University of Minnesota Athletics
Under the Microscope; Junior Paul Martin
2/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Yes, you may pass him by without registering who he is, but there is no way you can ignore what he does on the ice. Martin's talent with the puck has been earning him attention since his sophomore year in high school. By the time senior year at Elk River rolled around, Martin's athleticism was not only getting coverage, but his future plans were being debated in newspapers. As a true all-around athlete, it seemed Martin could not only participate, but excel at any sport, whether it be on the football field, the hockey rink or the baseball diamond. He was a regular on the prep page and the local sportscasts. On the gridiron in the fall of 1999, he set a new Minnesota state high school record for career receptions with 189, totaling 3,009 yards and earning him an all-state nod.
But it was that winter that the spotlight on Martin intensified as he traded in his cleats for skates. He signed a letter of intent to play for Minnesota in November and made the Gopher coaches giddy with anticipation with his hockey performance the following months. Senior season, he scored 15 goals and tallied 35 assists while leading Elk River to a 22-2 record and the top ranking in Class AA. Although the Elks came away from the season without a state title, Martin received a list of post-season awards. He was recognized as Minnesota's Mr. Hockey and Associated Press Player of the Year, along with his second consecutive all-state selection. That spring, the media attention followed him up to Calgary and the NHL Draft where New Jersey's 62nd pick would not disappoint. Martin was the first high school player to be drafted that year, sparking debate on if he would actually wear the Maroon and Gold or jump right into the pros. He quickly reaffirmed his commitment to the `U' to the relief of college hockey fans.
Entering his freshman year, Martin drew attention for not only his high level of prep play, but the fact that he was the only incoming freshman to not have USHL or National Development Team experience. Those factors, combined with the changing of positions from forward to defenseman, made many wonder how Martin would perform at Minnesota, and the media covered his on-ice moves, good and bad. The first articles published on Martin commented on his lack of offense during the opening months of collegiate hockey. But as the Gophers entered the heart of the WCHA schedule, Martin did not disappoint. He ended his freshman year with 20 points (3-17), eighth among league freshmen in scoring. More impressively, Martin was named a WCHA All-Rookie team member, making him just the fifth Minnesota blueliner to make the All-Rookie team.
Playing in the self-proclaimed State of Hockey, Martin seemed to justify all his time in the spotlight. He erased any doubt about changing positions and proved time in juniors doesn't always mean better freshman play. And he followed up his impressive first year performance with a stellar sophomore season, ranking fourth in the nation for points by a defenseman (8-30-38) and nabbing second-team All-WCHA honors. But as he was thriving as a defender, so was another Golden Gopher at the same position. Although they have different leadership and playing styles, comparisons between Paul Martin and Jordan Leopold have ensued. "When Jordan came in, their [freshmen class'] team wasn't as successful. I came in at a good time because the team was on the way up with a new coach and some new players and good recruits. I came in at a good situation to follow behind Jordan and some other defenseman," Martin said. "As far as Jordan goes, I think it was tough for him the first couple of years because he was relied on as a freshman and sophomore to be their big gun because they really didn't have anyone. That was difficult for him, but it made it easy for me to be under him. But now he's gone, so I'm not really used to it."
"It's tough because I'm not like Jordan as much as they want to label me the `next Jordan.' He outweighs me by 30 pounds, and if he gave me his shot, I'd be a whole lot happier. It's difficult when you don't have some of the tools that he has. We're not physically the same. He's a lot stronger on his skates and a lot stronger on the defensive end. He has this unbelievable little snap shot to get the puck to the net. It's just stuff that I have to work on. I'm not trying to out-do Jordan. I'm not trying to match him. That individual stuff is not anything I've ever been worried about. It's not as important as the team."
While Martin is flattered to be placed on the same level of Leopold, he does not see his play as equal to that of the now-NHL rookie. And Martin does not have the same big defensive core that Leopold played with. But as an assistant captain, the defense is under his guidance. Before this season began, Martin turned to his former teammate for advice on being the leader. "[Leopold] said it was going to be tough because when he came in he was relied on a lot and now that he's gone, I'm going to be relied on," Martin remarked. "But luckily I have a good supporting cast, if not co-cast, like Keith [Ballard] and Chris Harrington. We've got good offensive defensemen, but Jordan was our rock. We could throw him out there in any situation all the time. It's tough when you lose that to not to try and then do too much."
"Jordan's been great though," Martin added. "He's a great role model on and off the ice. `Keep plugging,' he says. `Because sometimes good things will happen and sometimes bad things will happen, and the difference is how you deal with it.' So you've got to take the good with the bad and hopefully if I keep improving, maybe someday I'll be as good as Jordan Leopold."
As much pressure as he may get from the media and fans to walk in Leopold's footsteps, no one holds Martin to a higher standard than himself. He is constantly looking to improve his game, offensively and defensively, and has been in a personalized strength training and conditioning program since the summer before coming to the Gophers. Not one to set specific goals, the time he reaches a point of satisfaction with one area, he looks to improve another. "I do hold myself to high standards. I'm not a whole believer in setting goals because if I had to set goals, I'd set them too high and I wouldn't be able to achieve them. So I just go more on a development-phase as far as trying to improve day-in and day-out, and on the weekends just making sure I'm giving our team a chance to win and doing my job. If I'm doing that, I think we'll have success as long as I stay out and shoot pucks and hit the weight room, good things will happen."
