Hockey player-of-the-month for February MacMartin impresses with attitude, willingness to learn

By Laureen Sweeney

Finlay MacMartin, 13, a forward for Westmount’s M13 B “Wings” hockey team, has been chosen by his coaches as the city’s player-of-themonth for February. Announced last week by Andrew Maislin, operations manager for the Westmount recreation centre (WRC), Finlay was cited, he said, “in a very moving explanation” from coach André Brosseau for efforts to improve his skills and focus on helping his team. “As a young player,” according to Brossard, Finlay “quickly impressed us by his attitude and willingness to learn. During our first game and on every shift, he would insist on knowing what else he could do better to improve his skills. I thought it was a refreshing attitude for a young player to realize that he still had things to improve on.” As the season progressed, Brossard explained, “this attitude evolved as well from focussing on his skills to focussing on the team’s and learning how he could contribute more. Our focus with him was to teach him how to have a positive attitude on and off the ice and learn the principles of teamwork.” Burgeoning leader While this is Finlay’s second season with the Wings, he is reported to have participated for several years in the recreation department’s program. To – day, said Brossard, Finlay “has become a stronger player and more importantly as a burgeoning leader ready to move forward and access stronger levels.” “Each month, the city’s hockey coaches are asked to nominate a player from their respective teams as playerof-the-month,” Maislin explained. In this case, the nomination of Finlay also came from the team’s other coaches Marcel Behr, Nicholas Shinder and Michael Mossop. “Congratulations to Finlay,” he said. “I would like to encourage all players in Westmount Minor Hockey to keep up the good work. Playoffs are right around the corner, starting March 13. Finlay MacMartin. Photo courtesy of Westmount Sports and Recreation. ‘Go Wings go!’