Without using your phone or computer, can you locate Gangwon, South Korea on a map or globe? Probably not. It is nine time zones from Wisconsin, 15 hours by airplane, and on the other side of the world. Superior’s 10th grade defenseman, JJ Marthaler, was selected by USA Hockey to play in the 2024 Youth Olympics hosted in Gangwon.

JJ Marthaler will be competing in the fourth Winter Youth Olympic Games. In 2012 USA finished 4th in Austria, 2016 USA won Gold in Norway, and in 2020 USA won Silver in Switzerland. Wisconsin has sent a player to each of the prior Youth Olympics. All three players were drafted in NHL two years after competing in the Youth Olympics.

1. 2012 Nick Schmaltz, Verona, 1st round 2014 NHL draft. Currently with Arizona Coyotes.
2. 2016 Ty Emberson, Eau Claire, 3rd round 2018 NHL draft. Currently with San Jose Sharks.
3. 2020 Isaac Howard, Hudson, 1st round 2022 NHL draft. Currently with Michigan State.

My history teacher, George Conom, would often say studying the past provides illumination to what the future may look like. Will JJ Marthaler’s future include the NHL draft?

Let’s hear from JJ Marthaler!

Congratulations on your selection to play in the 2024 Youth Olympics. Thank you!

How does it feel to represent the USA? Been a dream. I am looking forward to it. It is the greatest honor to play for your country.

How do your family and Superior teammates feel? They are all excited. Everybody is really excited!

How did you get selected for the team? It started last summer at the national camp and then this fall with Team Wisconsin.

Do you know the coach or teammates you will be playing with in the Youth Olympics? I know most the players from summer teams and USA Hockey national camp last summer.

When do you fly out? I am leaving Superior January 19 for California. Our team is practicing in California. On January 23 our team flies out (to Korea).

You are traveling to the other side of the world…any special steps you had to take? We had to get a passport by November. All players on the preliminary list (60 players) were required to have a passport by then.

How many Superior HS games will you miss? Six games.

How are you going to keep up with school while you are gone? My teachers will help me by sending videos and work online. (Thank you to all the teachers, administrators, and support staff at Superior HS!)

How do you describe your game? Long, lengthy D that can move the puck up ice with feet or pass. I take care of the D zone first but can jump into the play.

What NHL player do you model your game after? K’Andre Miller. (Former Badger!)

What are your goals for after high school? I would be grateful to play D-1 anywhere.

Are there any specific D-1 schools you wish to play for? Wisconsin and UMD. (You would look good in a Badgers jersey!)

JJ played youth hockey for Superior Amateur Hockey Association. He currently plays for Superior HS and Team Wisconsin. JJ’s parents, Pete & Meghan, are saluted for their years of support as they travel to Korea to attend the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics. Best wishes to JJ Marthaler and Team USA!

A link to stream games and view roster is found near the bottom of this link https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1294079

JJ’s page https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2024yog-jacksonmarthaler