Monday, February 25, 2002
New golden age thrills Sens' boss
Martin earns kudos as part of staff
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Team Sun
SALT LAKE CITY -- The medal Jacques Martin wore around his neck was a replica, but it was as good as gold to him.
"I've got this one that (GM Wayne Gretzky) presented to me in the dressing room, and it means a lot," the Senators coach said last night following Team Canada's 5-2 win over Team USA in the Winter Olympic championship game.
Under Olympic rules, coaches are not awarded medals. But Martin, along with Pat Quinn, Ken Hitchcock and Wayne Fleming, received more than a pat on the back from Gretzky for their contributions to Canada's gold-medal victory yesterday.
"This is something that was nice for all of us,'' said Martin, who served as an assistant coach under Quinn. '`We've worked hard since the first time we met and for us to accomplish this isn't just good for us, it's great for all Canadians.
'`I would imagine they're going crazy up there.''
Martin will be back at his job behind the Senators bench tomorrow night against the Montreal Canadiens at the Molson Centre.
But, as he makes his way home today, he'll bask in the glory of Canada's first Olympic men's hockey championship in 50 years.
"You look at what was accomplished. This was a great group of players and it's been a nice experience for me to be able to work with these guys,'' Martin said.
'`You see the way guys like Joe Sakic, Steve Yzerman and the other top players work, and you just see the way they lift the team."
EVEN KEEL
Martin always believed Canada could win gold, but also was aware of the pressure facing the team. He said the key was the players never got too high or too low throughout the tournament, and everybody maintained an even keel.
If the NHL is again involved in the Olympics in Italy in 2006, it's reasonable to think Martin or Hitchcock could be candidates for the coaching job. Quinn isn't getting any younger and it might be time to pass the torch.
Martin isn't looking that far ahead yet.
"I'm just going to savour this,'' he said. '`We've had so much fun. We're going to a Team Canada reception with the players and then we'll be heading home. We've enjoyed ourselves, but we all have to go back to work."
Martin said he's looking forward to getting back with the Senators, although Quinn pointed out it wasn't very hard looking down the Team Canada bench every night and seeing all that talent.
"The focus now is getting the team ready for the playoffs," said Martin. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
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2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
