Islanders’ Martin focuses on fun at hockey camp

FOX Sports August 31, 2015 at 3:01p ET

New York Islanders forward Matt Martin routinely goes the extra mile to make sure his opponents are aware that he’s on the ice.

The same holds true at the Matt Martin Hockey Academy, where the 26-year-old Ontario native remains active to keep the kids’ attention during a week-long camp at Twins Rinks at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, N.Y. Much like his play on the ice, Martin exhibits high energy and a youthful enthusiasm in order to connect with the 88 kids in attendance.

“It’s all about having fun,” Martin told the team’s website. “Enjoy it. Hockey is a fun game; it’s a game we love. You work hard, you get better, but at the same time, you have fun doing it.”

Although known for his rugged style with the Islanders, the NHL hits leader last season shows a softer side by taking the kids through on- and off-ice training. Martin goes out of his way to lend a hand, even picking up a child who is having difficulty skating around an obstacle in order to put a smile on his face.

“It’s great what Matt’s doing in the community and we’re having a blast,” assistant coach and general manager Doug Weight told the website. “You’re going to teach the kids things over a week that they are going to take with them for a long time. For the most part you want memories of having a lot of fun.”

(h/t New York Islanders)