Swift Current Broncos’ Brycen Martin is looking to make an impact: Making The Jump

Born and raised in Calgary, Alta., Brycen Martin was hoping his Hometown Hitmen would select him with the first-overall pick of the 2011 bantam draft. This would have came with a lot of perks. Martin would not only have joined a long list of elite players who were the top pick of their bantam draft classes, but he also would have been able to stay in the comfort of his own him during his major junior hockey days.

Nevertheless, to the dismay of Martin, the Hitmen decided to pass him over to select Jake Virtanen, a forward from B.C.

"I stayed home from school the day of the bantam draft to see who would pick me," says Martin. "I was glued to the computer. It was disappointing when I saw the Hitmen didn't pick me."

Martin's disappointment didn't last long, though. The 6-foot-1, 161-pound blueliner was picked with the following selection by the Swift Current Broncos.

"I was really excited when I saw my name pop up beside the Broncos," says Martin. "It's cool to be the first defenceman selected. I was really happy that a great organization like Swift Current picked me."

Martin had a strong rookie season with the Calgary Buffaloes last year in Alberta's AAA midget league. He scored six goals and 17 points in 25 games, while racking up 65 minutes in the sin bin.

The 16-year-old is currently doing a variation of training exercises to prepare for his upcoming rookie season of major junior hockey.

"I've been working out like every day," says Martin. "I've been skating, working on agility, upper body work outs, leg work outs, and just about anything that will get me stronger for next season."

Swift Current's defensive core didn't exactly stand out as one of the Dub's elite back ends last year. However, with high-end NHL prospects like New Jersey Devils' Reece Scarlett and Detroit Red Wings' Richard Nedomlel expected to return for their 19-year-old seasons, as well as the addition of Martin, the Broncos' blueline seems to be shaping up for a strong 2012-13 season.

"I haven't made the team yet, but if I do, I definitely want to make an impact next season," says Martin. "My goal is to be on their top power-play unit. I feel I can make a strong impact on their power play as a playmaker, but also a scorer."

Fortunately for Martin, he was able to get a taste of the Dub this year. He suited up for three regular-season games with the Broncos.

"It was a great experience," says Martin. "I got to see how fast the league really is. It will take some pressure off me next year."

1. How would you describe yourself as a player?

"I'd say I'm a good skating defenceman, someone who moves the puck well and can set up a power play. I'd say I look to make plays and setup my teammates, but I'm not afraid to shoot the puck."

2. Do you try to model your game after a current or former NHL defenceman?

"Not really, but I do look up to (recently retired) Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom. He does a great job of cycling the puck and he keeps his feet moving. There's a lot I like about his game."

3. Do you have a favourite NHL team?

"I wouldn't say I do, but I've recently started liking the St. Louis Blues. I played with the son of Al MacInnis. And we went down to St. Louis not that long ago, and I loved it down there. It was a great experience."

4. Outside of family, who has had the biggest impact on your hockey career?

"I'd say Grant Point. He coached me in pee-wee and all the way through minor hockey. He helped me with a lot of parts of my game. He is actually (Moose Jaw Warriors') Brayden Point's dad."

5. Do you play any other sports?

"Not anymore. I use to play lacrosse, though. I really liked it because it helped me work on my cardio. I just don't have time anymore to play on other teams."

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen