Projection: Middle Six Forward

Tools: Physicality, Engagement, Hockey Sense

Development Opportunities: Creativity, Smooth Hands

Martin is a strong winger who plays the game as a powerforward, lining up his opponents before making a well placed check to the chest. He is capable of using his strength and size productively to make plays and provide offence, remaining actively engaged all over the ice. He can score goals and create offence, using his passing and high hockey sense at a fairly high level and is consistently trusted to be on the ice in high pressure moments. Gavin is very strong on his stick, making it hard for him to lose the puck once he takes possession. He is able to shake off opposing players with ease, driving up ice and blowing past opponents with urgency and confidence.

As weird as it may seem to say this about a player in this range, there is no clear or obvious attribute that needs serious upgrading aside from regular refining. The one area that Martin could continue to develop is by improving his puckhandling ability and playing with more confidence in carrying the puck up ice. Although usually he is able to make quick plays to progress the puck, it could make him more dynamic and effective as a play driver to carry the puck more frequently.

It is hard to stand out as a forward with some of the firepower that Brantford boasts but Gavin Martin was impressive in this game and at this tournament. He was noticeable in this game with his strength on his stick, he was able to protect the puck well and maintain handle of it while moving around the offensive zone and in transition. He carried the puck up ice with confidence and urgency, using his powerful stride to move. In this game he was able to pot two goals and was trusted in the final minute to deliver once again and although he did not, he looked very lethal with purposeful offensive attempts and rushes inside the offensive zone.