Feature Story

Joe Hartman making his mark in Indiana

 

By Jason Burkman

 

The phrases “father figure,” “mature leader” and “assistant captain” are three descriptions from teammates and coaches of first-year Indiana Ice defenseman, but veteran junior hockey blueliner Joe Hartman.

The native of St. Cloud has taken a different route through the ranks than the typical player growing up in the hockey state of Minnesota, as he left for juniors before his senior year at St. Cloud Apollo High School.

“It is definitely true that most players stay all four years at their particular high school,” said Hartman. “But most of them stay back because they feel they have a chance at the state championship and I felt it would be tough that season for my school. It was difficult though to leave my buddies and teammates.”

After two years in the NAHL, the defenseman now standing in at 6-4, 200 pounds, was selected by the Indiana Ice in the 2008 USHL Entry Draft. Starting from the Ice’s June Main Camp, Head Coach Jeff Blashill knew he had a good one in Hartman.

“Joe has been a tremendous asset to our organization and our hockey team from the first day he set foot here in the city,” said Blashill. “He has been a great ambassador for the Ice in the Indianapolis community as well.”

Hartman quickly grasped a leadership role for the Ice as he was selected as one of the two assistant captains on the team. As for the hockey, he noted there was definitely an adjustment going from the NAHL to the USHL.

“The league is much faster and younger than the NAHL,” commented Hartman. “The NAHL might be a tad more physical, but you also have older players since there is no limit on over-age players.”

The big defenseman has adapted well to his new league and new surroundings and has been one of the top blueliners in the USHL this year with currently 24 points (4G, 20A), a +6 plus/minus rating and 61 penalty minutes in his first 45 games. His solid play also earned him a spot on the USHL’s East All-Star Team.

“Joe has been a consistently outstanding performer for us,” said Blashill. “He logs a lot of minutes, plays in all situations including power play and penalty kill and in my mind is one of the best defensemen in the USHL.”

Hartman’s next mission was finalized back in late October as he received a scholarship offer from Miami University in the CCHA. Some might think it odd that a “Minnesota boy” would stay in the Midwest to attend college.

“Yes, I guess you could say it is rare for a player from Minnesota to not play in the WCHA,“ noted Hartman. “But Miami showed tremendous interest in me which made it very appealing and they are a school who is on the national stage year after year. I was impressed with the atmosphere, facilities, rink, locker room, coaching staff and my future teammates treated me well on my visit.”

Coach Blashill sees a bright future for his talented all-star defenseman.

“I think Joe will have an immediate impact at Miami next season,” said Blashill. “His game will translate into CCHA play very well. The best part about Joe’s future is that he will continue to get better each day and each year because of how hard he works at his game.”

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