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20 MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM // OCTOBER.2014 backyard, I don't think you can write up a script better than that," said Martin. "We had a great group of guys and we stuck together on and off the ice. To this day our class is pretty close and I think that team closeness is what helped us win the way we did. It was all pretty special." oLyMPic cut Martin opted not to join the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich., in order to continue with playing sports and make an appearance at the coveted Minnesota state high school hockey tournament. But he didn't pass up an opportunity to join Team USA after that. He joined USA Hockey in five international competitions including a World Junior Championship, three World Cups and two Olympics. After sitting out in the 2006 Olympics and withdrawing due to injury in 2010, for Martin, Sochi was everything he'd dreamed of. "You grow up watching the Olympics and the other USA guys, the Chelioses, Modanos, Hulls and Brian Leetch," Martin said. "Those are guys you grow up idolizing and then to be able to come into their skates is always something special for me and something I'll never forget." nhL Ranks Martin reached the 10-year mark of his NHL career last season. Despite his veteran status, he admits that each day he works to improve. "I don't take anything for granted and realize how fortunate we all are to be playing a game and how few can do it and enjoy it," said Martin. "I just go out and continue to work hard every time just like I've always done." And he'll never forget where that work ethic and enjoyment originated. "The community-based hockey in Minnesota, there is nothing like it," he said. "Just being a part of the State of Hockey and growing up, you realize how much pride everyone has in their local and college teams. Wanting to play for that team you grew up in helps you really enjoy the game and you end up having a lot of fun. I think that's what's really important and what really makes Minnesota hockey so special." MaRtin Minnesota's "Nowadays everyone thinks you have to specialize at such a young age, which I don't believe in. I think kids should be playing other sports — it really only helps them." LESSONS - PRIVATE│GROUP│TEAM INSTANT ON-ICE VIDEO ANALYSIS WITH VERBAL TECHNIQUE BREAKDOWN EXPERT DETAILED INSTRUCTION & AMBIDEXTERIOUS DEMONSTRATION UP-TO-DATE TERMINOLOGIES WITH VIDEO PLAY BACK IN REA VIDEO PLAY BACK IN REAL-TIME 360 PIVOT EVALUATION WITH PLAYER PROFILING TRAINING ALL AGES & LEVELS