M. HOCKEY | Men’s hockey right defenseman Jimmy Martin ’11 was elected captain for the 2010-’11 season on Monday, inheriting the position from his blueline partner Ryan Donald ’10.

“He’s been my good buddy and partner and roommate for three years on the road, so I got to know him well,” Martin said of Donald. “I feel I’m going to take things that he did well and try to apply them next year.”

Martin shares the lead for most games played (102) among active players with left winger Denny Kearney ’11. This season, Martin recorded the highest number of assists (17) and best +/- ranking among Eli defensemen (+12).

The St. Louis, Mo., native is a member of an eight-man junior class that will lead the Bulldogs next year. Over the past three years, the members of the class of 2011 have helped the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances and one victory. The class includes four of the Elis’ 10 best point scorers and boasts two other strong blueliners in Ken Trentowski ’11 and Mike Matczak ’11.

“I think that’s something that we’ve obviously been in since we got here,” Martin said of the winning tradition over the past three years. “I think that this is instilled in all of us, and I think moving forward thats a big thing. We know what it takes to win, and we know what we have to do to prepare for next season.”

Martin said he and his classmates will look to lead the team as a group, and that have learned from their experience as upperclassmen this past season.

“It’s a very special thing to be captain at Yale, and to be elected by teammates is very humbling,” Martin said. “I respect my teammates so much, so it’s a tremendous honor.”