Ice Hockey
Journalists UK
Neal Martin
2011
Neal
Martin, a classy defenceman, excelled in the near all-import British
Superleague and its successor Elite League, with six straight All-Star
awards, four at ‘A’, plus three league and two play-off winners’ medals.
At Chicago Wolves his coach suggested his skills were suited to Europe and put him in touch with Chris McSorley – coach of London Knights. As Martin’s grandfather was born in Bethnal Green, London, he was initially classified as a non-import.
The 24 year old Canadian defenceman made an immediate impact, as Knights contested the 1999 B&H (Autumn) Cup final. Finishing fourth in the league, London won five out their six matches in the play-offs, going on to defeat Ayr 2-1 in the semi and Newcastle in the final. For his efforts on the blue-line he was voted onto the second All-Star team and the club’s MVP award.
In his second season in Docklands, appointed captain, he was forced to raise his game even further after the loss of a key defender. His team were fourth in the league, semi-finalists in two domestic cup competitions, plus silver medallists in the Continental Cup, with Martin named best rearguard. Knights headed the play-off table as he netted the game tying goal in the semi-final 4-3 victory over Ayr. An All-Star ‘B’ accolade plus ‘Best Defenceman’ club and supporters awards followed.
After three winters on the Continent he returned to Britain to join Coventry for their second Elite campaign. This time classified as ‘import’, coach Paul Thompson said he recruited Martin because “he’s a winner and has got a winning attitude”, and named him an alternate captain. Faith rewarded; his exemplary penalty killing and positional play were a key factor in Blaze lifting the Elite championship, play-offs and Challenge Cup. Neal gained All-Star ‘A’ recognition. Next winter he retained this All-Star rating, with his team finalists in the Challenge and Knock-Out Cups. As he did for the next two years, as Coventry regained the Elite crown and retained the title for 2007/08, plus Knockout Cup winners’ medals. That spring Thompson commented: “He’s a big reason for the success we’ve had here…” With Martin on the blue-line Blaze won seven trophies in four seasons.
He is one of the finest defenceman to play in Britain. A consummate professional on and off the ice, with an outgoing personality; popular with fans and team mates alike.
Neal Martin was born on 8 September 1975 at Sudbury, Ontario. After spending five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League he turned pro in 1996 with Hampton of the East Coast League then moved around the Minors for a few years before moving to Europe. 2008-10 were spent with Aalborg in Denmark.
Written by Martin C Harris
At Chicago Wolves his coach suggested his skills were suited to Europe and put him in touch with Chris McSorley – coach of London Knights. As Martin’s grandfather was born in Bethnal Green, London, he was initially classified as a non-import.
The 24 year old Canadian defenceman made an immediate impact, as Knights contested the 1999 B&H (Autumn) Cup final. Finishing fourth in the league, London won five out their six matches in the play-offs, going on to defeat Ayr 2-1 in the semi and Newcastle in the final. For his efforts on the blue-line he was voted onto the second All-Star team and the club’s MVP award.
In his second season in Docklands, appointed captain, he was forced to raise his game even further after the loss of a key defender. His team were fourth in the league, semi-finalists in two domestic cup competitions, plus silver medallists in the Continental Cup, with Martin named best rearguard. Knights headed the play-off table as he netted the game tying goal in the semi-final 4-3 victory over Ayr. An All-Star ‘B’ accolade plus ‘Best Defenceman’ club and supporters awards followed.
After three winters on the Continent he returned to Britain to join Coventry for their second Elite campaign. This time classified as ‘import’, coach Paul Thompson said he recruited Martin because “he’s a winner and has got a winning attitude”, and named him an alternate captain. Faith rewarded; his exemplary penalty killing and positional play were a key factor in Blaze lifting the Elite championship, play-offs and Challenge Cup. Neal gained All-Star ‘A’ recognition. Next winter he retained this All-Star rating, with his team finalists in the Challenge and Knock-Out Cups. As he did for the next two years, as Coventry regained the Elite crown and retained the title for 2007/08, plus Knockout Cup winners’ medals. That spring Thompson commented: “He’s a big reason for the success we’ve had here…” With Martin on the blue-line Blaze won seven trophies in four seasons.
He is one of the finest defenceman to play in Britain. A consummate professional on and off the ice, with an outgoing personality; popular with fans and team mates alike.
Neal Martin was born on 8 September 1975 at Sudbury, Ontario. After spending five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League he turned pro in 1996 with Hampton of the East Coast League then moved around the Minors for a few years before moving to Europe. 2008-10 were spent with Aalborg in Denmark.
Written by Martin C Harris