New Blazers defenseman Max Martin is adjusting to being a top two guy in Kamloops (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

MAX MARTIN

Martin adjusting to being top defenseman with the Blazers

Oct 9, 2019 | 4:55 PM

KAMLOOPS — Max Martin is getting acquainted with being a top two defenseman. The newest Blazer, picked up in a trade last week with Prince Albert, says it’ll be an adjustment.

“It’s a little bit different. Last year, I was probably three or four guy, I played on the second power play, so it’s not quite the same,” said Martin. “But I’m ready to embrace that role and be the guy that they want to go to.”

Martin describes himself as a two-way player but feels he has improved his defensive game in the last two years. Martin will quarterback the top power play unit in Kamloops and has been paired with Quinn Schmiemann. Head coach Shaun Clouston likes Martin’s versatility.

“He’s able to play the right side or the left side, so that fits in really good with what we’re doing,” he said about his top blueliner. “He can quarterback the power play. You can play him in all key situations. He’s a highly skilled player, but also a competitor.”

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Martin comes to Kamloops fresh off a WHL championship and Memorial Cup appearance last spring. The hope is, Martin can pass along what it takes to win.

“I think a lot of it is that brotherhood inside the locker room,” said Martin, who had an assist on Dante Hannoun’s championship-winning goal in Game 7 of the WHL Final. “You’ve got to be close and you want to be with everyone every day if you’re going to go on the ice and battle for each other.”

Clouston added: “It brings some experience, some knowledge of what it takes. It takes a lot [to win a championship]. There’s a big difference between making the playoffs and advancing.”

Even with only one game under his belt, Martin feels good about his new team.

“We’ve got a really got group in there. We’ve got skilled forwards and then we’ve got some depth, too. Then on the backend, we’ve got a lot of good pieces that’ll complement those forwards well. Everything’s in place to be a good team.”