Hockey Player's Summer Cut Short by War in Israel

Strategic Insights -

In a matter of weeks, Joe Martin's life in Israel went from chasing his hockey dream to running from missiles. The 26-year-old Victoria native was playing in the Israel Elite Hockey League when a series of missile attacks began, ultimately forcing him to flee the country.

Martin, who had interned with the Victoria Royals and now works for the Abbotsford Canucks, was in Tel Aviv when the conflict began. Despite the dangers, he had been enjoying his time in Israel, even scoring three goals and an assist in four games. However, everything changed on the third night of attacks when a missile struck an apartment building just 200 feet from his.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joe Martin, a 26-year-old hockey player, was forced to flee Israel after a series of missile attacks began during his time in the country.
  • Martin had been playing in the Israel Elite Hockey League, scoring three goals and an assist in four games, before the conflict escalated.
  • He and his friend crafted their own escape plan, including a 45-minute drive through the West Bank to the Jordanian border, but were seconds from starting the journey when the Canadian embassy arranged to evacuate them.
  • Martin flew back to Canada just under two weeks earlier than expected, missing out on a few more games.
  • Despite the dangers, Martin does not regret going to Israel, calling it "a dream come true" to play hockey in the country.
  • Martin's experience has left him shaken, but grateful to have made it home safely.

Statistics:

  • 3: number of games Martin played in the Israel Elite Hockey League before the conflict began.
  • 4: number of goals and assists Martin scored in those games.
  • 45 minutes: the drive through the West Bank Martin and his friend were planning to take to the Jordanian border.
  • $1,500: the amount the two friends were about to pay a driver to transport them to the Amman airport.
  • 13th of June: the day Martin got woken up by a different siren, signaling the start of a series of missile attacks.
  • 200 feet: the distance between Martin's apartment and the apartment building that was struck by a missile.

Sources:

  • Victoria News, "Hockey Player's Summer Cut Short by War in Israel" (2025).