For Rockets AC Derrick Martin, its a family affair

“If you look at the two teams I was with in the AJHL, they are legacy franchises,” he told RocketFAN. “They have a reputation and a community that demands success. When you look at the Western Hockey League, I’ve equated winning with the Kelowna Rockets. I grew up in the same era that they won Memorial Cups and championships, so it’s a logo synonymous with hockey. It is a unique logo, a unique jersey in a unique location. It was a no-brainer when I had the opportunity to come to Kelowna to jump on that.”

For Martin, moving so quickly after receiving word he was the successful candidate can be traumatic on the family, especially when you have two kids in elementary school that are involved in sports.

“It was the only concern, uprooting your family” Martin said about moving on such short notice. “My daughter [Madden] is 12 years-old and my son [Noah] is 10, so they are both in new places and new schools. Our kids have lived in the same house their entire lives. Fortunately, they have put on brave faces for dad.”

Coaching isn’t easy on a couples relationship either. Long hours are spent at the rink, at practice, in meetings and traveling with the team while on the road. Martin is blessed to have a supportive wife who has allowed him to pursue his coaching career for the past 15 years.

“When we were first married, I told her when you have had enough of this lifestyle that is when I will quit,” he said honestly. “She is tremendous. She believes in me. She believes in what we are doing and she is excited to be in Kelowna.”

A registered nurse, Kari Martin will soon be working at Kelowna General Hospital.

“She is the rock of our family,” he added. “She has made my life worth living that’s for sure.”

What won’t come as a surprise to the Martin’s is the high cost of living in Kelowna. Now the 6th most expensive city in Canada, rent is high and affordable housing is hard on the pocketbook.

“The rental prices are what I thought. Home prices may be out of budget at this point. We will maybe get through the first contact before we look to buy,” he said with a chuckle.

On the hockey side, it’s been a massive learning curve. Martin has had to familiarize himself with the personnel on his team, while getting up to speed on players across the WHL. Does he feel overwhelmed or at a disadvantage with so much being thrown his way?

“I think there is an advantage to coming here as an assistant coach and learning under a guy like Kris [Mallette], and having the Hamilton family to lean on as well for support,” he added. “It really falls on me to do the work, and I said that from the onset that I wouldn’t be outworked. In certain aspects, I don’t know any better so I can throw stuff out and I either look like a genius or look like the new guy.”

You get the sense that Martin doesn’t get rattled easily. Even with the added responsibility of organizing team meals and hotels on the road, what appears to be a daunting task is taken in stride.

“I am working for a coach that sat in this role before me.” he said with confidence. “He [Mallette] has been a great sounding board, and is someone I can lean on for his experience, and at the same time put my thumb prints on it and make it my own.”

Unlike Mallette, who’s voice is clearly audible in the arena as he barks out instructions to his players during the game, Martin is fine with sitting back and adding input when needed.

“At the end of the day I want to be a firm coach, but a fair coach,” he said. “I want players to respect me but I also want to be a person who impacts the joy level of the dressing room.

“I am a believer that you earn fun. It is what you do everyday that builds towards that.”

by Regan Bartel

For Rockets AC Derrick Martin, its a family affair

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