After playing for the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the top junior ice hockey league in the United States, Robert Martini decided to become a Purple Eagle. As an economics major, minoring in finance, Martini wanted to come to Monteeagle Ridge for the high level of hockey, the small school atmosphere and the professors. Four years later it has seemed to work out pretty well for the King City, Ontario native.
Just months away from graduation, Robert has options after he walks across the stage at Niagara University, but staying on the ice is his main goal.
“Certainly if the opportunity presented itself I would definitely like to continue playing hockey. If I can play professionally somewhere and have the experience of playing pro hockey that’s certainly what I’d like to do,” said the economics major. “I’ve played hockey since I was five years old so it’s my passion, it’s what I love.”
The son of Paul and Elizabeth Martini also has his eye set on a Master’s Degree in economics, currently having a cumulative 4.15 grade point average (GPA), saying if hockey doesn’t work out, “I’d head back to school in some capacity, look to get a Master’s in economics which is my major.”
As a Division One hockey player and an economics major with a 4.15 GPA, what people may find most fascinating about Martini is his knowledge of hockey. Not just knowing the game, but knowing the history as well.
When asked who was the first hockey player to score 500 goals, he answered Maurice Richard, which is correct. When asked which college hockey player scored their first career point against Bemidji State on November 22, 2008, he smiled and said, “That’s got to be myself.”
His knowledge of hockey trivia doesn’t make him a leader for the Purple Eagles, it is his hard work and dedication to his teammates and coaches throughout all four years here at Niagara. This year all that hard work paid off as his coaches honored him with the “C” on his jersey, naming him team captain.
“It’s a big honor and recognition from the coaching staff, and fellow players. It’s just something that I’ve always tried to lead my life as a leader, but it comes with a little bit of added responsibility,” said Martini. “You always have to watch how you presenting yourself and watch how you act on a day to day basis, but I’ve always just tried to go out and work hard, keep everybody upbeat, but as I said it’s certainly a big responsibly and something I’m very grateful for and very proud of.”
The captain of the Purple Eagles has left his mark on Niagara, but Niagara has also given this senior memories and experiences that he will carry with him the rest of his life.
“Certainly the first thing you remember as a hockey player are the people you meet here. The twenty some odd guys that are in the room every day with you, you forge some pretty lasting relationships with a lot of guys,” said the fourth year student athlete. “Everybody at the campus has been great. The professors are so inviting, and it’s a very welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place I’ll certainly remember for the rest of my life and I certainly have to thank the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to be here. That’s certainly something I’m grateful for, but maybe on a lighter note for favorite memories of NU--the main parking lot.”
Martini has a bright future in front of him no matter what career he decides to embark on. The captain of the 2011-12 Niagara men’s hockey team and a two time All-Academic team member has certainly made a lasting impact on Niagara University.
By: Kevin Swanson, Athletic Communications Intern
