Claimed: First Time For Everything

[Guest daBenchwarmer]

First Time For Everything

How has the rookie Emil Martinov been doing?

Emil Martinov poses next to his first VHLM Goal Puck. The Aces, despite a strong game, would go on to lose 4-3 to the Ottawa Lynx.

 

Las Vegas is a deep team, there is no doubt about that.

 

However, their ability to pick up defensemen who can play tough minutes both on the power play and penalty kill and still be a solid Top 6 presence on the Aces' defensive core is always a welcomed sight. Emil Martinov has expertly stepped up to the plate and has played consistently solid hockey for the Aces despite some rookie lapses here and there. And already he's on his way to greatness after potting his first career North American goal against the Ottawa Lynx despite a 4-3 overtime loss. 

 

"I'm glad and eternally grateful for the amount of experience I'm getting from playing with the Aces." Martinov told media after Las Vegas' Overtime win against Saskatoon today. "The boys are great and welcomed me straight away. It's been a pretty eye-opening experience for me, especially after my Czech Hockey career is done, hahaha. I enjoy the guys, I enjoy the city and I enjoy the fanbase. Everything here's pretty great."

 

Martinov has been a great addition for the Aces' playoff run. Despite being known for mostly his defensive play, he has also managed to contribute 2 points from the blueline, a goal and an assist, in 8 games played. Despite also racking up 8 penalty minutes, Martinov's play as excelled in the amount of ice time he has been given during his time with the Aces, even prompting the Aces coaching staff to give him more ice time. And Martinov's efforts haven't gone unnoticed, earning praise from the coaching staff and analysts alike.

 

"He's a somewhat big body on the blueline who can also play hockey." Hockey Analyst Jacob Speerings said during his morning radio talkshow "Aces Hockey". "Martinov's first passes are pretty good, especially for a guy who's technically in his rookie season with the Aces. While he may not permanently be with them, depending on the whole dispersal drafts, Martinov will definitely make the Aces a tougher team to play against mainly because of his work ethic and the hits he throws."

 

"It's great when we, the coaching staff, have something we want, and Management goes and acquires it for us." Aces Assistant Coach Mark Santiago told media after this morning's practice. "Marty's been a great guy both in the locker room and outside of it. He's been adapting well to life in North America, and we're happy to help him make the jump from European Hockey to North American Hockey."

 

With the Aces holding a 2-1 Series lead over the Saskatoon Wild, Las Vegas will need everyone to step up and pitch in, especially the newcomer Martinov. While his role in the future may change, what is clear now is that he will play a pinnacle role in eating up minutes and shutting down the opposition.