Saying that, Martin admits that as his talent level has increased over the years, he has felt the glare of the spotlight also increase. "You go up every level and there are more expectations for you, and it becomes more of a business and more work or something you have to do. That's where it's difficult - where you kind of have to make it fun. Hockey is not always fun. It's every weekend, night in and night out. But you have to make it fun and the guys make it fun. That pressure - it's tough to deal with, especially if you put a lot of pressure on yourself. I try not too. Sometimes I do look at how I'm playing, and if I'm playing poor, I put a lot of pressure on myself and that means I just have to work that much harder to pick my game back up to where it was. But as far as the outside hype, I just try not to worry too much about it."
The way that Paul Martin has excelled over his two and a half years at Minnesota with the weight of high expectations on his back is impressive to fans, but also an example to teammates. "He's so good, that he's easy to play with," fellow junior Joey Martin commented. "He sees the ice really well. He can anticipate plays. He does a lot of the little things. When I don't play and I watch him, he's not flashy out there, but you can see he gets the job done. That, I think, is his best attribute. He's kind of quietly efficient out there."
With all the attention Martin has received for his athletic accomplishments, perhaps the most notable aspect is that with all the expectations, he has never cracked or wavered nor has not gotten an inflated ego. To this, he credits his family.
"My parents have been great. I was raised to go out and have fun and was encouraged to participate in many sports. I didn't go into it for individual success, but as I started to develop, I started to get a little better at some sports and started to get in the paper a little bit. You don't really try to pay attention to that. Even today, I don't read the sports page a whole lot, as far as hockey and stuff like that. I try not to pay attention to it. Just go out there and worry about yourself and your team, and have a little fun while you're out there."
Every college student feels pressure to do something with their life. It is not often that one person's process of dealing with that pressure and maturing into a person and player has been followed by an entire state since their high school days. Paul Martin has been in the Minnesota hockey spotlight since the age of 16. He has not only played with that burden, but has developed into one of the best collegiate defenseman to come out of Minnesota. But walking by him on the street, you couldn't tell. He just looks like your average 21-year old college student. And that may be the best thing about Paul Martin. Walking down the street, you would pass him by without a thought. He is just your average college guy with his John Lennon-esque glasses and backwards Chicago Cubs hat. He doesn't really fit the college student-athlete mold. There is no swagger in his step, no cocky smirk when he talks. He is definitely in shape, but not in a striking "he must be a jock" way. The only feature that says hockey player is the blond hair that curls out from under the hat. It's hard to believe that Paul Martin could walk by you any day and you wouldn't even realize you were strolling by one of Minnesota's most talented and attention-getting athletes.
Yes, you may pass him by without registering who he is, but there is no way you can ignore what he does on the ice. Martin's talent with the puck has been earning him attention since his sophomore year in high school. By the time senior year at Elk River rolled around, Martin's athleticism was not only getting coverage, but his future plans were being debated in newspapers. As a true all-around athlete, it seemed Martin could not only participate, but excel at any sport, whether it be on the football field, the hockey rink or the baseball diamond. He was a regular on the prep page and the local sportscasts. On the gridiron in the fall of 1999, he set a new Minnesota state high school record for career receptions with 189, totaling 3,009 yards and earning him an all-state nod.
But it was that winter that the spotlight on Martin intensified as he traded in his cleats for skates. He signed a letter of intent to play for Minnesota in November and made the Gopher coaches giddy with anticipation with his hockey performance the following months. Senior season, he scored 15 goals and tallied 35 assists while leading Elk River to a 22-2 record and the top ranking in Class AA. Although the Elks came away from the season without a state title, Martin received a list of post-season awards. He was recognized as Minnesota's Mr. Hockey and Associated Press Player of the Year, along with his second consecutive all-state selection. That spring, the media attention followed him up to Calgary and the NHL Draft where New Jersey's 62nd pick would not disappoint. Martin was the first high school player to be drafted that year, sparking debate on if he would actually wear the Maroon and Gold or jump right into the pros. He quickly reaffirmed his commitment to the `U' to the relief of college hockey fans.
Entering his freshman year, Martin drew attention for not only his high level of prep play, but the fact that he was the only incoming freshman to not have USHL or National Development Team experience. Those factors, combined with the changing of positions from forward to defenseman, made many wonder how Martin would perform at Minnesota, and the media covered his on-ice moves, good and bad. The first articles published on Martin commented on his lack of offense during the opening months of collegiate hockey. But as the Gophers entered the heart of the WCHA schedule, Martin did not disappoint. He ended his freshman year with 20 points (3-17), eighth among league freshmen in scoring. More impressively, Martin was named a WCHA All-Rookie team member, making him just the fifth Minnesota blueliner to make the All-Rookie team.
