[Drew]

VOORHEES, NEW JERSEY (Flyers Skate Zone Practice Facility - special thanks to Zack Hill)

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender, Martin Biron sat down with me after a tough morning practice leading up to tomorrow night's pre-season showdown with the rival New York Rangers. It was a Friday, which I'm sure Marty wanted to get undressed, showered, and out of the locker room to relax after a long week. But he was the consummate gentleman, and actually took time not only answering my questions in detail, but also asking some in in-depth questions about The Flyers Hive, and our great community of Flyers fans we have here.

It was a very worthwhile interview - just as last season's quote was that I had with R.J. Umberger.

First, a bit of history on "Marty"....

Martin Biron was drafted 16th overall in the 1995 Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. On December 26, 1995, Martin made his NHL debut as an eighteen-year old call-up in a start against the Penguins. He then played two more games before returning to the junior ranks. In 1998-99, Martin returned to the NHL and posted a 2.14 goals-against average in six games. In 1999-2000, Martin played 41 NHL games and posted a 2.42 GAA with five shutouts and a 19-18-2 record. He won the Fred T. Hunt Trophy as the team’s best rookie.

In 2000-01, Martin played 18 games behind Dominik Hasek as the Sabres posted its highest win total (46) in 17 years. Martin went 7-7-1 with a 2.25 GAA and 90.9 save percentage.

In 2001-02, after the team traded Hasek, Martin took over the Sabres’ starting duties and went 31-28-10 in 72 games. He posted a 2.22 goals-against average and four shutouts. He also won the Frank Eddolls Trophy as the team’s most popular player. The team, however, dropped to the bottom of the Northeast Division and missed the playoffs. In 2002-03, Martin went 17-28-6 in 54 games as the team again missed the playoffs. He had a 2.56 GAA. In 2003-04, Martin posted a 2.52 GAA with a 91.3 save percentage as the Sabres once again missed the playoffs. Martin improved to a 26-18-10 record in 52 games.

After battling fellow Sabre goaltender Ryan Miller a few seasons for starting ice time, the Buffalo Sabres parted ways with Biron in the spring of 2007.

Acquired from Buffalo in exchange for a second round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft on Feb. 27, 2007, Biron has something to prove - in his own words. He believes he has everything it takes, and then some, to be a solid #1 goaltender in the NHL. So far this pre-season, Biron is in mid-season form as the rival Devils could not put a puck in the net behind him in last weekend's contest. Count on Biron to have a solid season with the vastly improved Philadelphia Flyers squad, including the reuniting of him and former Sabre teammate, Daniel Briere.

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When was the first time you picked up a hockey stick, Marty?
I don't really recall the exact age, but I think I was around 4 years old. When my father would come home from work, we always had fun in our hallway shooting around on each other. I used the walls outside of me as my goal. I wasn't always a goalie though. We used to play out on the street in the neighborhood, and after time, I was usually the one to get all geared up in net. The position just stuck with me after that.

Who was your mentor growing up?
I didn't really have a "mentor" or "player" that I followed his every move. I liked watching Peter Statsny growing up, and growing up in Quebec City, the Nordiques were my favorite team. I also really enjoyed watching Jacques Cloutier playing in net for the Nordiques.

Do you have a favorite stadium to play in?
Wow, I have quite a few favorite stadiums I like playing in. Anywhere where there is a rivalry makes it a favorite of mine. When I played in Philly coming in as a Sabre, I liked it, but I like it even more now being here. Some other favorite places to play would be in Montreal, Ottawa, Madison Square Garden, and even Colorado. They have a really neat building.

Are there particular players or goalies you like to go up against?
I would say Patrick Roy (before his retirement) because of his competitiveness.

What is the most memorable moment in your career thus far?
I would say my first NHL game. In '95 I was 18 years old and I was playing at Pittsburgh. It was surreal, even though we lost that game. Others were playing for the World Junior and World Championships.

How do you like the atmosphere here compared to Buffalo?
Buffalo fans are very similar to Philadelphia fans. They are both honest, hard working, blue collar fans who know the game of hockey real well. They pack the arena every game, and expect 100% effort out of you. Real knowledgeable fanbase.

I know it's early, but what does it mean to you to be a Philadelphia Flyer?
I think the biggest thing would be the Flyers organizational history. They have a lot of success here, and opposing teams are always gearing up to play the Flyers. Flyers hockey is exciting hockey. The division we play in is so tough, and I'm looking forward to it.

Are you ready to hate the Rangers? Discuss rivalry.
(Chuckles) Well, tomorrow starts it! Honestly, you can sense a rivalry in the air. It has that certain feel to it. There are several rivalries which I can sense. Even the Devils pre-season game last week you knew it was going to be a battle. That's a rivalry.

From what you have seen thus far in training camp, what can you say about the young players in the Flyers system, such as Steve Downie, Claude Giroux, Ryan Parent, and the rest of the core young prospects?
No comment...(chuckles - Marty Biron's locker room stall is right next to 19 year old Claude Giroux, who was listening in on our interview. Giroux is a future star on this team in my opinion, and shows flashes of brilliant skill already among his elder NHL teammates. See the photo below of these two). Wow, our future is so bright on this team. The Flyers organization has done such amazing job retooling the roster through draft picks and trades. There are guys so young in this locker room who are going to lead this team for years to come.

Have you sampled a Philly cheesesteak yet? Thoughts?
(Chuckles) Believe it or not, it was the first meal I had after I found out I was coming to Philly. I had one for lunch the day I was traded to gear up for coming here.

Thanks, Marty. I know your time is short, but if you are ever online, check us out (I handed him a few Flyers Hive business cards). Our community as a whole, thanks you for this interview.
My pleasure. I'll try and make my way over to The Flyers Hive and check things out!

For some additional photos from practice, click here - www.flyershive.com/Camp2007

[Rex]

Very awesome. Jealous.

[Obama]

I'm taller than Danny.

So, yeah. Awesome time today. Can't wait to see what lies ahead for the Hive. Hell, after all the business cards we left, we should have some members shortly.

[Asha]

Very NIce!!


I am soo pumped to see him play on the 13th!!

[Ryan20]

Originally Posted by Andy

I'm taller than Danny.

So, yeah. Awesome time today. Can't wait to see what lies ahead for the Hive. Hell, after all the business cards we left, we should have some members shortly.

Awesome. Great stuff guys.

[Chris]

Sweet interview guys, hopefully they'll come check us out.

I get Cote, you guys get Biron, how am I supposed to out-do that?!

[Tocchet22]

wow thats freaking awesome love the interview

[Obama]

I guess I should also mention that Tim Panaccio predicts that the Flyers finish 6th in the East. He also has the Pittsburgh Penguins winning the division. As I remember more of Tim's hockey insight, I'll be sure to post it.

[MikeyB99]

Go Martin Go!

[Billy]

Man...if you got an interview with gange or briere or timmonen...tahtd be toping that

other tahn that, awsome job, we need to go up there one day...maybe wehn i get out of school..and i dont work..pff

[sekkes85]

Wow man, I'm fricking jealous, thats just awesome though. Marty seems like a cool guy, not that bad of a goalie either...

[Obama]

Spellcheck, Billy, spellcheck.

[Jlg-28]

good stuff, awesome pics

[Hyperfried]

Marty Biron! You lucky bastard!

That's awesome - can't wait to see him between the pipes against the Rags.

[shaunhagg1]

wow awesome stuff. the interviews are great!

[Hextall_Fan88]

Good stuff Drew, thanks for this and hopefully you'll be able to do this more often.