The man, the myth, the Martin
When asked at media availability before the start of the 2026-27 Western Hockey League (WHL) season if he was a prankster, defenceman Jordan Martin wasn’t about to give any insight.
“I can’t give away my secrets, but you never know,” he said grinning.
It’s a fitting answer for a player who doesn’t always say much, but perhaps has more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye.
“He’s a quieter guy for sure,” said teammate Brayden Klimpke. “But once you get to know him, he’s a really funny guy. He’s got a great sense of humour.”
That quiet nature carries over to the ice.
The Abbotsford, B.C. product has developed into one of the Blades’ most dependable pieces on the back end since making his WHL debut during the 2023-24 season. Selected by Saskatoon in the second round (41st overall) of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, Martin’s appeared in 126 regular season games, recording 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points.
Martin’s progression was evident last season, posting a career high in points with 21 (5G, 16A) and a +8 rating in 52 games. When it comes to the veteran defenceman, numbers only tell part of the story.
Martin says he’s built his game around doing the little things that don’t always get noticed at first glance.
“That’s kind of just my game, it’s just simple. I try to do the right things. It’s not always in the highlight reel or under the spotlight. I know the plays that I do make help the team win. That’s just what I try to do every game.”
It’s a style that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Blades Head Coach Dan DaSilva, who knows what his veteran defenceman brings to the lineup. Martin was awarded the team’s Unsung Hero Award following his rookie season in 2024-25.
“He doesn’t get all the attention he deserves, but he is a really, really important piece of our team,” said DaSilva, “He’s a guy we’re going to really lean on in certain situations this year, defending a lead, penalty kill, nothing that he hasn’t done the last few years for us. He’s a really important player for us.”
For Martin, that role is something he’s embraced. There may not always be a spotlight on the plays he makes, but he understands their importance, and so do his teammates.
That connection is especially strong with Klimpke. Both players were drafted by the Blades in 2022 and played their rookies seasons together in the 2024-25 campaign. Not only has the pair’s chemistry grown together on the ice, but the two are close off of it.
“We’re really close,” said Klimpke, “We came in the same draft class, came in the same year, and we’ve kind of grown up together here. It’s nice for me to see the person and player he’s become.”
As Martin gets ready to begin his third full season in major junior, there’s another goal sitting in the distance for the right-handed defenceman: professional hockey.
“That’s the goal for all of us out here is to play pro one day,” said Martin. “So I’m just continuing to work at that day in, day out.”
Martin and the Blades begin the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season on Friday, Sept. 26 on the road at Assiniboine Credit Union Place against the Brandon Wheat Kings. Puck drop is slated for 6:00 p.m. MT.
“It’s pretty weird being a 19-year-old, being one of the older guys now,” joked Martin. “I’ve had a lot of good leaders in my day. Guys like Ben Saunderson, Rowan Calvert, Tyler Parr, and a bunch of other guys. So now, with me being one of the older guys, someone the younger guys can look to for advice or anything on and off the ice, is something I’m excited about.”
The Saskatoon Blades Home Opener presented by Go Merlin Ford Lincoln is on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:00pm vs. the Prince Albert Raiders. Single game tickets are on sale NOW! Purchase yours HERE today.
