHL debut on December 20, 2011, against the Ottawa Senators, where he scored his first career goal on March 14, 2012. During his tenure with the Sabres, he established himself as a reliable player, scoring a career-best 13 goals in the 2016-17 season.
Breakthrough (2017-Present)
In June 2017, Foligno was traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he signed a four-year contract extension worth $11.5 million in September 2017. His role as an alternate captain highlights his leadership on the team. Foligno’s performance continued to improve, leading to a three-year contract extension worth $9.3 million in January 2021. Most recently, on September 29, 2023, he signed a four-year extension with the Wild valued at $16 million, solidifying his position within the franchise.
Notable Works and Milestones
Foligno’s signature work includes his contributions to the Minnesota Wild, where he has become known for his physical style of play and leadership qualities. He has also represented Canada in international competitions, including the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he helped the team secure a silver medal.
Marcus Foligno Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Marcus Foligno has received recognition for his contributions on the ice, although specific award nominations have not been detailed in the provided information.
Marcus Foligno Awards Won
While specific awards won by Marcus Foligno are not listed, his impact in the NHL and contributions to his teams have been significant, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
Marcus Foligno Family
Marcus Foligno is married to Natascia Marcantognini, with their wedding taking place on July 15, 2016, in Sudbury, Ontario. He is the younger brother of Nick Foligno, who also plays in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks. Marcus has two sisters, Lisa Foligno-Carey and Cara Foligno, who have pursued their own careers outside of professional sports.
Personal Life
Foligno’s personal life is marked by his close-knit family ties and his commitment to hockey. His dual citizenship, due to his Canadian parents, has allowed him to represent Canada in international competitions. Despite the challenges he faced, including the loss of his mother, Foligno has remained focused on his career and family, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.
