OHF Spotlight: Myles Martin – Chasing Dreams Through the Lens and the Crease

From Backyard Shots to the Blue Paint

Myles' hockey story began at age five, when his older brother needed someone to shoot on. With natural curiosity and a budding love for the game, Myles quickly found himself asking for goalie equipment and stepping into the crease for the first time with Belleville Minor Hockey. "I had so much fun in my first year I never looked back," he said. "I love being a goaltender and being the last line of defense for my team. I learn from every save I make and every shot I let by me."

His development continued with intensity. Last season, Myles took time away from team competition to focus on improving his skills at World Elite Academy. That commitment paid off midseason when he joined the North Central U12 AAA team—despite a three-hour commute. "I was lucky to get to play with them for the last couple of months of the season," he recalled.

This season, Myles is proudly joining the Kingston Jr. Gaels U13 AAA team, ready for a new chapter. Along the way, he’s made unforgettable memories, like the highlight-reel double pad stack save in U11 that earned him the nickname "Vasilevskiy." Another standout moment? His first AAA game with the North Central Predators. "The coaches and players were so nice to me and made me feel at home. I had so much fun with them and made a lot of new friends."

Inspired by players like Filip Gustavsson and Stephen Halliday, Myles appreciates their kindness and work ethic. "[They’re kind], hardworking, and inspire me to do the same."

A New Passion Through Photography

In November of last year, Myles discovered a new passion: photography. It started at his brother’s hockey game, where he picked up a camera for the first time. "I wanted to start capturing hockey games because I have a passion for both hockey and art. Taking hockey photos allows me to combine two of my passions."

That initial curiosity quickly evolved. Encouraged by Belleville Senators forward Stephen Halliday, Myles earned a media pass and began shooting professional AHL games, focusing on raw emotion—cellys, saves, and facial expressions. "I loved some of the moments I was able to capture and I hope I get the chance to photograph some games next season!"

One of his favourite photos is a shot of his brother, Jax. "Even though it’s not the best quality compared to what I take now, it was one of the first photos I was proud of."

Myles even won the Belleville Senators' "Kids Next Gen" jersey design contest. His design was worn during a home game, and before the puck drop, Halliday presented him with a personalized "Martin" jersey—an unforgettable moment that Myles also captured through his lens.

Balancing School, Sports, & Shutter Speed

Managing school, hockey, and photography isn’t easy, but Myles makes it work through discipline and support. "I work really hard at school so that I don’t need to do any homework at night. That way I can shoot games and edit at night when I’m not playing hockey."

He credits his family for helping him pursue both passions, especially his parents, who gifted him a Nikon Z6iii camera. "I’d say it is my dream camera but I do hope to get the Nikkor Z 28-400mm lens one day!"

Myles looks up to creators like Brady Films and local photographer Devin Doucette (@devin.takes.photos). "Brady has a really cool way of capturing moments and piecing them together to create awesome keepsake videos."

Myles even planned his own giveaway with a hydration company, CWENCH. Saving up enough money and spending his own money for the giveaway: "It was really fun because the guy that won it was so grateful."

Eyes on the Prize

Looking ahead, Myles has big goals in both hockey and photography. "Being a starting goaltender for the Ottawa Sens would be the ultimate dream! Toronto is my second favourite team, which my brother says isn’t allowed because they are rivals—but I make my own rules! I will just keep working hard every day and see where it leads me."

As for life behind the camera? "I would love to be a freelance photographer or a photographer for an NHL team. I think it would be such a cool job."

And the dream assignment? "It would be for Team Canada in the Olympics or World Juniors. I think it would be amazing to capture players representing our Country while playing the greatest sport ever!"

Celebrating Myles' Journey

At the OHF, we are committed to showcasing the unique stories of our participants. Myles is proof that hard work, creativity, and passion can go hand in hand—whether you're stopping a breakaway or capturing one with your camera. Follow Myles' journey on Instagram @media.myles

Have a story you want the OHF to feature? Connect with us via email:
zdeforest@ohf.on.ca