They said it could never happen!

Most club members will know Eric Marshall, simply by noticing a big guy walking around the table with his right hand up shaking in victory or following hitting a strong topspin and ‘forgetting’ to bring his arm back down. He will then instantly trace out the correct angles and placement of the racket with other hand, demonstrating to anyone looking, the correct forehand technique to generate maximum speed and spin, adding “…that’s how you do a forehand”.

Eric Marshall surounded by OTTC's Daytime Training Group posing with his award and 100th broken racket

The retired Firefighter and Silver medalist at the World Police & Fire Games in Winnipeg last year has been playing at the OTTC since its opening in 2017 and being recently retired, plays more than ever. His attack style and unique unorthodox grip with racket handle encased in elastics has made him quite a formidable opponent at the club. With a decent forehand, very good backhand and blocking skills, gives many a ‘run for their money’.

However, one might notice that he does have one little, what some would consider strange habit however…. He breaks table tennis rackets… a lot of them … and not purposely! Most have never seen it happen, but it does. Just ask Steve Lambruschini, the club owner, who always has a few backup blades in stock for the occasion. Eric chocks it all up to, in his own words, “Normal wear and tear”… and is quick to mention that…“I play with conviction!” …

Eric Marshall's 100th Racket Award

We are amazed to tell you that as of August of 2024, Eric has just broken … wait for it… his 100th racket (since 2012) and is now on number 101! …

And so, in recognition of this milestone – and interesting feat, the OTTC has given him a special award commemorating this accomplishment - surely a record that will not be broken any time soon.

In any case, Eric is a passionate player who always strives to play well, have fun.  He has played and done well at many tournaments in Quebec and Ontario and if you ever get the chance to play him you may experience another of his favourites… his tomahawk smash or on the rare occasion you actually witness first hand, the breaking of his racket, please let us know how it happened…

We welcome everyone to drop in and see this award at the club, where it can be viewed in our glass trophy case.