NEW YORK -- New York Islanders forward Matt Martin learned at a young age the value of being a role model and how the status of being a professional athlete can have a positive impact on others.
One of Martin's idols growing up was retired NHL defenseman Ed Jovanovski, who played junior hockey for the Windsor Spitfires in Martin's hometown. Whenever Jovanovski came out for warm-ups, Martin tossed a piece of bubble gum over the boards and in return Jovanovski handed him hockey sticks. Seeing Jovanovski go the extra mile to put a smile on his face inspired Martin to where if he made the NHL, he would provide his fans with a similar feeling.