Discover Exceptional Community Coaches: John Martino

Each week, Discover will feature a different youth coach as part of its Exceptional Community Coaches series. In continued support of local hockey communities, Discover is making a $2,000 donation to each of the Learn to Play programs this season. This week, a look at St. Louis Blues representative John Martino of the Little Blues Learn to Play program.

Name of coach:John Martino
Name of program:Little Blues Learn to Play presented by First Community Credit Union
About the coach:Martino is a lead coach for the Little Blues Learn to Play presented by First Community Credit Union. Martino played hockey throughout his life leading him to Rider University in New Jersey where he studied business administration and sports management. "Little Blues provides me with an opportunity to grow the game in our local community and pass along the ever-burning torch that is the love of hockey," Martino said. "Seeing the initial apprehension fade more and more each week and watching these kids develop so quickly in such a short time frame is truly rewarding. To know that we are the ones helping instill that life-long relationship with the game is the reason we come out every week."
About the program: Little Blues Learn to Play presented by First Community Credit Union is a seven-week hockey introduction for boys and girls who are 4-9 years old. Players receive a full set of hockey equipment. After six weeks of on-ice practices, Little Blues walk across a stage during graduation ceremony. They then go "sign" contracts with their new hockey organization. The Little Blues Learn to Play feeds into nine local hockey organizations where children can play at all levels and ages.
Donation meaning:Little Blues develops children's on-ice skills as well as their teamwork, confidence, and life skills. This donation from Discover will allow us to spread those skills to more children in the St. Louis community.