BC Native Named To All-Tournament Team

Normally when you think about British Columbia born players on UNH, talk starts with Colin Hemingway. And while Hemingway is one of the most talented players from the province ever to don a Wildcats jersey, Nathan Martz saw his star rise at the 2003 NCAA Frozen Four.

Minnesota’s 5-1 rout ended UNH’s hopes of winning their first-ever title. With six seniors on the team, New Hampshire will lose several core players, including Hemingway, Jim Abbott and Lanny Gare, which makes Martz’ development and ever-growing confidence central to their chances of aspiring to another NCAA postseason run next year.

Martz, a 2000 New York Rangers draft choice, centered one of the most effective lines in the tournament. Martz teamed with Sean Collins and Steve Saviano to defeat Cornell in the semis, on their way to the finals. For his efforts, Martz was named to the All-Tournament team along with Saviano. He finished with three assists over the weekend- and 12 goals and 27 points for the season.

“I didn’t know that I was named but it’s a real honor, and one that means a lot. But I would give it back if it meant winning.”

The loss to Minnesota was made worse by the fact that UNH was still in the game. The score was tied heading into the third period before the Gophers offensive barrage in the final frame broke it open.

“We were confident, and thought we were going to win the game,” said Martz after the contest. “They took it to us in the first and we came back in the second and it was pretty even but then it was anyone’s game to win in the third period.”

Minnesota ran over the Wildcats, erasing an outstanding first period performance by Mike Ayers in net. Ayers kept his team in it even though Minnesota poured opportunity after opportunity on his net.

“He played unbelievable; Mike is such a good person who showed how well he can play out there on the ice,” said Martz of his teammate. “By far he was our MVP this weekend. It’s too bad we couldn’t do more to win for him because Mike did everything he could to help us win but it was too bad.”

New Hampshire, though they worked hard to reach this point, were grossly overmatched in the end and could not deal with Minnesota’s talented regimen of forwards.

“They just happened to make some big plays at the right time and have some really good players,” said a rueful Martz. “It was just one of those things where we just didn’t play well enough to win.”

In looking forward, Martz believes that this has been a learning experience. With one more year left in college, he’s committed to dedicating himself towards getting bigger over the summer. He’ll also attend the Rangers development camp for rookies before attempting to get UNH back into the title game with a real chance of winning their first crown.

“It can only make us stronger. Obviously last year was tough but being in the title game we know what it takes in moving forward and have no excuse when it comes to preparing for next season. I think we’ll rebound and be in the thick of it next year.”