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FEBRUARY.2013 // MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM 019 OCTOBER.2014 // MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM 19 we aRe the chaMPions Martin grew up a University of Minnesota Gophers fan. Living roughly 33 miles outside the shadow of Mariucci, when countless schools came knocking with scholarship offers, there was no competition. "I think (the U of M) was my only visit," Martin said. "It was easy to commit to them and being a lifelong fan with my family made it an easy sell for the Gophers." Donning the maroon and gold for three seasons, Martin was able to add two pieces of hardware to the Gophers' trophy case. "To be able to win a championship was tough, but to be able to win two, and one of them being at the Xcel (Energy Center) in our own MHJ: Any superstitions? Paul Martin: I have more of a routine. I'm not very superstitious as far as what I eat or what time I do stuff. I'm pretty laid back. I just like to listen to some music before the game. It can be Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam or Phish — it's really all over the place. MHJ: If you could play an instrument, what would it be? PM: I would play the electric guitar. MHJ: Toughest opponent you've ever faced? PM: I get to go against Sidney Crosby everyday and he's definitely probably one of the better ones. When I was in New Jersey, my first year or two playing against Mario Lemieux was one of my highlights in my career. Just being able to be out there with him, he's one of the players you idolize growing up. MHJ: Favorite video game? PM: In college we played a lot of Super Nintendo. We would play NHL '94 and we made a huge Stanley Cup trophy out of cafeteria cups and bowls with saran wrap and all of that stuff. We always played that. I'm not a huge gamer, so I don't know any of the new stuff but you can't beat a classic. MHJ: If you weren't playing professional hockey, what would you be doing? PM: I wouldn't mind being a teacher. I'm not sure what kind, maybe a history teacher, and I'm not really sure what age. Just being able to work with kids, and then being able to coach would be something I'd enjoy. I'd rather coach younger to help them grow and teach the game. That's something I would definitely consider in the future. with Paul Martin Questions 5