Still, the loss of Martins will hurt. Heshouldered much--too much--of the offensive loadand will be difficult to replace.
But fear not Harvard hockey fans. AlthoughMartins will definitely not be wearing Crimson,you may not have to leave New England to see hisfuture games. Martins is currently in the midst ofcontract negotiations with the Hartford Whalers,the NHL team for whom Drury plays.
"I am not sure yet if the Whalers will offer mea contract," Martins says. "They may be reluctantbecause of my off-year and because of my size."
At five-nine, Martins would be one of thesmallest players in the NHL. However, beingvertically challenged has never held him backbefore.
"At almost every level people have told me thatI am too small to be a star," Martins says. "I useit to motivate me. It has never hurt me too muchin the past."
Yet another understatement from a man who wouldprefer his actions to speak louder than his words.He may or may not make it to the NHL, but as theVermont coach learned five years ago, it is seldomprofitable to bet against Steve Martins.