Jacques Martin Inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame
Jacques Martin, renowned for being the most successful head coach in the history of the Ottawa Senators, was honored with an induction into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday. This accolade pays homage to his significant role in transforming the franchise during its tumultuous early days.
Early Days as Head Coach
Martin joined the Senators in 1996, a period marked by the team’s continuous struggle, as they had just endured four consecutive last-place finishes. At that time, he was the third head coach to be appointed within a four-month span, taking over from Dave Allison, whose record was a dismal 2–22–1 following Rick Bowness’s short tenure. Despite the challenges in his initial season, he achieved a breakthrough by leading the team to their inaugural playoff appearance a year later in 1997.
Transforming the Senators
Over the course of his nine seasons with the Senators, Martin established the team as a formidable contender in the NHL. Under his leadership, they experienced their first playoff series victory and achieved a conference final appearance in 2003. Notably, Martin’s guidance propelled the Senators to secure the Presidents’ Trophy in the 2002-03 season, an honor reflecting their standing in the regular season, while he himself was recognized with the prestigious Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year.
Challenges and Coaching Evolution
Despite his regular-season accomplishments, playoff challenges arose repeatedly, particularly against the Toronto Maple Leafs, who eliminated the Senators four out of five times during their confrontations. Following a first-round exit in the 2004 playoffs against Toronto, the organization opted for a coaching shift, parting ways with Martin.
Martin’s affiliation with hockey extends well beyond his NHL career. He previously played at St. Lawrence University and the University of Ottawa, later transitioning into coaching roles at the junior level with teams like the Rockland Nationals and the Hawkesbury Hawks. His coaching success includes leading the Guelph Platers to victory in the Memorial Cup in 1986.
In November of 2023, the Senators faced repercussions from the NHL, resulting in the forfeiture of a first-round draft pick due to improper handling of the trade involving Evgenii Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Returning to Coaching Duties
Throughout his diverse coaching career, Martin also held positions with the Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens. He contributed to two Stanley Cup victories as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His experience also included serving on Canada’s coaching staff during the 2002 Winter Olympics, which culminated in the team’s gold medal win, ending a 50-year quest for the top prize.
Most recently, after the dismissal of D.J. Smith during the 2023-24 season, Martin stepped in again as interim head coach, guiding the Senators until the season’s end. Following the hiring of Travis Green, Martin resumed his advisory role, reflecting on his return with positivity.
“I’ve enjoyed it and I hope the players absorbed the lessons that can serve them well in the future,” Martin remarked as the season concluded. He emphasized the importance of game management techniques and what it takes to succeed in the playoffs.
This season, the Senators made a return to the playoffs, indicating that Martin’s teachings may indeed have made a lasting impact.
Induction Ceremony Highlights
In his induction ceremony, Martin was joined by former NHL players Fred and John Barrett, the entire Barrett family, former Ottawa Rough Rider Pat Stoqua, Jo-Anne Polak, a legendary GM of the Riders, renowned sportswriter Don Campbell, Olympic champion wrestler Erica Wiebe, snooker player Ervin Budge, and the 2012 Ottawa Fury women’s soccer team.
