By Bernie Puchalski, St. Catharines Standard - Friday, May 10, 2013
MERRITTON - As debuts go, Quintan Martin couldn’t have asked for a better start Friday night as the St. Catharines Spartans hosted the Orangeville Northmen in Ontario Lacrosse Association junior B action at the Merritton Arena.
The 18-year-old Six Nations resident stopped the first 25 shots he faced as the Spartans built a 5-0 lead. Unfortunately for the 5-foot-11, 235-pounder, the team in front of him took a penalty box full of stupid penalties and Orangeville rallied for a 9-7 victory. The loss certainly wasn’t Martin’s fault as he made 43 saves, including a number of clear-cut breakaways.
“It came down to penalties and defence and we let up a little bit,” Martin said. “They took advantage, buried some and took the momentum back.”
For Spartans head coach Matt Attwood, it was the second straight disappointing home performance by his squad.
“We couldn’t stay out of the box,” he said. “It was brutal.”
Attwood felt playing with a short bench may have caused some of the undisciplined play.
“Maybe the kids were just tired and getting lazy but still you have to play smart.”
One thing Attwood had no complaints about was the play of Martin.
“He kept us in there, that’s for sure. I just wish we could have helped him out a bit more,” he said. “But you can’t score goals when you’re in the penalty box.”
Martin played Hamilton junior B last season following stints with Akwesasne and Six Nations. He was acquired in a trade by St. Catharines.
“The emotions were going and I had a tough decision between these guys and Oakville,” Martin said.
In the end, memories of playing for Six Nations against St. Catharines teams swung his decision towards St. Catharines.
“Growing up, we had great games against St. Catharines beating each other up,” he said. “There was great coaching and great goaltending and it was a privilege to be asked to be trade to this
team. They’re a good team and they have great heart and talent.”
It was Martin’s first game of the season for the Spartans after suffering a torn hip flexor during practice when he rolled it on a ball.
“It’s not a good injury,” he said, adding the recovery is still in progress. “I take it day by day. There’s no pain right now so I’m good to go.”
He admitted it was frustrating to start the season injured.
“That was a killer,” he said. “Being a goalie and being a starter, you want to play every game in that net.
“It’s a tough game up here and you have to earn your spot in junior B. I’m happy to be healthy and I hope to stay healthy."
 |
| Danny Blocho (16) of the St. Catharines Spartans is hauled down as the ball goes into the net during action against the Orangeville Northmen. |
MERRITTON - As debuts go, Quintan Martin couldn’t have asked for a better start Friday night as the St. Catharines Spartans hosted the Orangeville Northmen in Ontario Lacrosse Association junior B action at the Merritton Arena.
The 18-year-old Six Nations resident stopped the first 25 shots he faced as the Spartans built a 5-0 lead. Unfortunately for the 5-foot-11, 235-pounder, the team in front of him took a penalty box full of stupid penalties and Orangeville rallied for a 9-7 victory. The loss certainly wasn’t Martin’s fault as he made 43 saves, including a number of clear-cut breakaways.
“It came down to penalties and defence and we let up a little bit,” Martin said. “They took advantage, buried some and took the momentum back.”
For Spartans head coach Matt Attwood, it was the second straight disappointing home performance by his squad.
“We couldn’t stay out of the box,” he said. “It was brutal.”
Attwood felt playing with a short bench may have caused some of the undisciplined play.
“Maybe the kids were just tired and getting lazy but still you have to play smart.”
One thing Attwood had no complaints about was the play of Martin.
“He kept us in there, that’s for sure. I just wish we could have helped him out a bit more,” he said. “But you can’t score goals when you’re in the penalty box.”
Martin played Hamilton junior B last season following stints with Akwesasne and Six Nations. He was acquired in a trade by St. Catharines.
“The emotions were going and I had a tough decision between these guys and Oakville,” Martin said.
In the end, memories of playing for Six Nations against St. Catharines teams swung his decision towards St. Catharines.
“Growing up, we had great games against St. Catharines beating each other up,” he said. “There was great coaching and great goaltending and it was a privilege to be asked to be trade to this
team. They’re a good team and they have great heart and talent.”
It was Martin’s first game of the season for the Spartans after suffering a torn hip flexor during practice when he rolled it on a ball.
“It’s not a good injury,” he said, adding the recovery is still in progress. “I take it day by day. There’s no pain right now so I’m good to go.”
He admitted it was frustrating to start the season injured.
“That was a killer,” he said. “Being a goalie and being a starter, you want to play every game in that net.
“It’s a tough game up here and you have to earn your spot in junior B. I’m happy to be healthy and I hope to stay healthy."
