Campers Continue To Make Lifelong Memories At Matt Martin's Annual Hockey Academy

EAST MEADOW, NY — From Aug. 18 to 22, hockey players age six to 15 hit the ice at the New York Islanders ' practice facility, Northwell Ice Center, for the ninth annual Matt Martin Hockey Academy.

From daily two-hour on-ice sessions to off-ice conditioning, dek hockey, and much more, Martin's camp allows beginners to get their feet —skates — wet while allowing the more advanced players to hone their skills.

"We get a lot of travel kids in here, and then we get a lot of kids that are just starting to play hockey or want to learn," Martin told The Hockey News. "It's a little bit of a fantasy camp. I wouldn't say it's necessarily an elite-level camp from that standpoint. It's a good opportunity for kids of all levels of hockey to come out and have a fun week.

"And I really do think a lot of the more advanced players understand that too and do a pretty good job overall understanding that."

Although Martin's future with the Islanders is unknown at this time — Martin is currently an unrestricted free agent — the 35-year-old veteran says it means a lot that he can hold the camp at the team's practice facility.

"The Islanders don't have to let me do it here and use their brand, so I'm very thankful for them," Martin said. "Obviously, it's great to be able to give back to the community. The islanders, as an organization, always do. And this camp keeps selling out, and kids keep coming back and enjoying it. We get new campers, so it's a lot of fun."

On top of Martin hitting the ice with the kids, a few teammates joined in on the fun.

His long-time linemates, Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas , hit the ice, along with Kyle MacLean and prospect Marshall Warren :

Not only that, but Clutterbuck's son River, Cizikas's son Jack, and former Islanders forward Josh Bailey 's sons Wyatt and Mack also took part in the camp, turning the event into a family function.

"My kids have done it the last three years," Bailey said. "They always look forward to it. It seems like all the kids have just a blast out there. And that's, that's what it's all about."

Bailey, who spent 13 seasons as Martin's teammate, praised him for running this camp year in and year out.

"Matt's a genuine guy and puts a lot of time and effort into this," Bailey said. "I'm sure it's a long week for him, with early mornings, and then working out, skating, and then spending all day here, but he does it with a smile on his face.

"You can see all the smiles on the kid's faces. It's been great, and I can't say enough good things about him."

Around 280 children attended the camp, and each kid received an individual picture with Martin and autographs from himself and his teammates.

"It’s truly inspiring to see professional athletes like Matt and his linemates genuinely invest in spending time with the campers and supporting the foundation as a whole," camp assistant director Geoff Noss said. "It really is so genuine."

Jonny Lazarus , who just finished his fourth year as a coach, shared that seeing the kids' reaction when Martin and other Islanders hit the ice brings him back to his childhood.

But he also said this year was a bit more special than in years past.

"It's always great seeing Matt, Casey, and Cal interact with the kids, but having Kyle Maclean and Marshall Warren out there as well was something that felt full circle," Lazarus said. "I was skating with those two 10 years ago, dreaming of being in a position like the ones they're in now.

"Seeing them give back to the community they once played in made it a little extra cool this year. Having peers as NHL players help me coach the kids is a feeling that's hard to describe."

MacLean, who is gearing up for his second NHL season after three years with the Bridgeport Islanders, was born in New Jersey. His father and Islanders assistant coach John MacLean, spent 14 of his 18 NHL seasons with the New Jersey Devils.

Warren, who signed with the Islanders after going undrafted following a four-year collegiate career, is from Laurel Hollow, NY.

"Running this camp with Matt is a one-week-a-year venture for us, but it is by far the highlight of the entire year," camp director Max Feinberg said. "Watching how the campers feed off the energy from Matt and his teammates is incredible, and the smiles from camp last a lifetime.

"Long Island is truly lucky to have such a special group of professional hockey players that call it home, and I could not be more proud to see how the program has grown over the past nine years."

The Matt Martin Foundation donates to many charities near and dear to Martin's heart.

He's a big dog lover, and one aspect of his charity focuses on raising service dogs for the Wounded Warriors Foundation.

This pup, Clyde, will be given to an FDNY captain at the 2024 Matt Martin Poker Tournament on Sept. 9 at Opus Steakhouse.

To learn more about the Matt Martin Foundation, head to https://mattmartinhockey.com/

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