In a move that cements his status as a quintessential Canadian athlete, hockey forward Brady Martin has shared the simple, sugary secret behind his high-energy performances: a pre-game meal of two chocolate-glazed donuts from Tim Hortons.
A Sweet Tradition Born on the Farm
The unique ritual, first reported by TSN's Mark Masters on December 22, 2025, isn't a new superstition for the rising star. According to his mother, Sheryl Martin, the tradition began when Brady was just 14 years old and has followed him from his family's dairy farm to the OHL, the NHL, and now the international stage.
"It's been a thing since he was about 14," Sheryl Martin confirmed to Postmedia. "Two chocolate-glazed donuts. If he says it's donuts, it's donuts." For Martin, the treat is less about luck and more about practical fuel—a quick sugar hit for a player renowned for his relentless motor on the ice.
Donut Power on Display in Minnesota
The ritual proved its worth during Team Canada's opening game of the 2025 World Junior Championship in Minneapolis. Even without his usual Tim Hortons fix readily available, the habit's effect was undeniable. On Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, Martin was a driving force in Canada's 7-5 victory over Czechia at the 3M Arena at Mariucci.
Playing on the second line alongside Michael Hage and Gavin McKenna, Martin was instrumental from the start. He opened the scoring for Canada, converting a perfect pass from McKenna by going hard to the net and beating Czech goaltender Michal Orsulak. He added an assist just minutes later, setting an aggressive, physical tone for his team.
"I didn't really think it was going to go in," Martin said of his goal. "I thought it hit him in the chest. But I was really excited. It was a nice play by Gavin." He praised his linemates' skill, noting his role was straightforward: "They just find me, get me the puck, and I go to the net and put it in."
An Electric Atmosphere Fuels the Win
The victory was amplified by a passionate crowd that made the Minnesota arena feel like home ice for the Canadian squad. "It was crazy," Martin described. "It was loud out there. When we scored those goals, everyone went wild. It was pretty cool."
Martin's combination of pace, net-front presence, and now-famous dietary preparation has made him a standout player for Canada. His story—from farm life to fueling up with a national icon like Tim Hortons before hitting the world stage—resonates as a uniquely Canadian hockey journey, proving that sometimes, the key to high performance can be found in a simple, glazed treat.