Playing in the self-proclaimed State of Hockey, Martin seemed to justify all his time in the spotlight. He erased any doubt about changing positions and proved time in juniors doesn't always mean better freshman play. And he followed up his impressive first year performance with a stellar sophomore season, ranking fourth in the nation for points by a defenseman (8-30-38) and nabbing second-team All-WCHA honors. But as he was thriving as a defender, so was another Golden Gopher at the same position. Although they have different leadership and playing styles, comparisons between Paul Martin and Jordan Leopold have ensued. "When Jordan came in, their [freshmen class'] team wasn't as successful. I came in at a good time because the team was on the way up with a new coach and some new players and good recruits. I came in at a good situation to follow behind Jordan and some other defenseman," Martin said. "As far as Jordan goes, I think it was tough for him the first couple of years because he was relied on as a freshman and sophomore to be their big gun because they really didn't have anyone. That was difficult for him, but it made it easy for me to be under him. But now he's gone, so I'm not really used to it."
"It's tough because I'm not like Jordan as much as they want to label me the `next Jordan.' He outweighs me by 30 pounds, and if he gave me his shot, I'd be a whole lot happier. It's difficult when you don't have some of the tools that he has. We're not physically the same. He's a lot stronger on his skates and a lot stronger on the defensive end. He has this unbelievable little snap shot to get the puck to the net. It's just stuff that I have to work on. I'm not trying to out-do Jordan. I'm not trying to match him. That individual stuff is not anything I've ever been worried about. It's not as important as the team."
While Martin is flattered to be placed on the same level of Leopold, he does not see his play as equal to that of the now-NHL rookie. And Martin does not have the same big defensive core that Leopold played with. But as an assistant captain, the defense is under his guidance. Before this season began, Martin turned to his former teammate for advice on being the leader. "[Leopold] said it was going to be tough because when he came in he was relied on a lot and now that he's gone, I'm going to be relied on," Martin remarked. "But luckily I have a good supporting cast, if not co-cast, like Keith [Ballard] and Chris Harrington. We've got good offensive defensemen, but Jordan was our rock. We could throw him out there in any situation all the time. It's tough when you lose that to not to try and then do too much."
"Jordan's been great though," Martin added. "He's a great role model on and off the ice. `Keep plugging,' he says. `Because sometimes good things will happen and sometimes bad things will happen, and the difference is how you deal with it.' So you've got to take the good with the bad and hopefully if I keep improving, maybe someday I'll be as good as Jordan Leopold."
As much pressure as he may get from the media and fans to walk in Leopold's footsteps, no one holds Martin to a higher standard than himself. He is constantly looking to improve his game, offensively and defensively, and has been in a personalized strength training and conditioning program since the summer before coming to the Gophers. Not one to set specific goals, the time he reaches a point of satisfaction with one area, he looks to improve another. "I do hold myself to high standards. I'm not a whole believer in setting goals because if I had to set goals, I'd set them too high and I wouldn't be able to achieve them. So I just go more on a development-phase as far as trying to improve day-in and day-out, and on the weekends just making sure I'm giving our team a chance to win and doing my job. If I'm doing that, I think we'll have success as long as I stay out and shoot pucks and hit the weight room, good things will happen."
Saying that, Martin admits that as his talent level has increased over the years, he has felt the glare of the spotlight also increase. "You go up every level and there are more expectations for you, and it becomes more of a business and more work or something you have to do. That's where it's difficult - where you kind of have to make it fun. Hockey is not always fun. It's every weekend, night in and night out. But you have to make it fun and the guys make it fun. That pressure - it's tough to deal with, especially if you put a lot of pressure on yourself. I try not too. Sometimes I do look at how I'm playing, and if I'm playing poor, I put a lot of pressure on myself and that means I just have to work that much harder to pick my game back up to where it was. But as far as the outside hype, I just try not to worry too much about it."
The way that Paul Martin has excelled over his two and a half years at Minnesota with the weight of high expectations on his back is impressive to fans, but also an example to teammates. "He's so good, that he's easy to play with," fellow junior Joey Martin commented. "He sees the ice really well. He can anticipate plays. He does a lot of the little things. When I don't play and I watch him, he's not flashy out there, but you can see he gets the job done. That, I think, is his best attribute. He's kind of quietly efficient out there."
With all the attention Martin has received for his athletic accomplishments, perhaps the most notable aspect is that with all the expectations, he has never cracked or wavered nor has not gotten an inflated ego. To this, he credits his family.
"My parents have been great. I was raised to go out and have fun and was encouraged to participate in many sports. I didn't go into it for individual success, but as I started to develop, I started to get a little better at some sports and started to get in the paper a little bit. You don't really try to pay attention to that. Even today, I don't read the sports page a whole lot, as far as hockey and stuff like that. I try not to pay attention to it. Just go out there and worry about yourself and your team, and have a little fun while you're out there."
Every college student feels pressure to do something with their life. It is not often that one person's process of dealing with that pressure and maturing into a person and player has been followed by an entire state since their high school days. Paul Martin has been in the Minnesota hockey spotlight since the age of 16. He has not only played with that burden, but has developed into one of the best collegiate defenseman to come out of Minnesota. But walking by him on the street, you couldn't tell. He just looks like your average 21-year old college student. And that may be the best thing about Paul Martin.
