TISDALE — The Tisdale Trojans are thrilled for many reasons to have Tanner Martin back defending their crease.
“It is really big for our hockey team,” said Darrell Mann, the Trojans’ head coach.
“He’s a veteran goaltender who is one of the top goalies in our league... It is not just his goaltending, but also the leadership he brings to our hockey team.”
As a goalie, Martin does not wear a letter, but is certainly a leader for the Trojans. Mann praised Martin for his maturity, work ethic, and for being grounded.
“The leadership just oozes off of him,” said Mann, who emphasized, “The players respond to how well he plays too.”
Last year Martin, a St. Brieux product, set a Trojans season record with five shutouts. This season the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder has a 3-1 record with a 1.35 goals against average and 0.94 save percentage. Martin already has a shutout against Swift Current.
“He is so calm and focused,” Mann said. “He doesn’t have a lot of extra movement. He looks big in the net at all times.”
Mann said that Martin does not allow too many goals in practice. Then in games he plays well and gives his team further confidence. Mann said Martin’s reputation is know and teams often make an extra pass when trying to score on him.
Early in his hockey career, Martin was a defenceman. He stepped into the crease in his first year of peewee. He said goaltending came naturally to him. Martin does not mind the pressures of being the hero or the goat.
“I enjoy pressure situations more than easy games,” he said. “I find them easier to deal with.”
Earlier this year Martin attended training camp and played in the preseason with the Melfort Mustangs of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
“The Mustangs camp gave me a good chance to look into what I have to accomplish to be able to play at the next level,” he said.
For now, Martin is focused on what he can do to help the Trojans. The team is hosting the Telus Cup West Regional, with a chance to go to the national tournament on the line.
“I have enjoyed the energy in the room [this season]. Everyone wants to improve for the big year we have,” said Martin, who billets with the York family and said he couldn’t ask to stay with a better family.
