Former Superior defenseman in second season with NTDP

USA Hockey created the National Team Development Program (NTDP) in 1996 for the specific purpose of providing advanced player development for players USA Hockey evaluates as the top prospects in high school.

NTDP has two teams, U18 and U17. The U18 team is predominantly players in 12th grade and their second season with NTDP. Both NTDP teams are based in Plymouth, Michigan.

JJ Marthaler, a 12th grader from Superior, is the only Wisconsin kid currently on an NTDP team. He plays for NTDP U18 and is committed to playing college hockey for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.

Let’s catch up with JJ Marthaler!

How is your second season at NTDP going? Really good. We’ve had success, winning at the CHL prospects, we’ve put together some really solid games. We’re getting ready for Worlds.

When are the U18 World Championships? End of April early May.

Where is it hosted this year? In Slovakia.

Do you have the same NTDP coaches this season? Yes.

What are the benefits of having the same coaching staff? Relationships. During your time here getting to grow along with the coaches makes it all that much easier.

Did any team systems change from last season? Not really. We have the same team identities, but over time maybe the forecheck or penalty kill slightly. But our style has remained the same.

In practice, which teammate is the most difficult to defend? Logan Stuart. He is committed to Denver University.

What makes Logan Stuart so hard to defend? Super fast, great skater, shifty, good hands.

What are the differences between this season’s competition and last season? Mainly it’s USHL and college hockey. The maturity of the game. The stick detail of college teams. The little details with college teams. The college players are older and on the same page.

For international competition, which country is the most challenging to play against? Sweden and Finland are always tough games. Both are really skilled. The Swedes are puck possession. The style is different than we are, not as much north/south. Finland they are relentless and play hard.

Have you played against anyone you thought could be the next Connor McDavid? Viggo Bjorck from Sweden.

What makes Viggo Bjorck a special player? He is dynamic. He sees the ice really well.

What are the biggest improvements in your game since arriving at NTDP? The defensive base, I found identity to my game. Learning to play to the role the team needs me.

What are your strengths as a player/how would you describe your game? I am a defensive minded defenseman, and my skating lets me jump into the play.

What parts of your game do you want to improve? My puck play. Use of deception and more offensive layers into my game.

How frequently do you hear from the UMD coaching staff? I saw them over Christmas. We periodically communicate.

Have you met your future UMD teammates? Yes, I know several of them and are friends with some of them already.

What advice do you have for kids that want to play at a higher level? Find enjoyment in the process. Be where your feet are, play in the moment. Love the game and work your butt off. Put forth your best effort every day!

Best wishes to JJ Marthaler!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey

Please visit usahockeyntdp.com for more information regarding USA Hockey’s NTDP.