CANTON — Joe Marsh hasn’t changed his stance when it comes to St. Lawrence University forward Brock McBride.

The Saints’ men’s hockey coach still believes McBride has the components to be one of the premier players in the ECAC Hockey League this season. But McBride is still a bit modest. The senior wing knows there’s work to be done before he can obtain all-league status.

“I just have to work on my consistency,” McBride said. “There are some great forwards in this league, and I think I can play up to that level.”

Marsh and the Saints would appreciate a campaign similar to 2007-08, when McBride was the hands-down selection as the team’s Most Valuable Player. A linchpin in SLU’s offense, McBride had a breakout year, finishing with a career- and team-best 34 points. He scored 12 goals, including five on the power play. He distributed a team-high 22 assists and played in all 37 games.

The statistic that stayed with McBride, however, was a frustrating 13 wins for St. Lawrence. The total didn’t sit well with him or his teammates.

“I think everyone has that burning desire to do better,” McBride said. “I’m sure that transferred into the offseason training.”

McBride said he took two weeks off before starting his offseason regimen for a redemptive 2008-09 campaign. He worked out with approximately 10 professional, collegiate and junior hockey players in his hometown of Cornwall, Ontario. McBride said he concentrated on building his core strength and attempted to improve on some of the game’s subtle nuances. He’s looking to take more shots, drive to the net and get in front of the net to redirect shots more often in his final season.

From Marsh’s observations, there’s one facet in McBride’s repertoire that transcends the rest.

“He’s without a doubt one of the top three skaters I’ve ever coached since I’ve been here; in terms of his power and his stride never breaks down,” Marsh said.

McBride could’ve crumpled to the ice and easily left the Saints in a dire situation when SLU faced Boston College in the NCAA Northeast regional tournament semifinals in 2007. He broke two ribs midway through the first period. But he played through the numbness covering one side of his body, and he provided St. Lawrence with its only goal in a 4-1 loss to the Eagles.

It was the signature moment where McBride became the epitome of toughness. He said he limped to a team breakfast the following morning and couldn’t even carry his hockey bag.

“I guess the adrenaline was so high,” McBride said. “In a game of that magnitude, I just played through it.”

Marsh admires McBride’s fortitude, but he wants his prolific scorer to become a better defensive forward and allocate his aggression. McBride has amassed 107 penalty minutes the last two years.

“He needs to play hard,” Marsh said. “He just needs to focus on how he can channel that and work through things.

“But nobody ever questions his toughness,” he added. “He loves to play, and he’s a guy, obviously, who’s critical to our success. He can break a game open.”

It may be enough to put McBride in the upper echelon of ECACHL performers, but he wants no part of that discussion. McBride wants the Saints to experience postseason success once more. Another 13-win season isn’t an option.

“I know the captains, the seniors, the other players and the coaches aren’t going to let that happen this year,” McBride said.

ST. LAWRENCE, BRIEFLY

Coach: Joe Marsh (24th year, 415-349-55).

2007-08 record: 13-20-4 overall (7-13-2 ECAC Hockey).

Lettermen lost/returning: 5/23.