The ending of the men’s hockey tournament at the Sochi Winter games is surprisingly fitting for Martin St. Louis and his career. He wasn’t supposed to be there. It took Steven Stamkos not being medically cleared to play for him to be named as a replacement to Team Canada’s roster. He saw limited playing time through the majority of the tournament, but played well with the time he received and ended up with a gold medal around his neck. One of the best parts of the Winter Games has been seeing him celebrate this victory and absolutely savoring it.
Marty played for Team Canada at the 2006 Olympics in Torino in which the squad did not medal. He was ignored by the team’s selectors for the Vancouver Games in 2010, selectors including Tampa’s GM Steve Yzerman. History repeated itself prior to Sochi when Marty’s name was included on Canada’s initial roster. Hockey fans were outraged at the omission and were very vocal about it. When Stamkos had to continue rehabbing his injured leg, Marty was named as his replacement. Unfortunately, the rough road didn’t end there for #26. (Photo/Jason Haas)
Despite being the reigning Art Ross Trophy winner, St. Louis was scratched from one game. He saw very little ice time when he did dress, or no ice time in the case of the semifinal game against the United States. Marty played 35 minutes and 22 seconds in the tournament. Only defensemen P.K. Subban, Dan Hamhuis and back up (third) goalie Mike Smith played less. He made his presence known in the gold medal game mostly on a line with Rick Nash and Matt Duchene. He played just 6:51, but the line provided a big boost of energy when they were on the ice. Marty had three shots on goal and a +1 rating.
St. Louis spoke with The Canadian Press following the game:
“I was expecting the worst and hoping for the best,” he said. “It’s not about me getting ice time today, it’s about the team winning a gold medal. If I can help along the way, it makes it a little more special, I guess. But I’m happy when I got out there I made the best of it.
I’m the one winning the gold medal today, but it’s everyone who believed in me, my family, my friends, the coaches who helped me,” he said in French. “I’m proud to have this around my neck, but it’s not only a victory for me, it’s for everyone that helped me.”
The magnitude of the moment was evident when the Canadians were awarded their medals following the victory over Sweden. It was written all over our captain’s face. We may not have been rooting for Canada to take the gold, but it’s hard not to be happy for Marty. He told the CBC that he would cherish this moment for the rest of his life. One only has to watch his post game interview to know that it’s the truth.
(Feature Box Photo/Susan Ferlita)
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