Meet Janine Martinez!

Tell us about yourself!

I’m from Livonia, Michigan. I’ve been married to Gus for 23 yrs (also a girls hockey coach for 15 yrs). I’m a mom of three daughters: Kayla, 19, plays for Lindenwood University NCAA D1 and is going into Sophomore year (played Tier I HoneyBaked for eight years), Corrin, 17, a captain who plays for Livonia United Girls High School Team is committed to play for the University of Michigan – Dearborn ACHA D1, and Kirsten, 14, who will play for Livonia United (played five years at Tier II HB).

I work full time as a Regional Lead Quality Engineer for Webasto.  I am an ice hockey referee going on 18 years now of all levels (mites to college) and have worked several Nationals.  I love working female games no matter the level, I respect their game.  All three of my daughters are referees as well, and I love reffing with them.  Currently, I am the head coach and manager for Livonia United.

I also still play myself on a women’s Senior C team that I am the manager of as well.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A WHL BRAND AMBASSADOR?

I want to promote and support female hockey players and get the respect for them they deserve at all levels, from house to professional, four years old to 80 years old.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AS A #WHLAMBASSADOR?

Getting support from the women’s hockey community to help spread the word and get more attention to the female players.

WHAT’S SOMETHING NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?

My favorite singer is Dolly Parton–I’m a huge fan. I’ve only been to two concerts in my life and they were both Dolly’s.  I have all her CDs and all the movies she’s been in.

IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN AND HAVE DINNER WITH ONE FEMALE HOCKEY PLAYER, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Cammie Granato because she is a legacy who started the passion for women’s hockey.  I’d also like to thank her for signing my hockey cards I sent her and she signed them and sent them back to me, 20 years ago.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN IN HOCKEY OR IN LIFE?

I wanted to be a ref but I didn’t know if I could do it so a close female hockey player/friend said, “You’re a good skater and if you want to do it, it can’t hurt to try! We need female refs.”

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM FOR WOMEN’S HOCKEY?

That the number of female hockey players keeps growing at all levels each year and they keep gaining respect at all levels, even down to house level.

Ready to join our #WHLAmbassador team?

Apply here!