Steve Martins is a former professional ice hockey player who played in various leagues throughout his career. He began his career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, where he played for four seasons. During his time in the OHL, Martins was known for his offensive skills and was a consistent point producer.
After his time in the OHL, Martins signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning as an undrafted free agent. He spent the majority of his time in the Lightning organization playing for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Falcons. Martins was a key player for the Falcons, and his strong play earned him a call-up to the Lightning during the 1998-1999 season.
Martins played in 15 games for the Lightning during the 1998-1999 season, recording two goals and two assists. He continued to play for the Falcons for the next few seasons, but also saw time with the Lightning during the 2000-2001 season. Martins played in 31 games for the Lightning that season, recording five goals and six assists.
After his time with the Lightning, Martins played for several other NHL teams, including the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Florida Panthers. He also played in various European leagues, including the Swiss National League and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
Throughout his career, Martins was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. He was also a strong penalty killer and was often used in defensive situations. Despite not being a high-scoring player, Martins was a valuable asset to any team he played for and was respected by his teammates and coaches.
Martins retired from professional hockey in 2010 and has since worked as a coach and scout. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the University of New Hampshire men's ice hockey team.
Overall, Steve Martins had a successful career as a professional hockey player, playing in various leagues and earning the respect of his peers. While he may not have been a household name, Martins was a valuable player who contributed to the success of the teams he played for.
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