Inferno Interview - Joey Martin

Devils final import signing of the off-season is Joey Martin. Martin was lead scorer for his team Stockton Thunder last year along and has a number of AHL games under his belt. Coach Lord describes Martin as ".. exactly what we need in a high end forward. Joey has great quickness and overall skating ability, along with superb vision and play making skills. He also has a scoring touch and the ability to run the power play. Finally, he is a great competitor and team-mate and will help us in many areas."

The-Inferno - How and when did you get involved in Ice Hockey?

Joey Martin - I got involved in hockey when I was about 3 or 4 years old. My father played competitively growing up, and I also had two older brothers who were already involved. I definitely had a family influence.


The-Inferno - What attracted you to the UK? Did you know much about the league and UK Hockey in general before you were approached by the Devils?

Joey Martin - I am pretty familiar with this league as I have inquired about it through friends who have played here, or who knew somebody who has played here. I've heard that it is a competitive league with a great fan base. I'm really looking forward to experiencing a different culture, and am also very happy that there isn't a major language barrier.


The-Inferno - You've had AHL callups every year since turning pro! Can you tell us a little bit about them and what made you choose Europe over the ECHL this season?

Joey Martin - My call ups to the AHL were good experiences. It was great to see how professional everybody carries themselves when you're one step away from the NHL. At that level, there is a fine line between players who are in the NHL and top players in the AHL. It was a good learning experience to witness the type of details players work on to gain an edge to make it to the top. It was frustrating at times when you started to play better and more confident, but were sent down because you were not drafted or on contract.


The-Inferno - Have you had a chance to look at the league and the rivalries that the Devils have in the Elite League as yet ? If so do you have any thoughts?

Joey Martin - I am aware that there are rivalries in this league, but I am not familiar with which teams yet. I'm sure I will find out very shortly upon arrival. It's exciting to hear that there are rivalries. As a player, these are the type of competitive games that we look forward to.


The-Inferno - Can you give us an insight into what Devils fans can expect from yourself?

Joey Martin - Devils fans can expect a hard working forward that is very passionate about the game of hockey. I have been known to be a good playmaker offensively, but I also take a lot of pride in my defensive zone.


The-Inferno - What have you been told about the Big Blue Tent (The rink we currently have)? Was the proposed new venue an incentive to signing for the Devils?

Joey Martin - I have heard that the big blue tent has a smaller ice surface which makes for an exciting game, as things happen very fast. I've heard Cardiff fans are loud and passionate, and can make it an uncomfortable atmosphere for the opposing team.


The-Inferno - We like to ask players if they have set themselves goals for the season to come and what expectations they have of their own and the team’s performance. Have you set yourself any goals for the season?

Joey Martin - My goal is as always, show up to camp mentally and physically prepared. I feel that if I play with the passion I have for the game, and the determination I have to win, I will be able to contribute to this teams success. Looking at our roster, it looks like we will have a very competitive team in this league. I think Andrew and the rest of the staff did a great job recruiting. It seems they are very prepared and determined to have a successful season.


The-Inferno - Have you set yourself any targets for this coming season goals or assists wise? Do you find it's more of a help or hindrance being given a target by others?

Joey Martin - I don't usually set any personal goals prior to the season. Personally, I feel if you are worrying about points or stats, they may be harder to come by. I feel if you go out and compete hard every night, things will fall into place.


The-Inferno - Can you tell us what your proudest achievement to date as a pro hockey player?

Joey Martin - I think my proudest achievement since playing professional would be this past season being named team MVP and leading scorer for my team - Stockton Thunder. This was an honor because I played with a lot of great players last year.


The-Inferno - The BBT has the fans sitting quite high above the ice and it really does rock when the fans see an opposition player turned over. What's the best venue you've played in so far?

Joey Martin - It's hard to pick the best venue I've played in. While playing college hockey, I played in some great atmospheres with loud and rowdy student sections. Most notably: North Dakota, Michigan, and Miami-Ohio.

Since playing pro, I would have to say that my team in Toledo had a great venue. It was a really nice new facility and the fans were very passionate. The fans loved when we scored, but they loved a big hit or a fight even more.


The-Inferno - What do you consider the strongest part of your game and what 1 thing would you improve - and why?

Joey Martin - I think the strongest part of my game is my hockey smarts. I have always been able to see the game very well. This has helped me makes plays with the puck, but also to be in good position on the ice without the puck. One thing I tend to hear from coaches is to improve my strength. I'm not a very big player, which is why I have to be quick and shifty to get around defenders.


The-Inferno - The press release mentioned you can run the powerplay... Ours has been pretty terrible for the last few seasons so can you give us an idea what can be expected going forwards?

Joey Martin - I have played on the power play throughout my career and it is one of my strengths. I am unaware of who will be on our power play, but if coach Lord happens to put me on it, I would hope to contribute to this important part of our game.


The-Inferno - Anything else you would like to add?

Joey Martin - I'm looking forward to this very exciting opportunity. It sounds like a great group of guys that coach Lord has put together.