Before getting drafted in the 5th round by the New York Islanders Matthew Maggio was already connected to the team through Windsor native Matt Martin. "I know the stories about him just from my dad growing up, how he trained him and how hard he worked."
Martin trained with Maggio's dad back in the day but the connection went deeper after the Islanders called his name. Little did Maggio know, he was drafted in the same round as Martin. Maggio was chosen 142nd overall while Martin went 148th in 2008 out of Sarnia.
Martin completed his 13th year in the NHL this past season. "That's my end goal to follow in those same footsteps. It's a little connection you can make. " said Maggio who met Martin as a youngster. "Definitely someone I've looked up to growing up and a role model for sure."
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
Maggio says he was able to celebrate the draft because the Islanders aren't having a development camp this week. "Definitely enjoyed the weekend for sure but it's Monday and it's back to the work week."
BACK TO WORK
Maggio was back in the gym and on the ice Monday. New York failed to make the playoffs this past season and fired head coach Barry Trotz shortly thereafter. While the search for a new bench boss continues Maggio plans to train hard in order to be in a position to make an impression on whoever is chosen to take over the reins. "The real work starts now."