EAST MEADOW, NY -- After a 16-year NHL career, Matt Martin is hanging up his skates and stepping into a new role as special assistant to general manager Mathieu Darche for the 2025-26 season.
Islanders Matt Martin Discusses New Role, Dobson Trade & More On Cam & Strick Podcast While it's been a crazy summer for the New York Islanders, it's been a unique one for longtime NHLer and recent retiree
Matt Martin.
But his role as a mentor and a role model is very much alive within the New York Islanders community, two roles that were on full display last week during his 10th annual Matt Martin Hockey Academy camp at Northwell Ice Center.
“It’s great. People continue to come to it, so I'll continue to do it and, like I've always said, I think it's important to give back to the community that's supported me for so many years,” Martin told The Hockey News. “And it's a week I have a lot of fun running. A lot of my teammates, you guys, counselors, a lot of people keep coming back to help out. It just speaks volumes for the type of fans we have, but also the type of people we have inside of our locker room, and the type of community that we have.”
Camp director Max Feinberg echoed Martin's sentiments.
"It's hard to believe it’s been 10 years since our first summer," Camp director Max Feinberg told THN. "It really is a testament to our incredible coaches, camp families, and Matt that every year seems to bring more excitement than the last."
Each day, about 225 kids hit the ice, with Martin never missing a session.
Some of Martin's teammates — including Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck, and Josh Bailey — also joined in on the ice. Cizikas and Bailey had two kids enrolled, while Clutterbuck had one, turning the camp into a true family affair.
Cizikas, Bailey, and Clutterbuck each had kids take part in the camp, making it a true family affair.
“For the first six years, all their kids were too young, and now you're starting to see some of my former teammates' kids filter through," Martin told The Hockey News. "I feel like it's full circle, watching them join the camp three years ago when they were just getting started. And now Mack Bailey and Wyatt Bailey are two of the best players out on the ice. So obviously, that's not just from coming to this camp. They've put a lot of time and work into their teams, but it's pretty cool for me to see their progression."
This camp consists of an hour and 30 minutes of ice time each day, off-ice conditioning, dek hockey, where campers grow their game while also learning the importance of working as a team to accomplish their goals.
What makes the program unique is its inclusivity. Skill levels range from complete beginners to high-level travel players, with many of the youngest campers getting the opportunity to learn hockey’s foundations.
"There are kids here that can't skate yet. In a few years, they'll be moving around really well," Martin said. "So we're going to inspire kids to play hockey and get involved. I think competitive sports are the best way to teach you a lot of things, not only about the game of hockey, but just life in general and dealing with different adversities and challenges. I do think competitive sports are the best thing that prepares you for all of that. These kids are out here and having fun and enjoying it. Some kids are going to win, some kids are going to lose, and that's part of it, and it's a learning lesson for everyone.”
Former teammates Ryan Pulock, Adam Boqvist, Mathew Barzal, Semyon Varlamov, Kyle Palmieri, and Kyle MacLean didn’t hit the ice but came down to sign autographs — a thrill for the campers.
“Being part of the Matt Martin Foundation and the Matt Martin Hockey Academy has been an incredible experience,” Geoff Noss, the assistant director of the camp, told THN. “This week isn’t just about hockey; it’s also about building character, creating friendships, and giving these kids memories that they will carry with them for years to come. What makes this camp special is how much the Islanders players truly care. They show up, engage with the kids, and make every camper feel like part of the team.”
Each rink had two coaches, while goalies had specialized instructors. Coaches included Massapequa High School varsity coach Matt Bobko, NHL personality and former DI player Jonny Lazarus, 2025 Federal Hockey League champion Christopher Mott, goalie coaches Mike Orth and Greg Skillman, and yours truly.
“The Matt Martin camp is always one of my favorite weeks of the year,” Lazarus told THN. “Not only is it incredibly fun to be a part of, and be on the ice with Matt, but seeing the impact it has on Long Island youth hockey is probably the most rewarding feeling. I love seeing the kids who return every year and how their skills and attitude have improved. Having fun is always the number one priority, but if we can teach a kid a thing or two about the game, that’s a huge bonus.
“Matt and the other Islanders who come down always treat the counselors like equals, and that makes our job way more enjoyable. I love working with him.”
For longtime coach Bobko, the camp is about more than just hockey.
"The Matt Martin Camp is consistently one of the highlights of my coaching year. Not only is it a blast to be part of and to share the ice with Matt, but witnessing the positive impact it has on youth hockey across Long Island is incredibly rewarding," Bobko told THN. "From coaching at the camp since the beginning, it’s incredible to see how many individuals progress over the years, some even becoming part of the staff. Personally, the camp has brought me friendships with the other coaches on staff that have lasted for years, not just the one week we’re on the ice."
Mott, who has worked at the camp for seven summers, agreed.
"It’s always an awesome time working with the MMHA. I’ve been lucky enough to work this camp for seven summers now, and it’s always a great experience to come in and work with these kids," Mott told THN. "It’s not only a camp where kids can improve their skills, but it’s also a camp where they can meet their idols and carry that with them to help push them to pursue their goals in life."
While the Islandes always support Martin's endeavors, including the camp, Northwell played a huge part this summer.
“The Islanders always supported the camp, but Northwell is the big one,” Martin said. “They came in and wanted to sponsor it, and sponsored the camp and the foundation. So that's a pretty cool thing. To get backing from them is pretty amazing. I look forward to that partnership and working with them, not only on my projects, but also on all the amazing things they do, and participating in some of those initiatives. So I look forward to that relationship and building that.”
When Martin began his career on Long Island, he quickly learned the importance of giving back, seeing some Islanders legends like the late Clark Gillies go above and beyond to impact the community, even years after hanging up the skates.
“When it comes to the foundation, we're trying to raise money to help a lot of people, and I think Northwell sees that, and they're trying to do the same thing. So one of the best things about all the people I work with, Boomer [Esiason] and Clarky [Gillies], is that they've always supported me. I support them. Ultimately, the goal is the same for everybody. It's to help people in need. The causes are different, but the goal really is the same. We have a lot of good people around here that are doing a lot of good things to help.”
To learn more about Martin's camp and the foundation, click the link below:
Matt Martin Hockey – Matt Martin HockeyundefinedOn Sept. 8, Martin will be hosting his annual Matt Martin Foundation Poker Tournament, where fans will get the chance to compete against current Islanders players and alumni, as well as some additional celebrity guests and NHL players.
Tournament entry tickets are $300.
Click HERE to purchase tickets to this tremendous event.
