Introducing St. Louis Blues Fan and Bleedin’ Blue Co-Editor, Andrew Martin

facebooktwitterreddit

Please allow me to introduce myself, I’m a man of Blues and taste. See what I did there? I incorporated my favorite things in one introductory statement. My name is Andrew Martin and I am the new co-editor for the FanSided Network site, Bleedin’ Blue. My favorite band has always been the Rolling Stones, soccer team of choice being the Blues of Chelsea FC, and on the frozen pond, the St. Louis Blues.

More from Editorials

Where I’ve Been

You may have seen my articles featured on the FanSided Chelsea FC site, The Pride of London, my other love. You can check out my football (soccer) posts here. In addition to sports writing, I cut my teeth at the collegiate level as the Business & Finance Section editor at The Carroll News while attending John Carroll University. I am currently working in healthcare finance in Cleveland, OH.

Blue Memories

Why the St. Louis Blues? My dad’s family hails from St. Louis, and I decided I would support the Blues. Growing up in the Pittsburgh Penguins territory of Western Pennsylvania this was a unique choice, but one I stuck with throughout playoff years, rebuilding years, and whatever may come next.

My favorite St. Louis Blues growing up were club legends Al MacInnis, Chris Pronger, and Keith Tkachuk. I loved watching MacInnis’ slap shots, Pronger’s domineering presence on the blue line, and Tkachuk’s team-first mentality where he would do whatever it took to get the goal. Current team captain, David Backes is another favorite of mine for his leadership as well as bone-crushing checks for club as well as country when he suits up for the USA.

Apr 22, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; St. Louis Blues forward David Backes (42) hits Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise (11) during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Blues defeated the Wild 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

My favorite St. Louis Blues memory has to be from the final weekend of the 2008 campaign. A friend and I went to Columbus, OH, to catch the final game of the season. We were sitting in the lobby of our hotel when a bus pulled up and out walked Andy Murray, former Blues head coach, trailed by the entire squad. We spoke at length with former Blue winger, Brad Boyes, who played his minor league hockey in our hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania for the Erie Otters. Being able to meet Keith Tkachuk and Paul Kariya was certainly a thrill as well.

Where I’m Going

While I spend my days working in the world of finance, my nights typically involve sports of some kind, playing guitar, or watching movies. I’ve probably seen Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Empire Strikes Back more than George Lucas, himself. In addition to ’80s flicks, I’m becoming something of an expert on the history of Westeros as seen in the Game of Thrones series.

I pride myself on my ability to stay ahead of the curve. From minor news to major headlines, I tend to be on top of everything in the sports world. I am ready and raring to go for the 2015-16 NHL Season to begin, and to spread Blues’ news here on Bleedin’ Blue.

Next: St. Louis Blues Cite Strong Support Despite Calls for Change

More from Bleedin' Blue