Covered in Olympic fame before she ever set a skate in the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, sophomore netminder Kim Martin earned her NCAA-leading 22nd win of the season last Saturday against Wisconsin. Martin, who played despite a very painful chronic knee ailment, denied her third penalty shot of the season and made 50 saves against the Badgers, including 29 in Saturday's 3-2 win.

The native of Stockholm, Sweden, who also serves as a Bulldog assistant captain, has been hard to miss between the pipes since she arrived in Duluth as a freshman after backstopping Team Sweden to an Olympic silver medal in the 2006 Torino Winter Games. A three-time WCHA Defensive Player of the Week and a USCHO.com Defensive Player of the Week selection this season, Martin ranks second in the nation with a save percentage of .952. Her current save percentage would rank as the highest percentage in a single season in UMD program history.

While only two other Bulldog goaltenders have won more than 22 contests in a single season (Tuula Puputti, 28, 2000-01 and Patricia Sautter-Elsmore, 26, 2002-03) no other player has generated the excitement and pride Martin has filled Maroon and Gold fans with since she committed to be a Bulldog two short years ago.



Her Favorites:

Opponent: Minnesota Gophers

Road Trip: Madison, Wisconsin

Opponent Arena: The Kohl Center

Television Show: American Idol

Pastimes: Watching movies

Singer/Group: Keith Urban

Food: Chinese

Pastime: Time with friends

Restaurant: Perkins

Movie: Silverfang

Prized Possession: My watch

Vacation Spot: Spain

Website: www.umdbulldogs.com

Personally Speaking:

Why I Chose UMD: Because of the great hockey program and coaches.

Biggest Fear: Something happens to my family and friends

Pet Peeve: When people chew with their mouth open and loudly

Game Day Ritual: Eat, sleep and have fun

Hockey Strength/Weakness: Reading the game/I can be better at everything

Most Memorable Moment Hockey Moment: The Torino 2006 Olympics

First Played Competitive Hockey: 10 years old

My First Job: Just a summer job as a painter

What Most People Don’t Know About Me: Neither of my parents are from Sweden

Advice to an Aspiring Young Hockey Player:

Have fun and work hard

Influences on My Athletic Career: My family and friends

Sport I’d Like to Try But Never Have: Fencing

Something I Never Leave Home Without: My keys

Post-UMD Plans: Hopefully a professional hockey player