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MATT MARTIN'S OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE--- an interview with Netminder
	When did you first start playing hockey? I started around 4 years old playing pond hockey and trying to keep up with my brother Chris. You played 3 years for the University of Maine Black Bears. Tell us about your college hockey experience. My college hockey experience was unbelievable. I was able to play with great players like Scott Pellerin, Keith Carney, Paul Kariya and many others. I believe I only lost 15 games in my three years at Maine and topped it off by winning the National Championship. Our team posted a record of 42-1-2. When were you selected to be on the USA Hockey Team? I signed a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs after my third year at Maine, they said they wanted to have me start the season off in St. John's. About the same time I was asked to play for the U.S. National team and with the Olympics soon approaching I decided to hold off on my pro career and play for the USA in the Olympics. How long were you on Team USA and how many games did you play wearing the Red, White & Blue? The national team tour was for one year with around 60 games including 6 trips overseas. I played 8 games in the Olympics. Did you mostly play defense? Yes the entire time.
In the winter of 1994 you left for the Winter Olympics in Lillihamer. What did it feel like to be playing for your country in the Olympics? It was the best feeling in the world to be representing the USA. Walking into the Olympic Games for the opening ceremony is something I will never forget. Was this a dream of yours from your youth and what influence did the 1980 " Miracle on Ice" (when USA defeated Russia) have on you? After 1980 every kid in the USA wanted to play for the Olympic team and then turn pro. So, yes I guess that did have an influence on me. In your first Olympic game it ended in a tie with France. Was that kind of a disappointment? Yes, we out shot them 3 to 1, but the tie put us in a tougher bracket right away. Team USA then went on to tie Slovakia and Canada. Were you and your teammates wondering if you would ever get a win? Yes, after three ties we were kind of disappointed because we had beaten these teams all year leading up to the Olympics. In the game against Sweden you played them close, but just couldn't make up the distance they put on you in the first two periods. After that game did you think they would be the eventual Gold Medal winners? I thought after we played them in the Olympics they had a good chance. They had played us tough throughout the year leading up the the Olympic games. In the final preliminary game Team USA cruised past Italy 7-1 and you posted two assists. What was that like. Well, it was pretty exciting to get my name on the score sheet in an Olympic game.

Even though team USA eventually finished 8th, did you make any memorable friendships with players from the USA Team or from other countries? Yes, I stay in contact with a few of the guys. Actually one of them plays for the Long Beach Ice Dogs, John Lilley. Ice hockey is still fairly new to most of us in Idaho, what advice would you give to the younger players who some day dream of playing in the Olympics? Have fun when you play, but remember to set goals for yourself. How do you think the USA team will do next month in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City? I believe the USA team has a great chance to win in Salt Lake City. Matt Martin is now in his second season with the Idaho Steelheads and his first season as as assistant coach. His professional career included 76 games in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and over 350 games in the minor leagues. He hopes to someday be a head coach and teach others all that he has learned about the great game of hockey.