STILLWATER, Minn. — It's not easy competing at the U18 Women's World Championships, especially when you're the youngest player on your team.
Josie St. Martin was one of only two 2006-born players on the Team USA U18 roster — and was the youngest player on the team — but still put up two goals in five games during the tournament to help the team to a silver medal.
The Minnesota native returned home from the tournament in mid-June, and the very next day started getting calls from Division I college hockey programs.
St. Martin took her time with her decision before announcing her verbal commitment to play for the Ohio State University in early October.
"I think I made the perfect decision for me," St. Martin said. "Ever since I committed last week it's just been the best feeling ever. I can't get the smile off my face."
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St. Martin will be in familiar company with the Buckeyes in the future, as she has played with fellow Minnesotans Emma Peschel and Sloane Matthews , who both are freshman at OSU, along with Joy Dunne (St. Louis, Mo.) , Syd Morrow (Darien, Conn.) , and Alaina Giampetro (Strongsville, Ohio) .
A self-described playmaker, the forward has the ability to put the puck in the net all by herself or set up teammates with the assist. Over three varsity season so far with Stillwater, St. Martin has put up 127 points (75 goals, 63 assists) in 78 games.
"I love scoring goals, I think everyone does," St. Martin said.
The 16-year-old grew up in a hockey environment with various family members who played the sport. Originally, St. Martin thought about becoming a goaltender. She tried out the position once in a youth hockey game, but she decided that that it wasn't for her after giving up a game-winning goal.
After playing well for Team USA this summer, St. Martin is hopeful to make the U18 team again to compete in the 2023 World Championships, which will be held in January in Sweden.
The 5-foot-3 forward had a fun time competing for the U.S. in June, and vividly recalls seeing fans packed in the stands at LaBahn Arena, hearing them all chanting 'USA' and doing the wave.
The Team USA U18 roster will be announced later this year, but until then, St. Martin will be competing in her junior year of high school with the Ponies.
Stillwater posted a 13-11-1 record in 2021-22, but the team feels confident heading into the fall.
"We didn't finish the way we wanted to and I think that's really motivating for the group," St. Martin said. "It's always been everyone's dream to win the state title, ever since we were little kids we've always been talking about it."
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St. Martin has two seasons left of high school hockey before likely hitting the ice for the Buckeyes in 2024-25.
When she's not competing out on the ice, you can find the Minnesota native enjoying the outdoors by biking or enjoying time out on the water.
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