Face of the Lynx

Martin Lapointe says he did not intend to play professional hockey this season.

After finishing last season in Europe at age 32, Lapointe was about to skate away from the game and check into a life outside the boards as a firefighter.

But when the opportunity to return to the Augusta Lynx arose this past off-season, Lapointe made an easy decision. In Augusta, he knew he would have his chance at fires and ice.

What he didn't know, however, was that the city would name a day after him for the latter.

The veteran defenseman - also a volunteer with Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue - was honored for breaking the Augusta Lynx team record for all-time games played Saturday, which was officially Martin Lapointe Day in Augusta.

"To me it wasn't something I necessarily was looking forward to - breaking the record and being a part of history here. But obviously, every record you break, you're proud of it," said Lapointe, a Quebec native.

"I just wanted to come back and play, but at my age I was starting to think about my career in firefighting: taking courses and getting experience. Being here allows me to do both."

Lapointe surpassed John Whitwell's mark of 280 on Dec. 30 at South Carolina and now is at 287 games and counting.

The oldest player on the team, Lapointe has played five seasons with the Lynx over four separate stints. He holds nearly all team records for defensemen.

"I definitely could have gone different places to play," Lapointe said. "But I like being involved in this community. A lot of people attach my face to the fire department and the Lynx. It's really been great."

This season, Lapointe has 18 points in 34 games and leads the team in power play goals with five. But as he said to the crowd at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center crowd on Saturday, he just hopes to make the playoffs.

To that end, Lynx coach Bob Ferguson knows Lapointe's experience can help.

"Off the ice, his experience can keep the team settled down, and he helps with getting some of the younger players through the rough spots," said Ferguson, the fourth Lynx coach for Lapointe.

"On the ice, what attracted us to him was that he's very competitive and he's very good at getting the puck up the ice. He's got a lot of poise."

With the fire department, Lapointe is receiving experience. With the Lynx he's doling it out - and doing what he loves while he's able.

"I've got the energy and I know I should keep playing while I can," Lapointe said. "But if you're not having fun, especially at this level, there's no sense in playing."

Reach Steve Sanders at (706) 823-3216 or steven.l.sanders@augustachronicle.com.